On This Episode:
The Psychology Behind the Scam
Most modern scams don’t start with technology—they start with emotion. Fraudsters prey on fear, urgency, and even loneliness. A “bank alert” about a suspended account, a fake call from a government agency, or a message from a supposed friend in need can trigger quick reactions that override logic. Their goal is to make you act now before you have time to think.
Red Flags to Watch For
Even the most financially savvy professionals are vulnerable. Warning signs include:
- Unsolicited texts or emails requesting immediate payment or personal information.
- Pop-ups claiming your computer has a virus and urging you to call “tech support.”
- Requests to move money to “safe” accounts.
- Messages using fear or urgency to bypass your skepticism.
If something feels off, pause. Contact the institution directly through verified channels—never respond to the message itself.
Smart Defensive Moves
Protecting yourself and your loved ones starts with awareness and good digital hygiene:
- Enable fraud alerts on all credit and bank accounts.
- Freeze your credit with the three major bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts.
- Use multifactor authentication and strong, unique passwords for every login.
- Monitor elderly relatives’ accounts—they are frequent targets of scams involving trust or isolation.
- Use services to track unusual account activity and data breaches.
A New Form of Financial Self-Defense
In a world where scammers can clone voices and create convincing fakes, digital security is financial security. Treat your online accounts, devices, and personal data with the same care as your wallet or home. Educate your family, especially older relatives, and build a routine of verifying before acting.
Staying vigilant won’t make you paranoid. It will make you prepared. And in today’s digital world, that’s the smartest investment you can make.
Find out how customized planning can help you reach your goals.
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side! Click here for more details and to register
Important Links:
"The digital landscape has changed dramatically, and unfortunately, scammers have evolved right along with it."
- Jeremy Stanley, CFP®
Jeremy Stanley offers investment advice through Private Advisor Group, which is a federally registered investment advisor. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for individuals. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.
