October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it a great time to review the habits that help keep your information, accounts, and finances secure.
While technology continues to make everyday tasks easier, it has also created new opportunities for scammers. Fraud attempts can arrive through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, and even fake websites that appear legitimate.
However, many scams rely on the same tactics, and understanding a few common warning signs could help you avoid becoming a target.
Here are eight practical habits that can help reduce your risk.
Pause When Someone Creates Urgency
One of the most common fraud tactics is pressure.
Scammers may claim:
- Your account has been locked
- A package can’t be delivered
- Your bank account is at risk
- A loved one needs immediate help
- You owe money and must pay now
When someone demands immediate action, take a step back. Legitimate organizations generally allow time to verify information and understand your options. A simple pause can prevent costly mistakes.
Verify Before You Trust
Scammers often impersonate businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, and even family members.
If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email:
- Don’t rely on the contact information provided in the message.
- Visit the organization’s official website.
- Call a verified phone number.
- Contact the person directly through a known method.
Scammers may also target homebuyers by posing as real estate professionals, title companies, or lenders and providing fraudulent wiring instructions. Always verify payment instructions through a trusted phone number before sending funds.
Independent verification is one of the most effective ways to stop fraud.
Monitor Your Financial Accounts Regularly
Early detection can make a significant difference when dealing with fraud or potential identity theft.
Get in the habit of:
- Signing up for transaction alerts
- Reviewing account activity
- Checking monthly statements
- Monitoring your credit reports
The sooner suspicious activity is identified, the sooner action can be taken.
Be Cautious with Links and Attachments
Unexpected emails and text messages often contain links designed to steal passwords or install malware.
Before clicking:
- Check the sender carefully.
- Look for misspellings or unusual website addresses.
- Be skeptical of unexpected attachments.
- When in doubt, navigate directly to the company’s website instead of using a link.
Many scams succeed because they catch people off guard.
Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
Passwords remain one of the first lines of defense.
Consider:
- Using a unique password for every account
- Creating long, complex passwords
- Using a password manager
- Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available
MFA adds another layer of protection, making it more difficult for criminals to access accounts even if a password becomes compromised.
Watch for Unusual Payment Requests
A common red flag is being asked to pay in unconventional ways.
Be cautious if someone requests:
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers
- Cryptocurrency
- Payment apps for an unexpected debt
Scammers prefer payment methods that are difficult to trace or recover.
Protect Personal Information
Information such as account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and verification codes should be protected carefully.
Before sharing sensitive information, ask:
- Who is requesting it?
- Why is it needed?
- Did I initiate this contact?
If something feels suspicious, stop and verify before responding.
Speak Up and Report Fraud
Scammers often depend on embarrassment or fear to prevent victims from seeking help.
If you suspect fraud:
- Contact your financial institution immediately.
- Report suspicious activity as soon as possible.
- Save relevant emails, texts, and documentation.
- Share what happened with trusted family members or friends if appropriate.
Reporting fraud may help stop additional losses and could help protect others from becoming victims.
Some Groups Face Higher Fraud Risks
While fraud can affect anyone, certain life circumstances may increase vulnerability. Older adults are frequently targeted because scammers believe they may have accumulated savings, strong credit histories, or a higher tendency to trust authority figures and familiar institutions. Major life changes, isolation, and rapidly evolving technology can also create opportunities for fraudsters.
Other groups frequently targeted include:
- College students and young adults
- Online shoppers
- Frequent social media users
- Small business owners
- Individuals experiencing major life events, such as moving, divorce, or the loss of a loved one
Help Protect the People You Care About
Fraud prevention isn’t just personal. Sharing scam awareness with family members, friends, and aging parents can help everyone stay safer. Open conversations about scams reduce stigma and make it easier for people to ask questions or seek help when something seems suspicious.
At Granite Bank, protecting our customers’ financial well-being is important to us. While scammers continue to evolve their tactics, awareness and vigilance remain some of the best tools for reducing fraud risk.
Download Our Fraud Prevention Quick Reference Guide
Click here to download our guide.
Bottom Line
Fraud prevention isn’t about being an expert in cybersecurity. It’s about developing habits that make it harder for scammers to succeed.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a few minutes to review your passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, monitor your accounts, and talk with family members about common scam tactics.
When something feels urgent, unexpected, or too good to be true, slow down and verify first.
