The holiday season is here, and millions of people will be traveling all over the world. If you are going on vacation, here are some travel tips to help keep you cyber savvy and safe. Mobile Devices Avoid overpacking: Only bring the mobile devices you need when going on vacation. By mobile devices, we mean …
Staying Safe Online and Shielding Your Accounts
A Slick Scam and an Empty Bank Account Emily was having a typical busy Tuesday. She grabbed her morning coffee, glanced at her phone, and noticed a text from her bank: “Did you make this transaction? Reply YES or NO.” She frowned. She hadn’t made any purchases yet that day. Maybe it was just a …
How to Freeze Your Credit—and Why It Matters
If you get that dreaded “data breach” notice, don’t ignore it. In 2024 there were 2,850 breaches affecting over one billion victims, and scammers stole over $1 trillion globally. A fast, effective first step: freeze your credit. What a credit freeze does A credit freeze blocks lenders from viewing your credit report without your permission. …
Protecting Yourself from Bitcoin Scams
Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to take advantage of people, and one of their favorite tools today is cryptocurrency. Scams involving Bitcoin are on the rise, and there’s a very simple reason why: once you send Bitcoin, there’s no getting it back. Unlike traditional payments, Bitcoin has no central bank, no fraud hotline, and …
Don’t Fall for the Impersonation Scam
At FineMark, we believe in being good stewards of our clients’ assets and that includes helping you stay informed and protected against financial fraud. Unfortunately, scammers are getting more sophisticated, and older adults are increasingly targeted. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposters posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are targeting retirees with …
Safeguarding Against Emotional Hijacking and Account Hacking
Have you ever come across a heart-wrenching social media post, only to realize later that it was a scam? It’s a scenario many people have encountered—falling victim to fraudulent schemes on platforms like Facebook. Whether it’s an emotional plea for help or a distressing story, these scams can exploit your trust and generosity, resulting in …
The Hidden Dangers of Checks: Mail Theft, Fakes, and Mobile Scams
Despite the rise of digital payments, check fraud hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s evolving. Criminals are now using advanced tools like artificial intelligence, high-resolution printers, and email hacking to produce incredibly convincing fake checks. Here’s a closer look at how these scams work and what you can do to protect yourself. Common Types of …
Financial Readiness Checklist for Hurricane Season
Are you ready for hurricane season? Explore three video topics on financial preparedness. The first video covers creating a financial readiness checklist, the second focuses on securing the home and protecting assets, and the third addresses post-storm steps. Each video provides practical advice for financial security during uncertain times. Part 1 – Financial Readiness Checklist …
Phone Number Spoofing Scams: What You Need to Know
Have you ever encountered a call from a seemingly familiar number, possibly even displaying your own area code? These calls may appear harmless initially, but they could be instances of spoofing, where scammers manipulate caller IDs to deceive you. Sometimes, the number may look local, or it might mimic a known company or government agency, …
FBI Warns: Online File Converters Could Be Stealing Your Information
Have you ever used a free online file converter? If your answer is yes, you may want to think twice before doing it again. The FBI has issued a warning that some of these tools could be used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. How the Scam Works …
Smart Banking for the Summer: How to Manage Your Finances While You’re Away
As summer approaches, many of you are preparing to spend the season away from Florida, enjoying cooler temperatures in your home states. While packing your bags and planning travel routes are important, it’s just as essential to ensure your finances are in order before you go. With a little preparation, you can bank with ease …
Beware of the Unpaid Toll Text Scams
Got a Text About Unpaid Tolls? It’s Probably a Scam Have you received a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls? Whether you’ve driven on a toll road recently or not, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. Scammers are impersonating toll agencies nationwide, sending out fake texts demanding payment. If you’re not careful, …
