Scam Awareness: A Straight Talk Conversation We Need to Have

This month’s message is about something that has me more concerned than ever — scams. And I want to be very clear: this can happen to anyone.

We are seeing intelligent, thoughtful people — including some of our own clients — lose tens of thousands of dollars to scammers. These are not careless people. These are not “naïve” people. These are everyday individuals who were targeted, manipulated, and pressured at exactly the wrong moment.

If you are ever in a situation where money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or urgent requests are involved — and something doesn’t feel quite right — please call my office immediately. My team and I are familiar with many of these scams, and we can often spot red flags very quickly. One phone call can prevent a life-changing mistake.

How Modern Scams Actually Work

Today’s scams are far more sophisticated than the obvious email scams most of us remember from years ago. Many of them are relationship-based.

Here’s how it often unfolds:

• A scammer reaches out by text, email, or social media
• They slowly build trust over time
• They may send small gifts or friendly messages
• They always have an excuse for why you can’t meet in person
• Eventually, they create a “problem” that requires money

The victim believes the story because the relationship feels real. Unfortunately, it isn’t.

Other common scams we’re seeing include:

• Prize or lottery scams
• Fake inheritance notifications
• IRS or government impersonation scams
• Computer virus or pop-up warning scams
• “We have money for you” messages
• Fake bank or Apple fraud alerts

If it feels urgent, secretive, or pressure-filled — that is a major warning sign.

A Critical Reminder From Our Office

This reminder comes directly from Kristin, my Executive Assistant, who asked that we include this message clearly and prominently.

Important Scam Awareness Reminder

Scams are currently circulating through:

• Text messages
• Emails
• Phone calls
• Computer pop-up warnings

Please remember:

• Do not click pop-up warnings on your computer
• Do not call phone numbers provided in unsolicited texts or emails
• Legitimate banks and companies will NEVER ask you to purchase gift cards or bitcoin
• No real organization will ask you to read card numbers or crypto wallet details over the phone

Scammers often try to scare people by claiming:

• Illegal activity was found on your computer
• Your bank account is compromised
• You are being transferred to a “fraud department”

These are fear tactics, not legitimate warnings.

When in doubt:

1. Hang up
2. Close the message
3. Do not engage further
4. Call your bank or our office using a trusted phone number

A Real Example — and a Hard Lesson

One of our clients recently lost $75,000.

It started with what looked like a simple text message from Apple about a purchase she didn’t make. She called the number to dispute the charge — and from there, the scammers took control. They convinced her to withdraw cash and convert it into Bitcoin, claiming they were protecting her money.

They were not.

This is devastating, and it’s why I’m speaking so directly. These scammers are heartless. They have no conscience. They rely on fear, confusion, and urgency — and they are very good at what they do.

You must be strong enough to:

• Hang up
• Block the number
• Delete the message
• Report it as spam

Do not engage. Not even once.

We Are Here to Be Your Safety Net

One of the most valuable roles we play is acting as a buffer between you and costly financial mistakes. If something feels off, uncomfortable, or confusing — that’s exactly when you should reach out.

You never need to feel embarrassed. Scammers succeed because they are professionals at manipulation. Asking for a second opinion is not a weakness — it’s a smart financial decision.

A Year-End Personal Note

Another year has gone by. If you’re receiving this newsletter and are not yet a client, I encourage you to ask yourself why.

Is it procrastination?
Uncertainty?
Discomfort talking about money?

Whatever the reason, please consider reaching out and starting a conversation. My team and I are here to help.

If there is no chance of becoming a financial planning or investment client, we kindly ask that you let us know so we can remove you from our mailing list. We send out roughly 2,000 of these newsletters each month, and the cost adds up.

Final Thought

Please — if anything involving money feels urgent, secretive, or unusual — pause and call us first. That one step could save you from a financial loss that takes years to recover from.

Until next month,
Wayne