Technology continues to evolve, and so do the tactics used by cybercriminals. Older adults remain top targets for scams, especially now that fraudsters use artificial intelligence to mimic voices, emails, and texts. At Everwise, we want you to feel confident and protected when managing your financial life online.
1. Know the 2026 scam trends
In 2026, scams are harder to spot because criminals use AI tools that can imitate real people. The top threats include:
- Deep fake phone calls or videos pretending to be family members or financial institutions.
- AI-written phishing emails with flawless grammar and personal information.
- Fake account lockout messages demanding immediate action.
- Tech support scams asking you to download remote-access tools.
- Medicare or benefits scams during enrollment seasons.
If you didn't expect the call, text, or email, take a pause. Scammers rely on creating panic and urgency. Stop the conversation and verify any request using a known, trusted phone number, email address, or website.
2. Strengthen your passwords
Industry recommendations for 2026 include:
• Use a password manager to generate, store, and organize login information.
• Use passphrases (multiple unrelated words to form a secure phrase).
• Minimum of 16 characters, longer is better.
• Never reuse passwords across accounts.
3. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)
A password alone is no longer enough. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, often a one-time code or biometric verification. Enable MFA for:
- Online banking
- Email
- Shopping accounts
- Social media
- Any other important online accounts where MFA is offered
4. Approach urgent messages with caution
Scammers often impersonate:
- Financial institutions
- Hospitals and clinics
- Government agencies
- Family members
Urgency is a major red flag. No legitimate organization will ever demand gift cards, wire transfers, password sharing, or remote access to your computer. Establish a verification word ahead of time with family members and ask for it before taking action.
5. Reach out if something feels off
If anything feels unusual, stop and contact Everwise Member Services at (800) 552-4745. Our team helps members every day to identify scams before damage occurs.
Protecting your financial well-being is our priority. If you'd like help reviewing your security settings, contact Everwise today.
