July 7, 2026 How to Protect Yourself from Today’s Most Common Scams
One thing we've noticed recently is that many of the conversations we're having with clients
aren't about investments at all. Instead, they're questions like:
"Does this email look legitimate?"
"I received a call from someone claiming to be with Medicare. Should I trust it?"
"Someone is asking me to send money. Does this seem right?"
Unfortunately, these situations are becoming more common. As technology continues to evolve,
so do the tactics scammers use. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made it easier for
scammers to create convincing emails, text messages, fake websites, and even voice-cloned
phone calls. What once might have been easy to recognize as a scam isn't always so obvious
anymore.
The good news is that while scams are changing, there are still some simple ways to
protect yourself.
We had a story shared with us recently that really caught our attention.
They received a phone call from a person who sounded exactly like their grandson. The caller
claimed he had been kidnapped and desperately needed money. Thankfully, before sending any
money, they paused long enough to send a text and learned their grandson was safe.
One simple way families can prepare is by creating a family code word, a word or phrase only
close family members know. If someone ever calls claiming to be a child or grandchild in an
emergency, asking for that code word can help you verify it's really them before taking action.
We've also heard of situations where someone who owns a timeshare receives an unexpected
phone call from a company claiming they already have a buyer. Everything may seem legitimate
until they're told an upfront fee, tax, or outstanding balance must be paid before the sale can
move forward.
Requests like these are a common warning sign. If you're ever asked to send money before
receiving payment, it's worth slowing down and verifying the situation first.
Four Simple Ways to Spot a Scam
Emails: Look beyond the display name and check the sender's actual email address. Scam
emails often use addresses that are misspelled, contain extra letters or numbers, or come from
an unrelated domain.
Text Messages: Be cautious of messages claiming there's a problem with your bank account, a
package couldn't be delivered, or suspicious activity has been detected. Instead of clicking the
link, go directly to the company's website or app.
Phone Calls: Caller ID can be spoofed, making a call appear to come from your bank, Medicare,
Social Security, or another trusted organization. If you're asked to send money, share personal
information, or act immediately, hang up and call the organization back using a phone number
you know is legitimate.
Family Emergency Calls: If someone claiming to be a loved one calls asking for money, pause
before acting. Call or text that family member directly, contact another trusted family member,
or ask for your family's code word.
When Something Doesn't Feel Right
• Pause before taking action.
• Verify the request using a trusted phone number or website—not the contact information
provided in the message.
• Talk it through with a trusted friend, family member, or professional before sending
money or sharing personal information.
No one expects to receive a scam phone call, text message, or email. And with today's
technology, even the most cautious people can be caught off guard. That's why we encourage
you to slow down, ask questions, and reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or
professional before taking action.
If reading the raises questions about your own retirement plan, or you'd simply like a second
opinion on how to better protect your financial future, we'd be happy to have a conversation.
Call us at 801-465-6990.
-Scott B. Wharton