Blogs

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently released data on the top reported consumer frauds of 2023. The most frequently reported frauds involved imposter scams and other social engineering schemes, resulting in significant losses. These statistics, based on reported cases, underline the importance of reporting fraud to the FTC. Learn more about the manipulative tactics scammers use and how to help protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. In 2023, the FTC received 2.6 million fraud reports, with 27% of them resulting in losses. These losses amounted to $10 BILLION nationwide...

Everyone deserves a break and summer is right around the corner. Are you ready to make amazing summer memories? We’ve got essential summer travel tips to make your vacation a memorable one while staying within your budget. From packing hacks to destination recommendations, this list is all you’ll need for summer travel on a budget. Sit back, grab a refreshing drink, and let us help you plan a relaxing vacation that won’t break the bank. Choose the Perfect Destination Everyone’s budget is different and it’s important to stay within your means. While every vacation can be a memorable, valuable...

Technology moves fast, and so do fraudsters. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought advancements in many areas, including medical research, manufacturing and agriculture, as well as in how we interact with technology. However, AI has also created opportunities for bad actors to manipulate what we see and hear for their own benefit. Let’s explore how some of these innovations are at the heart of devious schemes. Online Chat: Fraudsters Are Impersonating Friends & Family with AI Talking to friends online is great. You can interact with people all over the world! But how can you...

Your dream kitchen, bathroom, patio, or basement could be within reach if you’re sitting on home equity. Whether you’re looking to add an addition, finish a room, or enclose a patio, a remodel can add value to your house over time. Not sure where to start? There are numerous ways to add value to your home, so let’s explore some of the options together. Here are some of the most common home upgrades that add value to your home. Bathroom Upgrades Have an Impressive ROI If your family constantly battles for the bathroom or if you frequently host guests, consider expanding your house with an...

Fraudsters today are smarter than ever. As technology advances, so do their tactics. As a consumer, you need to be aware of the latest fraud schemes to help protect yourself. Let’s discuss some ways scammers are impersonating the IRS to trick victims and steal your hard-earned cash. IRS Impersonation Scams If you’re like most of the U.S. population, you’ve probably screened some phone calls from scammers. During tax season and beyond, con artists are capitalizing on impersonation. They make unsolicited calls claiming to be IRS officials, demanding the victim pay a bogus tax bill. The...