Are You an Easy Target? - Austin Real Estate Agent

Are You an Easy Target?

/ Lifestyle, Money / By
Share

Are You an Easy Target?

Scams and identity theft are becoming more common—and more sophisticated—every year. In fact, consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud and identity theft in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year.

With more of our financial information, personal data, and daily communication happening online, protecting yourself and your family has never been more important. Whether you’re managing finances, purchasing a home, or simply browsing online, knowing how to recognize and avoid scams can help keep your identity and finances secure.

Below are some practical steps to help protect yourself from fraud, phishing attempts, and identity theft.

Why Identity Theft and Online Fraud Are Increasing

Technology has made everyday life easier, but it has also created new opportunities for scammers. Fraud can occur through:

  • Phishing emails or text messages

  • Malware or suspicious downloads

  • Weak or reused passwords

  • Stolen documents or personal information

  • Unsecured online accounts or public Wi-Fi use

Many scams rely on creating urgency or fear—messages that claim there’s an issue with your bank account, taxes, or even a delivery you didn’t order. The key to staying safe is awareness.

Secure Your Identity

  • Monitor your credit cards/reports
  • Sign up for fraud alerts
  • Create complex passwords
  • Use two-factor authentication
  • Install antivirus software

Protect Yourself

As fraudsters become more tech-savvy, consumers must be as well. Share these tips with your family and friends, especially younger adults and seniors.

DO –

  • Have a “code” word for family members for phone calls or texts.
  • Verify requests from calls, emails, texts, social media or unexpected letters with a trusted course.
  • Ensure websites are legit (look for the padlock icon and correct URL spelling).
  • Be cautious using public Wi-Fi.
  • Collect your mail regularly.
  • Shred papers you don’t need.

DON’T –

  • Click on links in text messages.
  • Respond to “wrong number” texts.
  • Use QR codes you don’t trust.
  • Contact companies if they sent a package you didn’t expect.
  • Overshare on social media.
  • Respond to “urgent” messages from sources you can’t verify.

I hope these tips help protect you and your family. If you need a referral for any other type of professional, such as legal or IT, I can connect you to a great one in my my network. And oh, by the way…I’m never too busy for any of your referrals!

For a printable version of this newsletter, click here.

SOURCES: 1.idtheftcenter.org/post/2025-consumer-impact-report-financial-emotional-impacts-rise/ 2.-idtheftcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-2025-ITRC-Consumer-Impact-Report.pdf 3.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/identity-theft-statisics

Scroll to Top