Over the past couple of years, we’ve personally helped clients navigate a surprising variety of scams, everything from fake IRS letters and fraudulent Social Security calls to phishing emails and wire transfer attempts. These situations are becoming more frequent, and unfortunately, more sophisticated.
In one recent case, a client was contacted by someone claiming to be with the Department of Justice. The caller provided a badge number, referenced supposed case files, and sounded entirely legitimate. But it was all fake. The goal was to pressure the client into acting quickly, either by wiring funds, providing personal details, or clicking a dangerous link.
We’ve seen emails that looked like they came from familiar contacts, sometimes even mid-conversation, with new banking details attached. We’ve seen voicemail threats about suspended benefits. And in each instance, the only reason harm was avoided was because the client paused and called us.
That pause matters.
Here are a few simple truths we want you to hold onto:
- Government agencies will never call and threaten you with arrest or suspension of benefits, especially not while demanding payment or personal info over the phone.
- Badge numbers, case IDs, or official-sounding titles don’t make a caller legitimate.
- No financial institution or advisor, ourselves included, will ever ask you to act on money movement without multiple confirmations.
- If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. And that’s when we want you to call us.
You are not alone in this. These aren’t theoretical warnings, they’re real experiences we’ve walked through, side by side with people we care about. The digital world can feel a little murky, but the good news is, you still have people you trust, who know your name and your story, and who are here to help.
Whether it’s a questionable email, a phone call that feels off, or something you just want a second set of eyes on, reach out. We’re always happy to be that checkpoint for you.
Eric Puckett