Author: Christy Bieber

Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits to help cover everyday expenses.

This includes not only retirees but also individuals with disabilities and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to low income.

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Unfortunately, recent changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA) — including staffing reductions and website modifications — have led to serious issues. One particularly alarming incident involved a large number of SSI recipients received a message informing them they were no longer receiving payments.

This message set off a panic among the 7.4 million adults and children who depend on SSI, a crucial anti-poverty program that provides income to some of the most vulnerable Americans.

Here’s what caused the error, and what you can do if something similar happens to you.

What happened to cause panic

In March, a significant technical glitch caused widespread confusion and alarm among SSI recipients.

They incorrectly received a notice informing them that they were "currently not receiving payments." At the same time, benefit data and payment histories disappeared from their accounts.

An internal email later confirmed the message was an error. The SSA identified and resolved the glitch by March 31, restoring access to accurate benefit information. Payments were also made on schedule, but the lack of immediate clarification left many recipients deeply unsettled.

While this was the most severe occurrence, it’s not the only one. President Donald Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has been making sweeping changes to Social Security that have disrupted operations.

Notably, the Social Security website has experienced frequent outages — some lasting only 20 minutes, others stretching close to a full day. Users have reported trouble signing in, missing account data and slow site performance. Staff also been forced to cancel appointments when the system failed to process new claims.

Many of these problems appear to be linked to a new anti-fraud system implemented by DOGE, which, according to The Washington Post, was not adequately tested. Contributing further to the chaos are the 7,000 eliminated jobs, including 800 positions responsible for managing Social Security databases. Thousands more jobs are expected to be cut in the coming weeks.

DOGE has also shuttered field offices and reduced telephone support, driving more people to the already overwhelmed website just as the new anti-fraud tools were rolled out.

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What to do if you received a message about your benefits

If you receive an alarming message from the SSA, try to stay calm. With ongoing policy changes and operational disruptions, many issues are likely due to temporary glitches.

Here’s what you can do:

• Call your local SSA office: It may take time to get through due to long wait times, but speaking with an agent directly can clarify your situation.
• Check for news updates: Major issues with benefits are usually reported by media outlets. You can also follow trusted Social Security-related forums or social media for similar user experiences.
• Connect with others: if other recipients are reporting the same issue, it’s likely a widespread problem and not specific to your account.
• Check your bank account: Even if the website shows incorrect information, your benefits may still be deposited. SSI recipients who received the erroneous notice were ultimately paid on time.

With changes at Social Security expected to continue for the foreseeable future, it’s important to stay informed. Be sure to monitor your account regularly, and keep the number of your local field office handy in case you need it.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

There’s a long-standing tradition of Canadians crossing the border to shop at outlets and malls in the U.S.

This is especially true in Erie and Niagara County, which are located near the border and feature top shopping destinations such as the Walden Galleria Mall and the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.

But unfortunately, things have changed. The number of cars traveling across the border into the U.S. are down significantly in 2025, and counties like Erie and Niagara are paying the price through a drop in sales tax revenue.

In February and March of 2025, 35,619 fewer cars crossed the Peace Bridge that connects Canada to Buffalo, NY, compared to the number of cars that crossed the bridge during the same months in 2024. During the same period, 29,537 fewer cars crossed the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.

Thanks to President Trump’s ongoing trade war with Canada and his comments about Canada becoming the 51st state, Canadians seem to have significantly reduced their interest in traveling to the U.S. and the financial ramifications are hard to ignore.

Trump’s antics irk Canadians

In February, Trump announced a 25% tariff on most goods imported from Canada and Mexico. And although Trump has since initiated a 90-day pause on most of his tariffs, those levied against Canada remain in place.

In fact, Trump has reportedly floated the idea of increasing the automobile tariff against Canada, saying “they’re paying 25%, but that could go up in terms of cars.”

And then there’s his repeated mention of Canada becoming America’s 51st state, a not-so-subtle statement that many Canadians view as a threat. Trump also routinely referred to Canada’s former Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, as “Governor Trudeau” while he was in office.

But it’s not just the backlash to Trump’s antics that’s had a negative effect on Canadian tourism in the U.S. In recent months, several foreigners — including a Canadian woman — have been detained while attempting to enter the United States.

The Canadian government recently issued a warning to citizens, urging travellers to expect additional scrutiny when crossing the border, stating that American border officials have the authority to search electronic devices, including laptops, tablets and mobile phones without justification. Refusal to hand them over could result in those items being seized, travel to be delayed or entry to be denied.

With all of these factors in play, it’s not a surprise that fewer Canadians are willing to head over to the U.S. to do some casual shopping.

How the loss of cross-border traffic is hurting local communities

Unfortunately, many local border communities are suffering because of the decrease in Canadian customers.

“We want them back desperately. They are truly missed,” Sylvia Virtuoso, Town of Niagara Supervisor, shared with 7 News WKBW. “Everybody’s budgets are impacted by the sales tax revenue… The outlet mall in the Town of Niagara is the heart of the town. For all of Niagara County, it provides the majority of sales tax revenue.”

Sales tax revenue in Niagara County declined an estimated 1% in January and February, but Erie County has been hit even harder, with county executive Mark Poloncarz telling Bloomberg, “The county’s initial sales tax receipts have slipped 7% through mid-February, a $4.9 million reduction in revenue.”

The effects of this could have far-reaching consequences, as Cheektowaga Supervisor Brian Nowak told 7 News WKBW the decline in revenue would impact “not just the town, but the county too, because you collect county taxes… For our highway department in particular, a lot of the revenue comes to that department from sales taxes, about 75 cents on the dollar.”

It remains to be seen if the drop in Canadian car traffic over the border will continue, and a lot likely hinges on whether Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney can come to an agreement on key trade issues. Without that, it may be difficult to restore the strong relationship that the U.S. once shared with its neighbor to the north.

Sources

1. CBC: Canadian detained for 11 days by U.S. immigration speaks out for others stuck in limbo, by Yvette Brend (Apr 5, 2025)

2. CTV News: Can a guard search my phone at the U.S. border? Here’s what you need to know (Apr 7, 2025)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When 20-year-old Connor Stephanoff took a pizza delivery order during a snowstorm, he probably didn’t expect to star in a real-life version of Frozen.

A bus had slide off the road, blocking the entrance to the neighborhood. But armed with nothing but determination and the pizza, Stephanoff braved half a mile of deep snow to fulfill his mission — only to be rewarded with a whopping $2 tip.

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When police arrived at the scene of the bus crash, they spotted Stephanoff making his way through the snowdrifts. An officer jokingly asked him how big his tip must have been, only for Stephanoff to reveal the disappointing truth: just $2. This was despite the fact that he’d walked half a mile through harsh conditions to deliver to a home in an affluent neighborhood.

Unfortunately, situations like this are becoming increasingly common, sparking debates about how much we should tip the people who work to make our lives easier.

A delivery driver’s story goes viral

The officer, upset on Stephanoff’s behalf, gave him $15 out of his own wallet — the only cash he had on him at the time. But that wasn’t enough for Officer Craig.

Determined to make things right, he posted about the incident on social media, saying "$2 tip should be a crime! whoever did this: #shameful … Who tips a guy who risks everything to drive food to your door like this??"

The officer also started a GoFundMe for Stephanoff, which quickly gained traction.

The story was picked up by station 101 WRIF, and the fundraiser soon raised thousands of dollars for the dedicated driver who had quite literally gone the extra mile. As of January 17, Officer Craig raised almost $12,000 for Stephanoff.

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How much should you tip?

The question of when and how much to tip has become a more contentious issue in recent years, especially with the rise of payment apps that ask for a tip for nearly everything.

Around 53% of consumers said they’ve encountered tip screens at businesses that never asked for tips in the past, and 72% of adults believe they’re being asked to tip more frequently now compared to five years ago. Moreover, only 24% of consumers approve of screens suggesting tip amounts.

With tipping fatigue setting in, it’s not surprising that average tip amounts are on the decline. Date from Toast shows restaurant tips have dropped from 19.2% in 2021 to 19% in 2022 and 18.8% in 2023. Meanwhile, Popmenu reports that only 19% of consumers tipped restaurant delivery drivers at least 20% in 2024, down from 26% of consumers the year prior and 38% in 2021.

Rising prices due to inflation have also contributed to the problem. Many households are struggling to afford the basics and are cutting back on tips as a result.

Unfortunately, it is servers and delivery drivers who pay the price — even though they have no control over inflation or the increasing use of tipping apps. While the average tip delivery drivers hovers around 16%, etiquette experts recommend a minimum of $3 to $5 minimum or more if your driver brings you a pizza in extreme conditions like a snowstorm.

Whatever your opinion, it’s likely most people would agree that a half-mile walk through a snowstorm is worth more than $2. And if nothing else, tipping a reasonably might just keep you making headlines as a bad tipper during a from.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Grocery shoppers have been forced to scramble since egg prices have been consistently high.

With the cost of Grade A eggs hitting a record high of $5.90 per dozen in February, many consumers have had eggs on their faces. This was the highest price consumers had ever paid for eggs, nearly double what they had paid the previous year.

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Some relief may finally be on the way, as the wholesale egg prices have started to fall.

However, Easter and a lag between the changes in wholesale and consumer prices may mean that relief doesn’t come immediately for frustrated grocery shoppers, many of whom have struggled with high food inflation since the pandemic.

Here’s why egg prices are finally falling

Egg prices peaked due to a deadly outbreak of bird flu that spread across the United States, resulting in the death of millions of egg-laying chickens. Major producers may also have engaged in alleged anti-competitive behavior to drive prices up, prompting an antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice in March.

The good news is that outbreaks of bird flu appear to be becoming less frequent. Additionally, high prices have weakened consumer demand, with many people choosing to forgo purchasing eggs due to record costs. Some buyers, fearing further price increases from continued bird flu outbreaks, also stockpiled eggs, reducing future demand further. With higher supply and lower demand, prices have begun to drop.

“Slowing outbreaks are leading to improved supply availability and wholesale market prices have responded with sharp declines over the past week,” the USDA wrote.

The drop in wholesale egg prices has been significant, with the cost per dozen dropping 44% from its mid-February peak. Wholesale prices are now $4.83 per dozen instead of $8.58 per dozen, according to Expana, which tracks agricultural commodity prices.

Karyn Rispoli, an egg market analyst and managing editor at Expana, told CNBC via email that prices had plunged due to market dynamics placing "extreme pressure" on the cost per dozen.

The Trump Administration also initiated a plan to help lower prices, including investing $500 million in biosecurity improvements, providing more indemnity payments to farmers, reducing regulations and importing more eggs to increase supply.

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Consumers may not see lower prices just yet

While the reduced wholesale cost is good news, it doesn’t mean consumers will enjoy cheaper eggs just yet.

Rispoli explained that there’s typically a two to three-week lag between a change in wholesale prices and a decline in retail prices. Retailers also don’t always adjust their prices immediately to match wholesale fluctuations, meaning consumers may still feel the effects of peak prices when they shop for eggs.

Consumers have seen some relief. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated, "The average cost of a dozen eggs has now gone down $1.85 since we announced our plan."

However, this trend of reducing prices is not likely to last in the short term. Prices are expected to rise again with Easter, which traditionally increases demand for eggs. Easter season typically leads to increased egg demand for traditional activities like Easter egg dyeing, as well as hard-boiled eggs, which are a staple for many Easter meals.

Hopefully, once Easter comes to pass, the Trump Administration’s efforts and the declining number of bird flu outbreaks will lead to more lasting price reductions, allowing consumers to put eggs in their grocery baskets without fear of cracking their budgets.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Alba Martinez wasn’t supposed to be transferring a property deed, but was caught on camera at the Harris County Clerk’s Office trying to do just that. A clerk turned her away, though, and for good reason. A judge recently signed a restraining order blocking Alba and her husband, Jarin, from any deed transfers, reports Houston’s KPRC 2 News.

The order was signed as part of a lawsuit brought by Harris County against the couple for fraud and deceptive trade practices. They allegedly forged some 79 documents as part of a sophisticated scheme to wrongfully sell at least 37 properties. The scheme also has the Martinez family under criminal investigation, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to KPRC 2 News.

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This real estate theft scheme has wreaked havoc on the lives of victims, like Jamie Hartley, who lost a home that had been in her family for generations.

Hartley described the situation as "completely frustrating," but sadly, it’s a situation many homeowners could face because the scheme is easy to run. Here’s how Hartley and others lost their homes, and tips for other homeowners to avoid falling victim.

Victims face a fight to get their property restored

The Martinezes have been working their scam for a while, allegedly earning tens of thousands by transferring properties with documents stamped by fake notaries. Investigators said it’s unclear how many homeowners were harmed, but one victim, Jamie Hartley, is speaking out about the loss of her grandmother’s home that she inherited along with her brother when her father died.

Hartley said she didn’t know anything was wrong until she visited the property in 2023.

"Me and my brother came just to check the mail. We saw that there was a fence, and we see workers working on the house, pulling stuff out. So we’re like. ‘What’s going on? We haven’t hired you. Who are you? How did you get on the property?’” she told KPRC 2 News reporters.

Sadly, she found the house had been sold by the Martinezes for $53,000, without her knowledge. It’s now been out of her control for two years and fallen into disrepair.

“To see it in this condition, it is extremely hurtful,” Hartley said.

“It meant everything to us. All of their belongings and everything from like my grandmother’s pictures, family memorabilia, everything was in there.”

Hartley says she has spent thousands fighting a multiyear court battle to get the home returned, but so far has had no success.

“We have to basically be standing in court as if we are the ones that’s lying or we are the ones that actually don’t own the property when in fact we do,” she said.

“It’s been completely frustrating and it’s been time-consuming, for sure.”

The court would need to undo the transfer of the property to the new owner, who was also a potential victim as they likely didn’t know they were buying from someone with no true legal claim to the property.

Unfortunately, even if the lawsuit against the Martinezes is successful, the county may be unable to get restitution for victims who, like Hartley, will likely be forced to hire private attorneys to reverse the wrongful deed transfers.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How can homeowners protect themselves?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has some advice to help homeowners avoid ending up in a similar situation to Hartley:

• To thwart scammers, homeowners should make sure someone is checking on vacant properties often and should monitor to ensure they receive all their normal utility bills.

• Homeowners can also check their local records office and, in many areas, sign up to be alerted about changes to property ownership.

• Home buyers may also want to make sure they get title insurance in case it turns out they were unknowing participants in a fraudulent deal.

Hartley faces an uphill battle now to get the family home back. Sorting out the mess has taken far too long already, and those who want to avoid a similar fate should be proactive in taking steps to keep their properties safe.

What to read next

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

They dreamed of retiring at 62, but now, the Gomezes are staring down another decade of work.

The husband and wife are in their 50s and they told CBS News they’re drowning in financial obligations.

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CBS News interviewed the couple in their 50s who were stretched thin. While the Gomezes had hoped to retire at 62, they were now considering working until at least 70. The reason their plans were derailed? they were supporting far more family members than expected.

With elderly parents, a child, and their niece and nephew living in their home, the Gomezes faced overwhelming financial demands — especially after taking on student loans to help their daughter and niece afford college.

They aren’t alone. The couple is part of the sandwich generation, a term for people who simultaneously care for their children and aging parents. This dual responsibility can make achieving financial goals nearly impossible, yet for many, it’s a situation they cannot escape

What is the sandwich generation

The sandwich generation refers to people who are stuck in the middle — providing for both aging parents and children. This group is growing as life expectancies increase and people have children later in life.

According to Pew Research, 23% of all U.S. adults have at least one parent aged 65 or older while supporting either a child under 18 or an adult child financially. People in their 40s are the most likely to be part of the sandwich generation, with 54% supporting both a child and a living parent over 65.

Both men and women can find themselves in this position, though adults with college degrees are slightly more likely to have obligations to multiple generations at once.

Unfortunately, research from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that:

• 23.5% of sandwich-generation caregivers reported substantial financial difficulties.
• 44.1% reported significant emotional stress.
• Members of this group reported higher levels of caregiver role overload.

According to a survey by Wakefield Research and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical showed that 72% of sandwich-generation members have had to cut back on necessities — such as food or medical care — or have been forced to dip into their retirement or personal savings to cover expenses.

For the Gomezes, this was exactly the case. They were struggling to contribute to their retirement accounts and would be saddled with paying off their daughter’s student loans until the husband turned 71. The impact on their retirement is profound.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What to do if you’re a member of the sandwich generation

If you are a member of the sandwich generation, you need to find ways to reduce both the financial and emotional strain — while still preparing for your own future so you don’t become a burden on your own kids one day.

The best way to do that is to set financial boundaries. Figure out how much you need to save each month to reach your retirement target and prioritize that over everything except essential expenses. This may mean limiting or stopping contributions to your children’s college fund. While they can borrow for school, you cannot borrow for retirement.

After deciding how much you can afford to spend on helping your family, have an open discussion about what you are and are not willing to do. If you are supporting adult children, consider setting a cutoff date for financial aid so they have time to plan accordingly.

For aging parents, explore benefit programs like Medicaid or other assistance options to help ease the financial burden.

Ultimately, being in the sandwich generation is difficult, but you are not alone. The important thing is to set limits on financial support so you can continue investing in your own future. And just as importantly, make sure you have emotional support so you don’t become burned out, overwhelmed and unable to care for yourself or your loved ones.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

It’s not uncommon to carry multiple credit cards, but how many is too many?

According to the Canadian Bankers Association there are 100 million credit cards in circulation in Canada. And while that statistic doesn’t offer a definitive answer to this question, experts believe it all depends on your lifestyle and the purpose each credit card serves. For example, those who carry multiple credit cards often have one or two for personal use and another one for business.

But what if you carry, let’s say, four unused credit cards just for emergencies? Is that too many, or is it smart to have a lot of available credit in case you need it?

Since your credit score has a big impact on your overall financial situation — as does the amount of credit card debt you carry — answering these questions is fairly important.

So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of carrying multiple unused credit cards

Benefits of multiple credit cards for emergencies

There are quite a few benefits to having multiple credit cards open at a time.

First of all, if you have several credit cards and carry a low balance on them, this improves your credit utilization ratio, which is the second most important factor in the credit-scoring formula.

Your credit utilization ratio is calculated by dividing the credit you’re currently using by the amount of credit available to you. So, if you have four credit cards — each with a $1,000 limit while carrying a $100 balance across all four cards — your ratio would be $100 divided by $4,000, which comes to 2.5%. Experts recommend a credit utilization ratio below 30% to boost your credit score.

Having multiple credit cards open also allows you to take advantage of the benefits and perks that each card offers. For example, if one card offers 5% cashback on groceries while another offers 5% on gas, you can use different cards for different transactions to maximize rewards.

If you have four cards, you’ll also have a lot of available credit — although this can be both a blessing and a curse. For instance, using credit cards for emergencies can be dangerous since these cards often have very high interest rates, and putting surprise expenses on your card could mean you end up in debt, struggling to pay back what you owe.

However, if some of your credit cards have special promotions, like a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR), having a lot of accessible credit at zero interest can help you pay for big purchases over time without paying interest — as long as you repay the full balance before the interest starts accruing.

Downsides of having multiple credit cards

Before you rush out and sign up for multiple credit cards, you should also consider the downsides to this strategy.

Since four credit cards is a lot of cards to manage, you run a greater risk of missing a payment if you’re using all of them. Plus, depending on how the rewards programs work, you may not use any one of the cards enough to redeem the rewards.

Meanwhile, if you aren’t using all of your cards, there’s a chance they could be closed due to inactivity, as credit card companies don’t typically let customers keep unused cards open forever. If this happens to you, the loss of an account could hurt your credit score by reducing your available credit, as well as your length of credit history — the period of time that your credit accounts have been open. Length of credit history accounts for 15% to 20% of your credit score.

Unused credit cards also create a greater risk of fraud, since you might not notice if someone starts using your card unless you’re regularly checking the statements. And, if your cards have annual fees, you could be wasting a lot of money keeping cards open that don’t justify their value.

Lastly, having a lot of credit available to you creates the risk of falling into debt if your spending habits get out of control, or if you start relying on these cards for emergencies.

How many cards is a good number to have?

Ultimately, the right number of credit cards for you depends on multiple financial factors, including how responsible you think you can be, how much time you want to spend managing multiple cards and your goals for owning multiple credit cards.

If you want to maximize rewards, you trust yourself not to overspend and you’re OK with actively managing four accounts, having this many cards may be right for you. Just be mindful that inactive cards will eventually be closed, so you may want to use your inactive cards here and there for the odd $20 transaction to keep the accounts active.

But if you want to simplify your life, or don’t trust yourself not to charge too much on all of your cards, you may be better off with just one great rewards card.

By thinking about these issues, you can decide what’s best for you. Just remember to be careful — signing up for too many cards could lead to you closing some of them in the future, and closing cards isn’t great for your credit score.

You should also make sure you have an emergency fund instead of relying on cards, as using your credit in an emergency could cause long-term financial problems if you struggle to pay off the balance.

Sources

1. Canadian Bankers Association: Credit Cards: uses and benefits

2. Government of Canada: Improving your credit score

3. myFICO: What’s in my FICO Scores?

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has Southern Californians on the alert for a new strain of phone scams that cost one Ojai resident his life savings.

Someone claiming to be a law enforcement agent with the United States Marshals Service called him and told him to send all his money to an out-of-state location.

As KTLA 5 reports, after the Ojai man complied with the instructions, he met with local police and discovered he’d been conned.

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The Sheriff’s Office issued a release warning people to be wary of this and other scams involving government impersonation.

Government impersonation scams on the rise

Their warning is relevant nationwide, as a growing number of con artists impersonating government agents are scamming Americans out of their hard-earning savings.

Last year, the U.S. Marshals Service warned of a spike in similar scams in Cincinnati, as reported on the local station WLWT 5.

Of course, government impersonation scams aren’t limited to phone calls.

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In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICC) reported a spike of more than 60% in online government impersonation scams that robbed 14,190 people — the majority of them older adults — of more than $390 million in savings.

What can you do if you’re scammed?

If you’re the victim of an impersonation scam (whether it’s someone posing as a federal agent, IT professional or a bank rep) you can try to get your money back.

But it’s important to act fast.

The Federal Trade Commision advises that you immediately attempt to stop payment or reverse the financial transaction.

Do this by contacting the relevant credit card company, financial institution, wire transfer company or money transfer app immediately. A credit card company is likelier to do this. If you sent cryptocurrency, you have no chance of recovery.

While you’re dealing with these financial institutions, change your account numbers and freeze your credit so no one can open new credit in your name.

Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (the three major credit bureaus) to alert them of the scam.

Report the crime to local police and the Federal Trade Commission. This will help authorities investigate these crimes and warn others if fraud is occurring.

How can you avoid being scammed?

Anyone can fall victim to a scam, but you can reduce the odds by following these tips:

• Understand that people can spoof numbers so it looks like they’re calling from a government agency (or bank or even your family). Look up the official phone number to confirm legitimacy and call back if necessary.
• Be aware that no legitimate business or government agency requests payments via cryptocurrency, money transfer app, or wire transfer.
• Do not provide remote access to your financial accounts or account information via phone or email unless you initiated the call.
• Do not wire or give money to someone you don’t know and never mail cash to anyone.
• Talk to a trusted family member or a banker before wiring any money in a transaction you didn’t initiate.

Finally, resist pressure to act quickly. Time pressure is something con artists use to get their victims to hand over cash before they can think things through.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.