Scammers Beware! Fraud Protection and Prevention Strategies with Judah Montano

<span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s nothing better than settling in with a bowl of popcorn and a scandalous tale of deceit. When viewed from a safe distance, it's difficult to imagine ever falling prey to those outrageous financial scams. But what happens when the drama hits close to home? </span> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer learn that shame-free discussions coupled with innovative safety measures can prevent real-life swindlers from taking advantage of you and the ones you love––with Judah Montano, Fraud Prevention Manager, Del Norte Credit Union.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Money is an emotional matter, so it makes sense that scammers exploit feelings of loneliness, boredom, inadequacy, or worry to gain financial access. “These people spend a lot of time really building a strong social connection with victims,” says Judah, explaining that the attention is often intoxicating, alarming, or both. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The speed at which scammers convince even the most cautious individual to wire money overseas or turn over sensitive personal details is dizzying. Seniors are particularly susceptible to financial ruin through windfall emails and courtesy call scams. In the former, the “winner” is notified of tax due before they can collect winnings. In the latter, victims are coerced into helping a fraudulent bank representative rectify erroneous activity on their account. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Teens are increasingly at risk via scams conducted over social media. The sugar daddy/sugar mama scheme offers excitement and a lavish lifestyle in return for seemingly innocuous assistance. The FOMO scam also promises a fast track to wealth by tugging at a teen’s fear of missing out on cryptocurrency millions and other get-rich-quick schemes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Del Norte Credit Union’s brand new online banking system protects members from potentially costly scams and identity theft.