Protect Yourself from Financial Fraud

Federal Trade Commission data shows $12.5

Billion in reported loss to fraud in 2024 in USA

(left) Rotarian Brent Frey, a local financial advisor and President Justin Rubin

      Rotarian Brent Frey’s March 18, 2025 program promoted educating yourself and family to financial fraud. Brent said that the biggest threat is “phishing” where con artists trick people into giving secret/ private information using fake emails or websites. The second most common fraud is by dishonest caregiver (relatives or paid in- home helpers).   Another fraud, called “grandparent call” where the caller pretends to be a grandchild who needs money to “get out of jail” or some sticky situation. Several Rotarians acknowledged that they knew of people who were ALMOST caught in this trick. Brent’s Quick Tips: 1. Shred financial documents with personal information before discarding. 2. Protect Social Security numbers. Do not carry cards with you. 3. Do not give personal information over the phone, mail or internet. 4.  Be wary if the caller insists that you must “ act now!” Finally,   Brent said that the IRS nor Social Security does NOT phone people. Anything from US Government comes by mail.