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With so many convincing cons in play online and over the phone, it’s easy to feel like we’re all just one wrong move away from losing our life savings. Nearly 2.2 million people reported losing a total of more than $3 billion to scams in 2020 alone, and a whopping 1.4 million reported identity theft — that’s twice as many victims as in 2019.
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute teamed with security pros to round up smart strategies that will help keep your family safe from potential scams and fraud. These tips will help protect you on the phone, via email, in person and beyond.
How to spot a phone call or email scam
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The caller’s phone number looks similar to yours. Fraudsters use software that mimics, or “spoofs,” local numbers to make incoming calls look as if they’re coming from your community so you’re more likely to answer.
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The email address has a typo or seems “off.” Always check the email header carefully; sometimes scammers will change just one or two letters in an email address. Hover over hyperlinks to view the web address they’ll direct you to; if they seem vague or inauthentic, don’t click them.
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You’re pressured to act fast. Cons often create a sense of urgency. “They want to instill fear or excitement,” says Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs with the AARP Fraud Watch Network….
