Online scams aren’t just a “big city” problem anymore — they’ve reached rural communities, too. Every year, more families, retirees, and small business owners in towns like ours find themselves the targets of increasingly sophisticated online fraud.
According to the FBI’s most recent Internet Crime Report, Americans reported more than 859,000 cases of suspected online fraud, totaling over $16 billion in losses — a 33% increase from the prior year. And experts believe that number is still far below the real total, since many victims never report what happened.
That’s why it’s so important to talk openly about this topic. At our firm, we’ve seen how one quick decision — or one small pause — can make all the difference between becoming a victim and staying protected.
Who’s Being Targeted — and Why
Scammers don’t discriminate, but they do target certain groups more heavily. The FBI reports that individuals over age 60 suffered nearly $5 billion in losses last year — double what was reported by those in their 50s.
These aren’t careless people; they’re often diligent savers, retired professionals, or small business owners who’ve built their lives on trust and relationships.
That’s what scammers count on. They don’t just send out fake emails — they build stories. They use fear (“Your account has been compromised!”), urgency (“Act now or lose your funds!”), and even affection (“I care about you — trust me with this investment.”).
One of the most important things we can do is slow down. When your emotions are involved — whether fear or excitement — that’s when you’re most vulnerable to manipulation.
The Rise of Crypto and Digital Scams
Cryptocurrency — like Bitcoin or Ethereum — has grown in popularity over the last few years. Some use it for fast payments, others treat it like an investment. But it’s important to understand: crypto doesn’t come with the same protections that bank accounts or credit cards offer.
Once a cryptocurrency payment is sent, it’s gone. There’s no “fraud department” to reverse it.
We’ve seen scams take many forms:
Investment offers promising big returns with “no risk.”
Job postings that sound legitimate but require you to “deposit” crypto to get started.
Fake tech support calls where the “agent” asks you to move your money to protect it.
One client once called us after receiving a message that their bank account was frozen and they needed to “verify their identity.” The email looked authentic — same logo, same tone — but they decided to check with us first. That one call likely saved them a major financial loss.
That’s the difference awareness makes.
Real People, Real Stories
It’s easy to read these statistics and think, “That would never happen to me.” But even the most careful people can get caught off guard.
We’ve seen people approached through social media or dating sites by someone who seems genuine — until the conversation turns to money. Often it starts small: “I just need a little help covering this expense.” But over time, it snowballs.
In one instance, a client told us about someone they’d met online who asked for money to attend a “meet-and-greet.” We helped them slow down and verify the situation before sending anything. When they realized the story didn’t add up, the relief was immediate.
That’s what stewardship looks like in action — not judgment, just guidance and protection.
The Red Flags to Watch For
Here are some of the most common warning signs we share with our clients and community members:
- Someone demands payment in cryptocurrency or gift cards.
- You’re promised “guaranteed” returns or “no risk.”
- You’re pressured to act quickly — “limited-time offer,” “urgent notice,” etc.
- The person avoids video calls or in-person meetings.
- You’re asked to move the conversation to a private or encrypted app.
And here are some proactive steps that really help:
Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.
Keep personal details (birthdays, addresses, family names) off public social media.
Verify any unusual payment request with a phone call — especially if it seems urgent.
Check your bank and credit accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
Talk with someone you trust before sending money or information online.
A few moments of caution can prevent years of regret.
Protecting What You’ve Built
Cybercrime is a growing reality, but it doesn’t have to define your story.
The pain is real — people lose money, confidence, and trust.
The payoff comes when awareness leads to prevention, and prevention keeps your financial foundation strong.
If you ever think you may have been targeted by a scam:
Contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
Notify your financial advisor or accountant — we can help you take next steps.
At our firm, we believe stewardship means more than helping you build wealth — it means helping you protect it. And that includes staying vigilant in today’s digital world.
Final Thought
Technology makes life easier, but it also requires us to stay alert. So the next time you get an unexpected text, email, or message — pause, take a breath, and verify before you act.
It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to safeguard what you’ve worked so hard to build.
Disclosure: This content was generated utilizing the help of AI research and is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized advice.