Every new year brings new goals and fresh beginnings — but it also seems to bring new scams. Scammers know people are busier than ever, and they continue to find creative ways to get personal information or money. Many of these schemes look legitimate at first glance, which is why it can be easy to fall for them.

One growing trend involves scammers pretending to be someone trustworthy — a financial advisor, a government office, a bank, or even a family member. They may call, email, or text claiming there is a problem with your account or that you need to act quickly. The urgency is intentional: when people feel rushed or fearful, they could be more likely to share information they normally wouldn’t in order to resolve the perceived problem.

Technology is also helping scammers become more convincing. Fake websites look polished, emails use real logos, and phone numbers can be “spoofed” to match official institutions. There have even been recent reports of voice-cloning scams — often aimed at grandparents — where fraudsters mimic the voice of a relative asking for help. It can feel unsettling, but there are simple ways to stay protected.

A few helpful reminders for the year ahead:

• Slow down — if something feels urgent or stressful, pause before acting.

• Verify directly — if someone contacts you about an issue, don’t use the number or link they provide. Reach out through the official website or phone number you already know.

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts like banking, email, and investment portals — such as Lighthouse’s ShareFile! It adds an extra layer of security that scammers can’t easily bypass.

• Never share sensitive financial information over email, text, or unsolicited phone calls. A legitimate financial institution will never call you out of the blue asking for passwords, account numbers, or Social Security details.

• Review your accounts regularly to catch unfamiliar activity early.

• Trust your instincts — if something feels “off,” it probably is.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. If something seems suspicious, it is best to err on the side of caution. Your team at Lighthouse Financial Advisors is here to help, answer questions, and serve as a sounding board as you work to stay financially secure in the year ahead.