As technology continues to evolve, so do the tricks scammers use to steal personal and financial information. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to remind our clients and their families to stay alert and informed.

At Messett Financial, your security and peace of mind are just as important as your financial goals. Here are some scams and phishing tactics to watch out for this October:

1. Fake “Bank” or “IRS” Emails

Scammers often send emails or texts claiming to be from your bank, the IRS, or another trusted institution. These messages may say there’s an “urgent issue” and ask you to click a link or share personal information. Remember: legitimate organizations will never ask you to confirm sensitive details over email.

2. Holiday Shopping Scams

With the holiday season around the corner, fake online stores and too-good-to-be-true deals may pop up. Always shop from trusted retailers and double-check website URLs before entering payment details.

3. Social Media Phishing

Scammers use fake accounts or messages on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to trick you into sharing personal information. Be cautious of links sent from unfamiliar contacts—even if they look friendly.

4. Phone Call “Spoofing”

Fraudsters can make their calls look like they’re coming from a local number, a bank, or even government agencies. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number directly.

5. Investment or “Get Rich Quick” Schemes

Scammers may promote “guaranteed returns” on investments. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify investment opportunities with a trusted financial advisor before committing.

Tips to Protect Yourself

  • Don’t click links in suspicious emails or texts.

  • Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.

  • Use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.

  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements frequently.

  • When in doubt, verify directly with the organization before taking action.

At Messett Financial, we’re here to help you protect not only your wealth but also your personal information. Staying informed is one of the best defenses against scams.

Stay safe, stay alert, and have a scam-free October!