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    Safety & Privacy
    Beginner
    2 min read 6 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Protect Yourself from Financial Fraud and Scams

    Essential steps to protect your money and identity from common scams.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Safety & Privacy
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    fraud
    scams
    identity-theft
    finance

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Know common scam types
    2. 2.Watch for warning signs
    3. 3.Protect your credit
    4. 4.Register for Do Not Call
    5. 5.Monitor your accounts
    6. 6.If you are a victim
    1

    Know common scam types

    ~15s
    Identity theft (someone steals your info), imposter scams (pretending to be your bank or the IRS), phishing (fake emails/texts), and wire transfer fraud. Being aware is your first defense.
    2

    Watch for warning signs

    ~15s
    Pressure to act right away, requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfer, unsolicited contact asking for personal info, and deals that seem too good to be true.
    3

    Protect your credit

    ~15s
    You can place a free fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports at the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This prevents criminals from opening accounts in your name.
    4

    Register for Do Not Call

    ~15s
    Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. This reduces telemarketer calls (though scammers ignore the list).
    5

    Monitor your accounts

    ~15s
    Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for charges you don't recognize. Set up transaction alerts so you get notified of every purchase.
    6

    If you are a victim

    ~15s
    Contact your bank right away about unauthorized transactions. Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Document everything. If your Social Security number was stolen, visit identitytheft.gov.

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    fraud
    scams
    identity-theft
    finance

    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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