• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
PensionCheck Online  |  FPPA

PensionCheck Online | FPPA

The Official Blog of the Fire & Police Pension Association

  • Most Recent
  • FPPA News
  • Active Members
  • Retirement
  • Back To FPPAco.org

Beware of the Latest Financial Scams

The reality is no one—not even our first responders—is immune to fraud.

November 13, 2024 by Ryan Woodhouse

According to a February 2024 report from the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported more than $10 billion in losses to fraud last year, coming from 2.6 million individual claims. The report found that investment scams accounted for nearly half of the losses, but there are many other scams targeting Americans of all ages.

FPPA Members are, in general, a bit more skeptical than the average consumer, but no one is truly immune from fraud. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common scams targeting Americans right now, and a few ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.

Prevalent Financial Scams in 2024

Here are brief explanations of some of the most common scams currently affecting consumers:

  • AI-Powered Scams: Crooks use advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to create convincing emails or calls pretending
    to be someone or a legitimate company. These messages may ask for personal information, making it easier to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive details
  • Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pose as tech support representatives and claim that your computer has a virus or security issue. They then ask for remote access to your device or request payment for their services
  • Government Imposter Scams: Scammers pretend to be government officials (such as IRS agents or Medicare representatives) and demand immediate payment or personal information
  • Investment Scams: Scammers promise high returns on investments, often targeting seniors who are looking to secure their retirement funds
  • Check Fraud: Scammers send fake checks to victims, asking them to deposit the funds and wire a portion back. The checks eventually bounce, leaving the victim responsible for the entire amount

Remember to exercise caution when approached by anyone asking for personal information or money. If in doubt, verify the legitimacy of the request before taking any action.

Protect Yourself and Your Family From Fraud

Avoid becoming a victim by taking these steps:

  • Stay informed: Educate yourself about common scams and their tactics. Awareness is the first line of defense
  • Be skeptical: This probably feels like second nature to many readers. However, remember to always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, emails, or messages. Scammers often pretend to be someone trustworthy like a bank representative, government official, or family member. Verify their identity before sharing any personal information
  • Create your MAP account: If you don’t already have an active account on FPPA’s Member Account Portal, create one to ensure that bad actors do not gain access to your personal information
  • Monitor financial accounts, including MAP: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity promptly. This should include checking your beneficiaries, contact details and other account information on FPPA’s Member Account Portal
  • Beware of urgency and threats: Scammers often create a sense of urgency or fear to pressure victims into making quick decisions. Take your time and don‘t let anyone rush you
  • Consider an identity theft prevention service: These products help individuals secure their digital lives with tools to lock down their devices, safeguard their personally identifiable information, and protect their online activities
    • Many good options exist, and FPPA retirees can enroll in Norton LifeLock in the Retiree Insurance Portal

Remember, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, so staying informed and vigilant is crucial. If you suspect a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission or your local authorities.

Ryan Woodhouse
Ryan Woodhouse

Ryan Woodhouse is the Content and Publications Manager for the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado. When not managing content for FPPA, Ryan can be found fly fishing in the Colorado high country or shouting at the TV during University of Wisconsin football and basketball games.

Active Members,  Newsletter,  Retirement

Footer

Quick links

  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPPA on Facebook

Categories

  • Active Members
  • Appreciation
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19-Newsletter
  • Employers
  • FPPA News
  • Fun
  • Know Your Benefit
  • Newsletter
  • Retirement
  • Uncategorized
  • Webinars

Archives

  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • March 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • January 2018
  • October 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • February 2017
  • August 2016

Copyright © 2025 · Business Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in