Email scams are rising. Do you know how to protect yourself-and your money? — suzeorman.com

The sad fact is that scammers have gotten very good at sending emails that look like they are legitimate correspondence from someone you are doing business with. As  recently reported, someone buying a house received what looked like a legitimate email with wiring instructions for her down payment. But it was in fact a scam. A scam that almost cost her the house! The best defense is to be very, very careful. Whenever you receive an email that asks for personal identification – Social Security number, bank routing number – do not respond to that email. Confirm it is legit, by calling the requestor; don’t call any number listed in that email. Go to the website of the business, or check the number in your phone’s contact list. Or if you prefer email, the same rule applies: don’t hit “reply” to the email. Log on to the firm’s website and send a secure note via the customer service link.

Read More