Nine Ways to Protect Yourself From Scams

This guide outlines nine best practices to help individuals protect themselves from scams. It begins by emphasizing the importance of initiating interactions personally and verifying information through trusted sources. The document details the necessity of creating strong, unique passwords for various accounts, recommending the use of multifactor authentication and password managers. It also advises backing up important information and regularly updating software to mitigate risks. Monitoring financial accounts and reviewing credit reports annually are highlighted as crucial steps. The guide stresses the importance of being cautious online, particularly when using public Wi-Fi and sharing personal information on social media. Additionally, it suggests methods to reduce unwanted phone calls and text messages, such as registering with the National Do Not Call Registry. Finally, the guide encourages reporting scams to appropriate authorities, including the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission, to contribute to broader efforts against fraud.