We Are Responsible for Our Exposure to Identity Theft & Scams (Fraud).
Financial scams continue to be in the news. AND, unfortunately, they’re not going away!

Scams have become so rampant. As a result, we want to focus the next few Board Briefs on the things all of us can and need to do to protect ourselves, in as much as it is within our control.

Why?
The reality is our Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is digitally everywhere, for sale from both reputable and disreputable companies. The horse has left the barn, never to return. That’s why we must be diligent and take the initiative as it relates to protecting ourselves.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP YOU CAN TAKE?
DON'T ENGAGE!
That’s right. Not engaging is the most important step you can take.

• If you get a call that is not in your contact list, don’t answer it!
• If you take a call that you don’t recognize and the person on the other line starts to introduce themselves (as an authority, a member of a financial institution, law enforcement, a postal worker or shipping company, Amazon, the IRS, you name it), hang up! If you are concerned, go to the website of that organization. Call the phone number listed there (or the number on the back of your credit card, if from a credit card company)
• If you receive an email or text that you do not recognize, delete it immediately! Whatever you do, do not click on a link, a button or call the number on that email or text. If your device allows, mark the call, text or email as spam and block the number or email address.

We have been raised to respect others, be good citizens, be nice, etc. So, scammers play on our courtesy, fairness, and kindness. But, keep in mind, that person contacted you. They, in a sense, have already violated your space, time and attention. They are potentially, and most likely, trying dupe you.

Know this one fact, no longer is it rude to not answer your phone, hang up on someone if you did or delete an unwanted email or text. Doing so is practicing good, very good, scam and Identity Theft prevention.

More details and information to come in next month’s Board Brief. In the meantime, be diligent, on the alert and question anything or anyone who is trying to initiate contact unsolicited.

OUR ADVICE
Be diligent and cautious when using digital tools. They are important, necessary, and useful in our everyday activities. Whatever your financial need, we’re here to help.