Each year, our office helps clients navigate the aftermath of fraud—often involving compromised checking accounts or unauthorized banking activity. These situations can be unsettling, but you're not alone—and there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
If you become a victim of cybercrime, please remember:
It is not your fault – Cybercriminals are skilled at deception and know how to make their requests seem legitimate.
Report the crime – You can file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a central hub for tracking and addressing cybercrime.
Earlier this month, we were fortunate to host Emily Voigt, a Crime Prevention Specialist with the St. Cloud Police Department. Emily shared valuable insights into how cybercriminals operate, how to recognize the red flags of fraud, and what practical steps we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones from online scams.
According to newly released data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024—a staggering 25% increase from the previous year. One surprising statistic: younger adults (ages 20–29) reported losing money to fraud more often (44%) than older adults (24% of those ages 70–79). However, when older adults were targeted, their median loss was significantly higher.
The National Council on Aging refers to financial scams targeting seniors as the "crime of the 21st century", due to how widespread and devastating they’ve become.
Common Warning Signs of a Scam
Being able to recognize red flags can help you avoid becoming a victim. Be alert if:
You're contacted out of the blue. Scammers often pose as trusted organizations—or even people you know.
You're told there’s an urgent problem. Pressure tactics may involve claims of overdue bills, account issues, or legal trouble.
You're told you’ve won a prize. (Oh, how we wish we won as often as our inboxes say we do!)
You’re asked to pay in unusual ways. Demands for wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are major red flags.
You’re told to act immediately. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to keep you from thinking it through.
You’re asked to keep it a secret. For example: “Don’t tell Mom or Dad I got arrested—just wire me the bail money!” This is a common imposter scam.
It seems too good to be true. Trust your instincts—if it feels off, it probably is.
A Note on Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams are increasingly common. You might see a pop-up message claiming your computer is infected and urging you to call a number immediately. The goal? To convince you to pay for services you don’t need—often granting scammers access to your computer or personal data.
If this happens, STOP and THINK before taking any action. Legitimate tech companies won’t reach out to you this way or ask for remote access without your permission.
If you see a pop-up window like this on your computer, do not call the number. Legitimate security warnings from trusted companies will never ask you to call a phone number or click on a suspicious link. These messages are designed to create a sense of urgency—but stopping to pause and verify can protect you from unnecessary harm.
If you think there may be an issue with your computer, start by updating your security software and running a full scan. If you need help resolving the problem, reach out to someone you know and trust—whether that’s a reputable tech support provider or a knowledgeable friend or family member. Avoid responding to unsolicited offers for help, especially from pop-up messages or emails.
Scammers often use emails or text messages to trick you into clicking on a malicious link or opening an infected attachment. These messages may appear to come from a company you know and trust—such as your bank, credit card company, or utility provider.
Common tactics include:
Claims of suspicious activity or failed login attempts on your account
Requests to verify or update your payment information
Warnings that your account will be suspended unless you act quickly
While the message may look official, the links or attachments often contain malware or direct you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
Here’s a real-world example of a phishing email, along with red flags that can help you spot why it isn’t legitimate:
While legitimate companies may reach out by email, they won’t ask you to update sensitive information—like payment details—through a link in a message. Phishing emails can have very real consequences, including identity theft and financial loss, for those who unknowingly share their personal information.
What else can you do to minimize your risk?
Here are a few proactive steps to help protect your personal information and reduce your exposure:
Delete old or unused accounts. These can be easy targets for hackers, especially if they still contain personal data.
Review and tighten privacy settings on active accounts, especially on social media, to limit what information is shared publicly.
Unsubscribe from email lists you no longer care about—or consider creating a separate email account for things like online shopping or newsletters.
Disable location services and tracking on apps and devices when they’re not needed.
Think before you post. Even if you delete something, it may have already been saved, shared, or archived elsewhere.
So, who’s working to keep us safe online?
Several agencies and organizations are dedicated to protecting consumers and investigating cybercrime:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The primary agency focused on protecting consumers from fraud, scams, and deceptive practices.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Investigates cybercrime and organized crime on a national and international scale.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): A partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, IC3 is where you can report suspected cybercrimes.
Local Law Enforcement: Many local departments have dedicated crime prevention specialists and cybercrime resources to support community safety.
One Last Resource
If you’re interested in seeing the bigger picture, check out the FTC’s Scammy Snapshot of 2024. This annual report highlights the most common scams, who’s being targeted, and how much money was lost—helping consumers stay informed and better prepared.
To wrap up...
Be mindful of what you share online, the websites you visit, and the links you click. Never share personal or financial information with unfamiliar individuals or on untrustworthy sites.
And remember: if something feels “off,” it probably is.
Staying informed, alert, and cautious is one of the best ways to protect yourself—and those you care about—from cybercrime.