Resolutions to avoid scams in 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Goodbye, 2024, another year filled with money and personal information lost to scams, according to the Better Business Bureau. 

As 2025 begins, the BBB recommends making some resolutions to help keep you free from fraud this new year. 

• Resolve to be cautious with emails. 

This holds especially true for emails from unknown senders and any links they may contain. 

"You know, in general, we say, 'Don't click on links that are unfamiliar or unsolicited,' that they come to you, you're not looking for the information," said Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio. "Because a lot of time, those unsolicited links to emails, through text message, do contain malware or spyware." 

• Resolve to never send money to strangers. 

This is especially true if you've never met a person face-to-face, or if someone asks you to transfer funds using a gift card, a pre-paid debit card, or apps like Zelle and Venmo. Those forms of payment are untraceable. Once the money is sent, there's no getting it back. 

• Resolve to do your research before you buy. 

Make sure the retailer you're shopping with -- especially online -- actually exists, and that whatever deal they're offering is, in fact, real. 

"You want to look at the website to make sure there are no misspellings in the URL," Dollison said. "That's a very popular way that scammers will take a well-known brand and just change a letter or add a space or add a dot, and they use that to make you think you're on the website. The website looks professional. We always say, 'If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.' So, if you see a really good price on something, if it just doesn't seem right, I would avoid it." 

• Resolve to use your best judgment before sharing any personal information. 

Giving your bank account information, Social Security number, or Medicare number to an unsolicited caller opens the door to identity theft. 

"You know, scams are designed to steal your money," said Dollison. "And with identity theft, they're designed to steal your identity and later steal your money. So, really you want to stay vigilant and monitor your accounts on a regular basis. Look at your credit card statements, and make sure there's no charges that don't sound right to you, you don't recognize the name." 

The BBB offered some additional steps you can take to help keep you safe in the New Year here. If you become the victim of fraud, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience.