Every year, thousands – yes thousands – of new scams are exposed, attempting to deceive people out of money and information.
From sending false emails and text messages to stealing your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security number, criminals are hard at work trying to steal from you. There are many (simple) ways you can protect yourself and your family from these potential scams.
April is National Financial Literacy Month, a good time to think about the best ways to guard your finances. Doing so can give you more peace of mind and adds an extra layer of security to your financial well-being.
Protect yourself against scammers
The Better Business Bureau has compiled 10 tips to help you avoid most scams. It includes some familiar tips like not believing everything you see and don’t click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. It also offers suggestions like resisting the pressure to make an immediate decision without having a chance to think it through or ask family or friends.
U-M Information and Technology also provides information on common scams and what scams and fraud has been seen at U-M.
Scammers are also targeting those who might be affected financially by the pandemic. State of Michigan and federal regulators are warning of scammers who claim they can offer residents assistance with their monthly rent payments, but instead steal personal and financial information. (If you are in need of rental assistance, a reliable source is the Michigan State Housing Development Authority [MSHDA], which offers the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program to help with pandemic-related hardships.)
Support your financial well-being
Protecting your finances and understanding money matters go hand-in-hand. MHealthy’s website includes information, programs, and university and national resources to help support your financial well-being.
Additionally, if you have an immediate need or need help navigating a financial crisis, services are also available.
- MHealthy’s confidential Resource Coach Program offers one-on-one help with finding U-M or community resources.
- The Emergency Hardship Program may be an option for faculty and staff facing a sudden and significant hardship.
- The university regularly updates this collection of programs and resources focused on well-being during the pandemic that includes services related to financial well-being.
