Protect yourself from scammers in 2024

Did you make some New Year’s resolutions for 2024?

The Better Business Bureau is suggesting you also make five more – to avoid being scammed this year.

Scammers are betting that consumers will be multitasking or not fully paying attention and will fall for their ruse, Melanie McGovern, spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau, told USA TODAY. Many scams happen while people are passively scrolling social media or looking on their phone, she said. “For instance, if you’re on your phone and you’re reading emails, click on that address and say, ‘Is this a real email address?’ ” McGovern said.

5 New Year’s resolutions to keep you free of fraud

Here are five resolutions to protect yourself, according to the BBB: ● I resolve to be cautious with email.

Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look as if they are from a legitimate business, government agency or reputable group (even BBB). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.

● I resolve never to send money to strangers.

If you haven’t met a person face-to-face, don’t send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer money using a prepaid debit card or CashApp. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable, and once it is sent, there’s no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking – so before making a move, think it through. Don’t fall for it!

● I resolve to do research before making online payments and purchases.

Ask, is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the company physically located? Would I be making payments through a secure server (https://....com)? Have I checked to see if others have complained?

● I resolve to use my best judgment when sharing my personal information.

Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share financial information, your birthdate, address, Social Security/Social Insurance number or Medicare number with an unsolicited caller.

● I resolve to be social media smart.

Use privacy settings on social media and connect only with people you know. Be careful about including personal information in your profile, and never reveal your address and other sensitive information – even in a “fun” quiz. Scammers may use this information to make themselves pass as friends or relatives and earn your trust. They may also take those “favorites” of yours and figure out your passwords, McGovern said. Also, be careful when buying products you see on social media. The BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.