How to Keep Your Money Safe from Scammers

Financial Literacy Month is typically about learning how to manage your money better and save for the future. But it's also important to know how to keep your money safe from scammers.

Scammers are tricky—they target people of all ages and backgrounds and use sneaky methods to steal your money and personal information. Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe:

• If someone asks you to pay with a gift card, it's a scam. Gift cards are for buying gifts, not for paying bills or fees.
• Never share your personal or bank information if you weren't expecting a call, email, or text.
• Real jobs won't ask you to pay to apply or work. If someone asks for money upfront, it's probably a scam.
• Don't feel pressured to make a decision right away. Scammers want you to act fast so you don't have time to think.
• If something seems fishy, talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or neighbor—before doing anything else.

Additionally, take the initiative to educate yourself on safeguarding your identity and sensitive information. Through Provident's free financial resource, Enrich offers a short course titled "Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Scams" to help you learn how to safeguard your identity and sensitive information. By doing so, you can confidently manage your finances and prevent the efforts of scammers.