Protect Yourself From 10 Menacing Financial Scams

No matter how safe you might feel, everyone is a potential victim of scams. The world is filled with financial criminals looking to steal your bank account information, invade your computer, and swindle you with their false advertising. They have a slew of tools at their disposal—and they're efficient—but with the right precautionary measures and knowledge, you can build a strong shield to secure your assets. "People should be alert to the possibility that the next unsolicited phone call, email attachment, or knock on the door from a stranger may be some sort of scam," says Sally Hurme, AARP's consumer fraud expert. "As a crime of persuasion, they must rely on charm, show kindness, and build a sense of trustworthiness as their weapons of choice."