Protect What You’ve Been Entrusted With: How to Spot Financial Scams

We work hard for what we have. We save, plan, give, and make thoughtful decisions about our finances. Part of good stewardship is knowing how to protect those finances, too.

Scammers are always looking for new ways to get your attention, often by creating urgency or making a message look like it came from a company or financial institution you trust.

The good news? A few simple habits can help you slow down, recognize the warning signs, and protect yourself.

1. Be cautious when a message creates urgency

“Your account has been locked.”

“Suspicious activity detected.”

“Verify your information immediately.”

Messages like these are designed to make you act before you have time to think.

If something feels urgent or unusual, pause before responding or clicking a link. Instead, independently contact the company or financial institution through a trusted channel.

2. Think before you click

Unexpected links in texts and emails can lead to fraudulent websites designed to look legitimate.

Before clicking, ask yourself:

• Was I expecting this message?
• Do I recognize the sender?
• Is the message pressuring me to act quickly?
• Does anything about it seem unusual?

When in doubt, don't use the link in the message. Go directly to the company's official website or contact them another way.

3. Protect your passwords and personal information

Be cautious anytime someone unexpectedly asks for sensitive information.

Use strong, unique passwords for important accounts and avoid reusing the same password across multiple services.

And remember: just because someone claims to represent a trusted organization doesn't mean they do.

4. Verify unexpected payment requests

If you receive an unexpected request to send money, especially one involving a change in payment instructions, take an extra step before acting.

Contact the person or organization using contact information you already know and trust to verify the request.

A few extra minutes could make a big difference.

5. Trust your instincts

If something doesn't feel right, slow down.

Scams often rely on urgency, fear, excitement, or distraction. Giving yourself a moment to think can be one of your best defenses.

Pause. Verify. Then act.

Protecting your finances isn't only about how you save, spend, and give. It's also about protecting what you've been entrusted with.

At 316 Financial, we believe good stewardship touches every part of our financial lives. Staying alert, asking questions, and taking a moment to verify something suspicious are simple ways to help protect what you've worked hard to build.

Think a message claiming to be from 316 Financial may be suspicious?
Don't click links or respond using the information provided in the message. Contact 316 Financial through a trusted channel instead.