Internet Scams

Wealthy Behaviors

Internet Scams

Posted on October 26, 2026

Common Internet Scams and How to Protect Your Financial Future

An email says your account has been locked. A caller warns that your retirement savings are at risk. Someone you met online has an investment opportunity they insist you cannot miss.

Different stories, same goal: getting you to act before you have time to think. Protecting the financial future you have worked hard to build includes knowing when to slow down, when to ask questions, and when to call someone you trust.

Here are common scams to recognize and practical ways to protect yourself.

Phishing and Impersonation

A text about a delivery, an overdue bill, or suspicious account activity may lead to a fake website designed to steal your login information. Criminals can disguise email addresses and caller ID numbers to appear familiar.

Instead of clicking a link or calling the number provided, open the company’s official app or use a phone number from your statement. Never share passwords or one-time security codes with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Caller ID alone does not verify who is contacting you.

Fake Fraud Alerts and Tech Support

A caller claiming to represent your bank says you must move your savings into a “safe account.” A pop-up warns that your computer is infected and directs you to call for help. The person offering protection may be the person trying to steal from you.

End the conversation and contact the organization independently. Never transfer money at an unexpected caller’s direction or grant remote access to your device because of an unsolicited warning. Demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or secrecy are additional warning signs.

Investment Offers that Promise Too Much

An unsolicited message, social media ad, or online group promotes impressive returns with little or no risk. There may be a polished website, glowing testimonials, or a supposed celebrity endorsement.

Every investment carries risk. Guaranteed high returns and pressure to invest immediately deserve scrutiny. Before sending money, discuss the opportunity with your advisor and independently research the investment and the person offering it. A professional-looking presentation does not replace due diligence.

Payment Instructions that Suddenly Change

An email appears to come from a familiar business or professional, but it includes a new account number for your payment. Criminals can impersonate trusted contacts or take over real email accounts, making fraudulent instructions look convincing.

Before wiring money or changing payment details, confirm the instructions by calling a number you already know is legitimate. Replying to the same email does not independently verify the request.

Relationships that Turn Into Financial Requests

Some scams begin with friendly conversations on social media, dating apps, or a supposedly accidental text. Over time, the person builds trust before introducing an emergency, a request for money, or an investment tip.

Be cautious when someone you have never met in person asks for financial help. Do not send money or share account information. If a new online connection starts steering your financial decisions, talk with someone you trust before taking action.

Build a Few Protective Habits

Use a strong, unique password for each account, and consider a reputable password manager. Enable multifactor authentication wherever available, especially for financial accounts and email. Keep devices and software updated, review statements regularly, and turn on account activity alerts.

These habits cannot eliminate every threat, but they can make unauthorized access harder and help you spot a problem sooner.

If You Suspect a Scam

Contact your Larson advisor immediately if you believe you may have been targeted or victimized. You do not need to be certain, and there is no reason to feel embarrassed. We want to hear from you while there is still an opportunity to act.

Also contact the affected bank, custodian, or payment provider right away using verified contact information. Explain what happened and ask whether a payment can be stopped or recalled and how to secure your accounts. Recovery is not guaranteed, but prompt reporting matters.

Stop communicating with the suspected scammer, preserve messages and transaction details, and change compromised passwords from a trusted device. Report the incident at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov. Be wary of anyone who later promises to recover your money for an upfront fee.

Protecting your wealth is a team effort. If something feels off, pause and call. We would much rather help you check a concern today than learn about a loss tomorrow.