Despite the rise of digital payments, checks are still utilized by businesses and individuals alike. Check fraud has evolved and is a payment method highly associated with fraud. Criminals are now using advanced tools and methods to conduct check fraud scams. Here’s a closer look at how these scams work and what you can do …
The Importance of Beneficiary Designations
An article in the Wall Street Journal serves as a good reminder of the importance of creating and also revisiting your beneficiary designations. Typically, when you buy life insurance, sign up for employer-paid life insurance or open a retirement account, you’re asked to designate either a person or entity to receive the proceeds after you …
Phone Number Spoofing Scams
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, …
Dear FineMark: Should I add a struggling daughter to my home’s title for security?
Today’s Dear FineMark is about add a child to your home’s title. Here’s the question… “I’m a widowed mother with two adult daughters—one financially stable in New York and the other, divorced and struggling, in Florida. I own a nice home in Florida and want to ensure my struggling daughter always has a place to …
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 …
Dear FineMark: How to secure grandchildren’s future financially smartly?
Today’s Dear FineMark comes from a grandfather who’s thinking about his legacy, not just in dollars, but in opportunity. Here is the question… “I’m 79, recently retired, and my wife and I have been fortunate. We’ve built up about $15 million in assets over the years, and we live comfortably. We have four grandkids and …
Dear FineMark: Who can access a safe-deposit box after death?
Today’s Dear FineMark comes from a family trying to help settle a loved one’s estate. “My uncle recently passed away and we’re trying to find his will. Everyone says it’s in his safe-deposit box, but no one in the family is listed on it. We have the key, but the bank won’t let us in. …
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, …
