Don’t Fall Prey to Mobile Scams: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Finances

June 26, 2023

In our tech-driven world, your mobile device is more than just a phone. It’s your personal assistant, go-to shopping hub and trusted bank, all in one handy package. But risk comes along with this convenience, as financial scams might lurk in the most unexpected corners of your device. Thankfully, a few savvy tips can help protect you from these digital threats.

Think Before You Click

First, a fundamental consideration: Think before you click. Your mobile device may be peppered with emails, text messages or app notifications, often containing links. These might seem harmless but could be traps laid by cyber crooks. Before clicking, ask yourself, “Do I know the sender?” If the answer is no, think twice. 

If the answer is yes but something still seems off, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Double-check with the sender through a different method of communication, like a phone call or text, to confirm the link is legit.

All About the Details

Our second tip is all about the details. While cybercriminals can skillfully mimic legitimate businesses, subtle clues might call their authenticity into question. Watch out for spelling errors, odd formatting, or glitches. If an email from your bank suddenly has an unfamiliar logo, or a favorite shopping site has a different layout, these are red flags. Legitimate organizations take pride in their appearance both physically and digitally. If something seems amiss, trust your gut, and reach out to the organization directly.

That said, nobody’s perfect and accidents happen. If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link, don’t panic. Your first instinct might be to change your password, and that’s a good step to take, but more should be done. If you’re concerned about any scam potentially impacting your Affinity account, please contact our Member Solution Hub ¹ for support at 800-325-0808. Be sure to also report the incident to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Prevention Is the Best Cure

Of course, prevention is the best cure, so let’s talk about some additional safeguards. Keeping your device’s operating system and apps updated is a small measure that can have a big impact. Updates often contain security patches that protect users from newly discovered threats. You can even set up your device to update apps automatically, so it doesn’t need to be top of mind. Also, consider enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to access your information even if they manage to snag your password.

Remember, knowledge is your best defense against scams. Stay informed about the latest threats through resources like the FTC’s scam alerts.² With awareness and a little caution, you can enjoy the convenience of mobile banking worry-free. Affinity is here to support you every step of the way.

This information is for informational purposes only and is intended to provide general guidance and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each person’s circumstances are different and may not apply to the specific information provided. You should seek the advice of a financial professional, tax consultant, and/or legal counsel to discuss your specific needs before making any financial or other commitments