Fraudulent schemes usually feel distant until they happen right in front of us. This blog details the personal experience of a senior vice president (SVP) at Ideal Credit Union, whose own close encounter with a scam underscores the pervasive and insidious nature of fraud. Here, we explore how easily anyone can become a target, even those well-versed in the mechanisms of financial deception.
Though smishing is a recently invented and silly-sounding word, the potential fallout of such a scam is considerable. Smishing, a mix of "SMS" and "phishing," is a type of phishing scam conducted through text messages. Smishing scams aim to exploit the unguarded attitude people often feel with their smartphones, capitalizing on the trust and urgency that text messages often carry.
Summer is a prime time for travel, but it can also be a season for scammers looking to take advantage of travelers. To travel safely and avoid scams, it's important to make your plans carefully and use reliable resources. Start by booking your travel through well-known, reputable agencies or direct service providers like airlines and hotels. Verify the authenticity of any travel deals by comparing them across multiple platforms. And before you leave, inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any interruptions in service due to unusual activity.
Negotiation is a pivotal element in the home buying process, often serving as the deciding factor in securing a property under terms favorable to you. This initial stage sets the tone for the transaction and requires a blend of strategy, communication and foresight. For buyers, understanding the nuances of negotiation can mean the difference between an overpriced purchase and buying one at (or even under!) market value. More than that, effective negotiation can also influence the other terms and conditions of the sale in your favor. But negotiation is not a skill that all aspiring homeowners have practiced, making it important to prepare for this stage of your home-buying journey.
