Financial Safety Essentials

Follow these immediate actions if you believe your account has been compromised

• File a police report
• Contact your financial institution(s)
• Stop all communication with scammer
• Change all online banking passwords
• Change all debit and credit card pins
• Review your account for any unauthorized activity
• Inform the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov
• Consider having your personal devices professionally cleaned and scanned for malware

Common electronic scams

• Spyware: Secret software that steals your personal data, tracks your online activity,
and can even control your device.
Signs: Slow device performance, unusual pop-ups, new toolbars or icons
you didn’t install.

• Spoofing: When a scammer disguises their email, phone number, or website to look
like someone you trust (e.g., your bank, a friend, a company).
Signs: Unexpected messages, urgent requests for information, mismatched
email addresses or website URLs.

• Spamming: Unsolicited bulk messages (emails, texts) often containing ads,
promotions, or malicious links.
Signs: Messages from unknown senders, offers that seem too good to be
true, requests for personal information.

• Phishing: Tricking you into revealing sensitive information (passwords, credit card
details) by posing as a trustworthy entity.
Signs: Emails or messages with urgent calls to action, suspicious links or
attachments, generic greetings.

• Pharming: Redirecting you to a fake website that looks identical to a legitimate one
to steal your information.
Signs: Unusual website behavior, security warnings, unexpected login
screens, and websites found in the top search results that are sponsored.

• Smishing: Phishing through text messages (SMS) or messaging apps.
Signs: Similar to phishing, but delivered via text message, often with
shortened links or urgent requests.

Signs of Elder Abuse

• Physical abuse such as unexplained bruises, signs of being restrained, and sudden changes in behavior
• Emotional abuse such as verbal abuse, threats, isolation, and humiliating comments
• Financial exploitation such as changes in accounts, missing valuables, and pressure to sign documents
• Neglect such as poor hygeine, untreated medical conditions, and unsafe living conditions
• Isolation such as refusal to allow visitors, withdrawing from social activities, and lack of communication

Helpful phone numbers and websites

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: 1-855-411-2372 (for information and support)

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

Experian: 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion: 1-800-678-5584

Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 (for reporting identity theft with Social Security)

VictimConnect Resource: 1-855-484-2846 (to get confidential support)

U.S. Senate’s Committee on Aging Fraud Hotline: 1-855-303-9470 (for scams targeting seniors)

Securities Helpline for Seniors: 1-844-574-3577 (for investment scams)

National Credit Union Administration: 1-800-827-9650 (for credit union-related issues)

National Center for Disaster Fraud: 1-866-720-5721 (for fraud related to disasters)

Lost wallet? Don’t panic!

• File a police report
• Retrace your steps
• Call your financial institution(s)
• Cancel your debit card(s)
• Cancel your credit card(s)
• Check your credit report
• Replace your driver’s license/ID with the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Consider a credit freeze
• Be extra cautious of scams

Lost/stolen debit card? Act fast!

• File a police report
• Contact your financial institution(s)
• Change your PINS
• Change your online banking passwords
• Monitor your accounts
• Consider additional security measures such as fraud alerts

Take immediate action!

• Change your password(s) immediately
• Contact your financial institution(s)
• Monitor your account(s)
• Consider a credit freeze
• Be aware of Phishing