In today’s digital world, scams are everywhere—from suspicious phone calls to deceptive emails and fake websites. But the good news is: protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. By adopting a few intentional habits into your daily routine, you can dramatically reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud.
Here are three simple, practical ways to scam-proof your life starting today:
Think twice before picking up that unexpected call. If you don’t recognize the number, let it ring and go to voicemail. Most legitimate callers will leave a message. Scammers typically don’t. This one habit alone can help you avoid robocalls, phishing attempts, and high-pressure scam tactics aimed at getting your personal data or money.
One of the most valuable things you have is your personal data. Whether online or over the phone, never share sensitive details such as:
Full name
Home address
Phone number
Social Security Number
Passwords
Credit card or bank information
Names of family members
Insurance or Medicare numbers
But it’s not just about what you say—it’s also about what you leave behind. Make it a habit to shred anything that contains personal data, even if it’s “just junk mail.” That includes insurance documents, credit card offers, bank statements, and medical correspondence.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in public places. If you need to discuss sensitive information, ensure you’re in a private space. Assume that others around you can see and hear what you’re doing.
Cybercriminals often send links that look legitimate but are designed to steal your information or install malware. Instead of clicking on links in texts or emails, take a safer route:
Manually type the web address into your browser.
Bookmark trusted websites (like your bank, healthcare provider, or favorite retailers) so you’re always visiting the correct site.
This habit is especially important for high-traffic websites like Medicare, financial institutions, or online retailers. If you’re ever in doubt about a message, contact the organization directly using contact details from their official website.
When something seems off, take a few extra seconds to verify it. Look up the company or sender independently using a reliable source, and contact them directly through official channels.
These habits may seem small, but they add up to powerful protection against fraud. You’ve worked hard to build a secure life—incorporating these simple routines will help you keep it that way.
Take a moment today to:
Update your bookmarks,
Check your voicemail settings,
And shred those old statements.
Your future self will thank you.
For more tips on staying safe online, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Internet Safety Guide.
