Scammers use tricks to get your money or personal information. They may call you on the phone, send emails, or pretend to be from the government. Some offer fake loans, like payday loans, which are illegal in New York. Others may set up fake charities or try to charge you for home repairs you don’t need.
You can protect yourself by doing a few simple things, like:
- Use strong passwords so criminals cannot guess them.
- Turn on two-step login so even if someone learns your password, they still cannot get into your account.
- Keep your phone and computer updated because updates fix security problems that hackers try to use.
- Be careful with emails or texts. Even if a message looks real, don’t click the link. Go to the official website yourself or call the company using the number on their website.
If you get a notice that your information was stolen in a “security breach” (when hackers get private data), check your credit reports and bank accounts for unusual activity. Only log in to trusted websites, and make sure the web address looks correct. If you’re worried, call your bank or company directly using the phone number on their official website.
Remember: Acting quickly can stop identity theft before it gets worse.
If you have been the victim of a scam, report it right away.
Last Reviewed: October 8, 2025