According to Kiplinger, the number of complaints about online scams stayed flat from 2023 to 2024, but the average loss per incident increased significantly.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that people over 60 are the most likely to report internet-related fraud and often suffer the biggest financial losses.
Staying safe online does not always require advanced tech skills. A few practical habits can help protect your identity and your money.
1. Strengthen your passwords
Short, reused, or predictable passwords make it easier for criminals to break into your accounts. Common choices like birthdays or pet names can be guessed quickly by automated tools.
Create strong, unique passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a password manager to help store them securely.
2. Add a second layer of login protection
Two-factor authentication adds a second step when you sign in, usually a code sent to your phone or email. It helps stop unauthorized access even if someone steals your password.
Enable this feature on your financial accounts, email, and anywhere else it’s offered.
3. Slow down when messages demand fast action
Scammers often pose as banks, government agencies, or tech support. They pressure you to act quickly, by clicking a link, sharing personal information, or sending money.
A 2025 survey by Malwarebytes found that 78 percent of Americans receive scam messages at least weekly. Pause before you respond and use official contact information to verify the claim.
4. Verify emergency calls before you act
Not strictly an online scam, but cybercriminals can now use artificial intelligence to clone someone’s voice using just a few seconds of audio. A phone call that sounds exactly like your grandchild, friend, or spouse might not be real.
The caller may claim to be a family member and ask you to send them money online urgently. Verify their identity first. Set up a shared verbal password with close family or friends to confirm real emergencies.
5. Limit what you share online
Social media posts that reveal your birthday, hometown, or pet’s name can make it easier for scammers to guess passwords or answer your security questions.
Keep personal information private and review your privacy settings regularly.
6. Be suspicious of deals that look too good
Fake websites and social media listings often advertise deep discounts to lure victims. These scams may copy real brand logos or page designs to appear legitimate.
Double-check the web address before making a purchase. If it feels suspicious, it probably is.
7. Use credit cards for stronger fraud protection
Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized credit card charges to $50 if you report them promptly. Debit cards and payment apps may not offer the same protection.
Cryptocurrency payments and wire transfers are especially risky because they are often irreversible. Use them only when absolutely sure of the recipient.
8. Act fast when something seems off
If you see an unfamiliar charge or get a notice about an account you didn’t open, contact your bank or card provider right away. Acting within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of stopping further fraud.
Also, consider changing your passwords and monitoring any related accounts.
9. Keep your software and apps up to date
Hackers take advantage of outdated software. Updates contain fixes for known vulnerabilities, and skipping them leaves you exposed.
Enable automatic updates on your phone, browser, and computer to stay protected.
10. Watch for small, unusual charges
Scammers sometimes make a small test charge — just a few cents — to your account to see if the transaction goes through. If it does and no one notices, they may follow up with larger fraudulent purchases.
Check your accounts weekly and turn on transaction alerts so you’re notified in real time.
11. Freeze your credit if your data is exposed
If your personal information has been exposed, a credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. It’s free to place and easy to lift if you need to apply for credit later.
You can freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion online in a matter of minutes.
12. Report fraud to help protect yourself and others
If you’ve been targeted or scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Your report may help investigators track trends and warn others.
Keep records of what happened, including dates, amounts, and copies of messages or receipts.
Lock your digital doors
You don’t need to be afraid of every email or phone call, but staying alert and skeptical can prevent serious damage.
Online fraud is growing more personal and costly, but small steps, like checking your accounts, using strong passwords, and pausing before you click, can keep you a step ahead.
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