10/01/2026
Scams are getting harder to spot, but protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are a few simple tips that are easy to remember:
• Slow down. Scammers want you to act before you have time to think.
• Don’t click unexpected links in texts or emails.
• Never give out passwords, verification codes, or banking information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• If someone demands payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, that is a major red flag.
• When in doubt, hang up and call the company, bank, or agency directly using a number you know is legitimate.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably deserves a second look.
AARP has put together a helpful directory explaining many of today’s common scams, how they work and the warning signs to watch for: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/scam-types/
Take a few minutes to look through it and consider sharing it with a family member or friend. Knowing what to look for before the call, text or email arrives can make all the difference.