Protect yourself by staying informed about the latest scams and fraud.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to safeguard sensitive card information to prevent an interruption in your ability to make important purchases. Be sure to report a lost or stolen card to your financial institution immediately.
A quick web search for “data breach” reveals countless recent hits detailing major data breaches. One of the biggest risks following a data breach is that scammers could use your stolen personal information to open a loan or a line of credit in your name, potentially damaging your credit score or leaving you to pay for the fraudulent charges.
Phishing is a technique employed by cybercriminals to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information or installing malware on their devices. This method is executed through various channels such as phone calls, emails, SMS texts, or even social media messages.
Identity theft is a type of crime where someone obtains another person’s personal information without their permission or knowledge and uses that information to commit fraud or other illegal activities. The personal information that is commonly targeted includes names, addresses, birthdates, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account information.
This year, tax crimes have become more complex and sinister than ever before, including scams like identity theft, phishing, fake charities, false claims, and more. This article will cover new fraud schemes and reoccurring ones in hopes of helping you understand what to watch for and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Medical identity theft occurs when someone’s name, Social Security number, or insurance information is used to submit fraudulent insurance claims.
With identity theft on the rise, and scammers only getting better at what they do, it helps to stay aware of how fraudsters may be targeting your personal information and your good name. The most successful scams will continue to be circulated until they stop being an effective way for criminals to steal from their victims.
Although new attacks regularly come to the attention of cybersecurity experts, these are the most common types that you can watch for and protect yourself against.
Zelle, CashApp, and Venmo are popular money transfer apps that allow you to send and receive money to and from other individuals instantly, just like handing over cash, even if you and your payee have accounts with different financial institutions.
Member Advisory
SESLOC’s 2024 Shred Day events break nine years of records by serving 746 visitors and shredding nearly 42,000 pounds of paper! Thanks to our members who attended the events at our San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Santa Maria branches, plus our new Lompoc event location. In total, we recycled 133 total bins with about 21 tons of shredded paper— saving 357 trees, 147,000 gallons of water, 63 cubic yards of landfill space, and 84,000 kilowatts of electricity!
On Friday, October 11, SESLOC returned to Pacific Beach High School in San Luis Obispo for a second year to engage 55 students in the Bite of Reality simulation. This hands-on event immerses students in a realistic budgeting app, providing them with valuable insights into managing finances. Through interactive scenarios, participants learn to navigate the distinction between needs and wants, equipping them with essential budgeting skills for real life.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We’re thrilled to introduce Len Hoskins, from the DANA Adobe.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we’re offering tips, webinars, and services to help make the internet safer and more secure.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We’re thrilled to introduce David Cook, from Community Partners in Caring.
