A Practical Guide to Staying Safe in Today’s Digital World

A little awareness can go a long way.

Living in a few different states has taught me that every place has its own version of “watch your step.” It often feels like there should be a simple guide waiting for you when you arrive somewhere new. A quick heads up on what to be aware of while you’re there. In Utah, it might be rattlesnakes. In Arizona, a massive dust storm that appears out of nowhere. In Maryland, something as simple as brushing up against the wrong kind of leaf. None of it feels obvious until you’re in it. Consider this your guide to navigating what isn’t always obvious in today’s digital landscape.

Financial scams are becoming more sophisticated. As the tactics evolve, our awareness must evolve with them. Anyone can find themselves at risk, but especially those who don’t know what to look out for.

We want to help you protect your family, assets, identity, and peace of mind. Below are a few practical ways to recognize risks, stay ahead of them, and know what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

What to Watch Out For

Scams and fraud attempts come in many forms. Understanding common tactics can help prevent identity theft and financial loss.

Identity theft and data breaches expose personal information such as Social Security numbers, passwords, or account details. Criminals use this information to access financial accounts or impersonate victims.

Email and communication scams attempt to trick you into sharing information or sending money. These messages may request updated payment instructions or urge you to take immediate action.

Investment scams promise unusually high returns or exclusive access. Some build trust slowly before requesting funds. Others create pressure to act quickly. If something feels rushed or unusually profitable, pause and consult your advisor.

Technology support scams use fake warnings or calls to gain remote access to devices.

Check fraud and payment fraud involve intercepting checks or altering payment details to redirect funds.

Preventative Practices to Stay Safe

A few simple habits, practiced consistently, can significantly strengthen your financial security.

• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
• Monitor your accounts regularly and review statements carefully
• Avoid conducting sensitive financial transactions on public Wi-Fi networks
• Keep devices and software updated
• Limit personal information shared online
• Consider fraud alerts where applicable
• Freeze your credit

Tools to Use to Identify Scams

Scammers often rely on pressure, speed, and familiarity to help them get what they want. Stay alert. If something feels unusual, suspicious, or makes you feel uncomfortable, take it seriously.

The Power of Pause

Before clicking a link or opening an attachment, ask yourself whether you were expecting it. If not, pause. Messages such as “You’ve won!” or “URGENT!” are designed to trigger quick reactions. Small pauses can prevent significant financial loss.

Spelling Police

Examine email addresses and website URLs closely. Scam communications often include subtle spelling changes. For example, an email from “employee@shwab.com” may look legitimate at first glance, but it’s not.

Stop, Drop, and Call Directly

If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call from someone claiming to be from your bank, Charles Schwab, or even our office, hang up and initiate the call yourself using a trusted number. Do not use any phone numbers, links, or contact information they provided to you to verify. Even if it looks legitimate, it may connect you right back to the scammer. Instead, go directly to a known source, such as your saved contacts or the official website to verify.

Even if it really is us reaching out, we fully support you taking this extra step to confirm, and we know Charles Schwab will too.

Google It

You’re not the only one trying to actively avoid scams. A helpful tip many people overlook is googling the specific language in a suspicious message and adding the word “scam”. Often you will find that others have reported the same message.

Suspicious Activity

Even careful families can encounter suspicious activity. Acting quickly can significantly reduce harm. When in doubt, it’s always better to reach out, even if it turns out to be nothing.

If you experience suspicious activity, here are a few important steps to take:

• Secure accounts and change passwords
• Contact your advisor immediately
• Report identity theft through IdentityTheft.gov when appropriate

You do not have to navigate financial fraud concerns alone.

As Scams Level Up, So Do We

Even small steps can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your identity, assets, and family. If something ever feels uncertain, please reach out. We are here to help you safeguard your financial life and continue building a legacy beyond your wealth.

Journey Beyond Wealth (“JBW”) is an Investment Advisor registered with the SEC. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. Registration of an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or the completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. We may, from time to time, have a position in the securities mentioned and may execute transactions that may not be consistent with this communication's conclusions. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. Please contact us if there is any change in your financial situation, needs, goals or objectives, or if you wish to initiate any restrictions on the management of the account or modify existing restrictions.