Blogs

Questioning the authenticity of your new online relationship? Are the stars aligning or is there something more to the story? If you have doubts about your newfound romance, it could be a warning sign of a potential romance scam. Every year, countless Americans become targets of romance scams, where skilled social engineers use various tactics to deceive their victims. The consequences can be devastating. These scams not only cause severe financial and emotional harm but also emphasize the importance of recognizing and understanding the strategies used by these scammers. Romance scams have had...

As we ring in the new year together, we want you to know that our team continues to prioritize your financial security. It is our goal to ensure you are well-prepared to tackle evolving fraud threats. Read on to learn more about emerging fraud schemes that scammers will use in 2024. Artificial Intelligence + Social Engineering = Imposter Scams In 2023, imposter scams experienced rapid growth as a prevalent form of fraud, and we expect this trend to continue in 2024. The prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) makes it difficult to discern truth from deception in our emails, text messages...

Despite economic fluctuations over the past year, average Americans continue to spend during the holiday season. The latest statistics suggest that online sales are projected to grow by 4.8% year-over-year, reaching $221.8 billion this year. Navigating the challenges of rising inflation and finding holiday joy can be complex. To navigate this, let’s analyze past and present holiday shopping patterns as a reference. Additionally, we’ll identify strategies to maximize your enjoyment during this festive season. A Brief Look at Past Holiday Spending Statistics The holiday spending statistics of...

The weather outside? Frightful. The halls? Decked. The sleigh bells? Ringing. But check your list twice as fraudsters are out in full force this holiday season! As your financial partner, our team is committed to help safeguard your information because what is important to you, is important to us. We have gathered some tips to help you protect yourself from the common scams and schemes. Practice Safe Online Shopping Scammers can effortlessly create fake websites, or replicate existing ones, to deceive customers. Their goal is to collect personal information and credit or debit card details or...

Gear up for the season with our holiday budgeting tips! Maximize your festive cheer while staying on track with your financial plans. While it’s better to give than receive, you can take charge of your expenses this season with effective holiday budgeting tips. Understanding Our Spending Intentions Before we get into our budgeting tips, it’s important to understand why you might be tempted to buy more this holiday season. Stress can be a key factor in overspending and is sometimes more stressful than the holidays. You might also feel social pressure to buy certain in-demand items. Or a flash...