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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
How to Spot IRS Scams and Impersonators
9 Ways to Spot IRS Scams and Impersonators (And How to Stay Safe) The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is one of the most commonly impersonated government agencies in scams. Fraudsters use fear tactics, phishing emails, and threatening phone calls to trick taxpayers into revealing sensitive financial information or making fraudulent payments. How to Recognize IRS …
A Digital Nightmare: Cybercriminals Inside Your Home
Sarah and her family were thrilled with their new smart home devices, enjoying the ease of controlling lights and locks with just a few taps or voice commands. However, their excitement turned to alarm one night when Sarah noticed her smart thermostat adjusting itself unexpectedly. Initially dismissing it as a glitch, she became concerned when …
Roses, Romance, and Red Flags: Protecting Your Heart and Wallet
What Are Romance Scams? Romance scams are a cruel form of deception where criminals exploit the desire for love and connection while gaining the affection and trust of the victim. They craft online personas, often using stolen pictures and profiles, to build a facade of affection. Their goal? To manipulate victims into parting with money …
Voice Cloning Scams: Unmasking the Threat to Security and Trust
The Alarming Rise of Voice Cloning in Fraudulent Activities The use of voice cloning by fraudsters to commit crimes has seen a disturbing increase in recent years. This advanced technology allows scammers to replicate an individual’s speech patterns, tone, and mannerisms with uncanny accuracy. As a result, they can use these cloned voices to manipulate …
