Be vigilant about potential scams

Strangers may try to trick you into giving up your personal, bank or credit card information as well as money or property. These situations may include, but are not limited to:

  • Scammers posing as computer anti-virus support.
  • Shop-at-home and catalog sales.
  • Prize giveaways.
  • Technical support employees.
  • IRS/Medicare/Social Security Administration representatives.
  • Grandchildren reportedly in trouble.
  • Love interests (romance scam).
  • Reloadable gift card requests.
  • Lottery/sweepstakes officials.

Scammers may also offer you money with the intent of gaining access to your financial bank account information.

Contact us if you receive notice that another company may have compromised your email or password, and we can add additional protections on your account.

Consider adding a Trusted Contact Person to your account by calling us at 866-317-6586. This person can be contacted if we have trouble reaching you or have a reasonable belief that your account may be exposed to financial exploitation. This person cannot perform transactions on your account.

Protect the elderly from financial abuse

The elderly may have significant assets or home equity and usually have a regular source of income like Social Security, a pension or annuities. Raise awareness of the dangers of financial abuse with loved ones who may be susceptible to fraud.

It's recommended that the elderly communicate frequently with friends and family as isolation is often a contributing factor to abuse.

Watch out for signs of financial abuse by caregivers or relatives, including requests for unexpected payments.

Be aware of the potential for child-identity theft

Children are often a target of identity theft, and it is often perpetrated by a family member who may have legitimate access to the child’s personal information.

Warning signs of child-identity theft include a child receiving:

  • Pre-approved credit card offers.
  • A credit card bill.
  • A jury summons.
  • Driver's license renewals.
  • Bills for medical care or other purchases.
  • Collection notices.

Learn more about how to avoid phishing scams by reading "How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams" from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Empower Retirement, LLC and its affiliates are not affiliated with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.