Most people assume financial scams happen because someone lets their guard down for a moment. But in reality, scammers are often watching long before they strike. They look for patterns in how you spend, shop, and share information. Without realizing it, your everyday spending habits could be making you an ideal target. Here are spending habits you need to modify to protect yourself.
1. Oversharing Purchases on Social Media
Do you find yourself sharing everything on social media? That luxury bag, brand-new car, or vacation photo may seem like harmless posts. But to scammers, it’s a flashing neon sign. Public posts that show off wealth can attract financial scams, like phishing attempts, fake investment offers, and even identity theft.
2. Frequent Use of Public Wi-Fi for Transactions
Public Wi-Fi isn’t safe if it isn’t encrypted. Shopping or banking over unsecured public Wi-Fi can expose your login credentials and card details. Hackers often target people who make online purchases in coffee shops, airports, or hotels. To be safe, wait to make that purchase at home with a secure Wi-Fi network.
3. Falling for “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Flashy discounts or exclusive online offers can lure deal-seekers into fake websites or phishing traps. If you’re frequently drawn to bargain-hunting or fast-checkout links, you may be more likely to click on a scam. Only make purchases from reputable sites. If you get redirected to an unfamiliar site, exit it immediately.
4. Using the Same Password for Shopping Sites
Many people reuse one or two passwords for convenience. If one shopping account is compromised, scammers can quickly access your financial data elsewhere. Always use complex passwords and use 2-factor or 3-factor authentication when possible. Never write down passwords on your computer or in an email, in case you get hacked.
5. Ignoring Small, Unfamiliar Charges
Scammers often “test” a stolen card with tiny charges before making big purchases. If you’re not reviewing your statements closely, you may miss the warning signs. Another option is to sign up for monitoring services to catch suspicious activity. That way, you will catch fraudulent activity before it causes irreparable damage.
6. Subscribing to Sketchy Email Lists
Entering your email on unverified shopping or giveaway sites can lead to a flood of spam and financial scams. Once your info is sold, you’re more likely to get targeted by sophisticated phishing attempts. Make sure that you sign up for monitoring services that scan the dark web for your email. If your information has been sold to thieves, you’ll know.
7. Using Buy Now, Pay Later Without Monitoring
These services can encourage overspending and make it harder to track what you owe. Scammers may also spoof BNPL notifications to trick you into clicking malicious links. Plus, BNPL software often uses soft user-friendly identity checks that are ideal for fraudsters. In fact, BNPL services are increasingly becoming a popular target for fraud, leading to billions of dollars in fraud losses.
Protect Yourself with Smarter Spending
Staying safe doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your money. It just means being aware. Keep purchases private, use strong and unique passwords, and always verify who you’re giving your financial information to. The more mindful you are, the harder you make it for scammers to target you.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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