23/02/2026
From me to you.... read this:
Eight Scam Proofing Tips that everyone should know...
1. Treat any unexpected contact as a scam
If someone reaches out to you first by phone, email, text, or pop up assume it’s suspicious.
Real companies don’t:
• Ask for Social Security numbers
• Don't freely give out parts of yours (easily obtained)
• Ask for passwords or codes
• Demand immediate payment
• Threaten account closure
Hang up. Call the official number on your card or the company’s website.
2. Quick email safety test
Before opening anything, ask:
• Do I know the sender
• Was I expecting this
• Is it trying to scare or rush me
If something feels off, delete it.
3. Never click links in messages
Scammers hide fake links in:
• Emails
• Texts
• “Subscription renewal” notices
• “Cloud storage full” alerts
• “Your package is delayed” messages
Instead:
• Open your browser
• Type the company’s website manually
• Check your account from there
If it’s real, it will show up.
4. Phone call safety
Caller ID can be faked. If someone claims to be from:
• Your bank
• Social Security
• Medicare
• A credit card company
• Tech support
Hang up and call the real number yourself is critical. Parts of your social security number can be obtained fairly easily these days so don't be convinced and never stay on the line if they tell you to “verify” anything.
5. Subscription & cloud storage scams
Common and current fake alerts:
• “Your cloud storage is full”
• “Your subscription renewed for $399”
• “Your antivirus expired”
These are designed to make you call a scammer. Ignore the message and check your real accounts instead.
6. Safe everyday habits
• Use a credit card, not a debit card
• Freeze your credit (free and easy)
• Turn on two factor authentication
• Keep devices updated
• Never let a stranger remote into your computer
• Use a password manager or a notebook, either is fine
7. The “trusted person” rule
Pick one person you can call before acting on anything suspicious. A 30 second check can prevent a disaster.
8. When in doubt, slow down
Scammers rely on panic and urgency. If you pause, even for a moment, you win.
"Don't Take Any Wooden Nickles". It's sad to say there's an overrun of them out there these days. be Smart, be Cautious, be Aware, and Manage
