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Originally posted at: Amanda Batula’s Red Striped Sweater and Cat Eye Sunglasses

In recent years, reports of financial scams have increased dramatically. What once may have looked like an obvious attempt at fraud has evolved into something far more convincing – and far more difficult to detect. We hear about these schemes not only in the news, but directly from our own clients, some of whom have encountered suspicious emails, phone calls, or text messages that appear legitimate at first glance.

As technology continues to advance, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and more sophisticated communication tools, scammers are becoming better at impersonation, urgency, and psychological pressure. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your financial information is by staying informed. That’s the goal of this article.

As part of our ongoing commitment to education and consumer protection, we want to walk through some of the most common scams we are seeing today, how to recognize warning signs, and detail some practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal and financial data.

Why Scams Are Becoming More Convincing

Scammers no longer rely solely on poorly written emails or clearly fake phone calls. Today’s fraud attempts often include:

• Real company names and branding.
• Email addresses that closely resemble legitimate domains.
• Caller ID spoofing that displays familiar phone numbers.
• Messages crafted to create a sense of urgency, fear, or confusion.

The common financial scams of today often even reference real institutions, real employees, or real current events which add credibility to their outreach attempts. The goal is almost always the same: to trick someone into revealing sensitive information or sending money before they have time to think or verify the request.

Understanding how common financial scams typically operate is the first step toward protecting yourself.

Common Types of Scams to Watch for

1. Phishing Emails

What they often look like:

Phishing emails are designed to appear as though they come from trusted organizations – such as banks, government agencies, or well-known financial institutions like Vanguard, Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Bank of America, etc. These messages often claim there is a problem with your account or that immediate action is required.

Common examples include:

• Notices of “unusual activity”
• Alerts about late payments or account restrictions
• Requests to confirm or “verify” your information

While the email may look legitimate, the sender’s address or embedded links often contain subtle irregularities.

Red flags to watch for:

• Requests for personal or financial information
• Urgent or threatening language (e.g., “Your account will be closed today”)
• Unexpected attachments
• Slight misspellings or extra characters in email addresses or links

Legitimate financial institutions do not make unsolicited requests for sensitive information via email.

2. Phone Scams (“Vishing”)

What they often look like:

Phone scams involve callers claiming to represent entities such as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, tech support providers, or financial institutions. These calls may sound professional and confident, and in some cases, the caller ID may even display a familiar name or number.

Common tactics include:

• Requests for Social Security numbers or account details
• Instructions to make payments via wire transfer or gift cards
• Claims that immediate action is required to avoid penalties or account suspension

Red flags to watch for:

• High-pressure tactics or aggressive tone
• Threats of arrest, legal action, or frozen accounts
• Requests for payment methods that legitimate institutions do not use
• Caller ID spoofing that masks the true source of the call

Recently, we have also seen an increase in scams originating on social media platforms, including messages that appear to come from real U.S.-based law firms threatening legal action over alleged intellectual property violations. These messages are designed to intimidate recipients into responding quickly without verifying their legitimacy.

3. Text Message Scams (“Smishing”)

What they often look like:

Text message scams frequently involve short messages that include suspicious links and claims of urgency. These texts may reference package deliveries, account verification codes, or maintenance requests you did not initiate.

Common examples include:

• “Your package is delayed—click here to update delivery details”
• “Unusual activity detected—verify your account now”
• Messages claiming you’ve won a prize or giveaway

Red flags to watch for:

• Shortened or unfamiliar URLs
• Requests to click a link to “fix” or “update” an account
• Messages referencing transactions or contests you never entered

If you were not expecting the message, it is best to avoid clicking any links and verify the situation independently.

Practical Steps to Protect from Common Financial Scams

While scams may be becoming more sophisticated, there are still effective ways to reduce your risk. Here are a few tips.

Be Cautious with Unsolicited Contact

If someone reaches out unexpectedly, pause and verify the request through a trusted source. Use official websites or phone numbers you already have on file or that you can easily find on Google – rather than the contact information provided in the message itself.

Never Share Sensitive Information

Be extra wary when sharing personal or financial details via email, text, or phone – especially if you didn’t initiate the interaction. Financial institutions like Bank of America, Charles Schwab, or Fidelity will not spontaneously contact you to request sensitive information.

As it relates to financial institutions, we ask our clients to view us as a firewall – an extra protection as it relates to the flow of your information, as we daily work such institutions and thus can quickly spot an illegitimate contact attempt.

Inspect Links Before Clicking

Many major email service providers allow you to hover over links in emails to see the location the link actually will send you to. This allows you, before clicking the link, to confirm that the destination URL is legitimate and matches what the visible link text is representing.

Here’s a quick example for clarification. If I embedded a link in the following phrase “click here to access our budget worksheet!”, you would rightly expect that link to take you to our website, not another unrelated destination. If you hover over that link (usually blue text), you will see that it is accurately represented. That link takes you right to where you would expect it to.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Consider using multi-factor authentication on financial accounts. This adds an additional layer of security beyond just a password.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Strong, unique passwords – updated regularly – can significantly reduce your exposure.

Ignore Pressure Tactics

Legitimate companies and government agencies do not demand immediate action or payment over the phone or via text. Urgency is a common tactic used to prevent you from verifying the request.

When our clients encounter any communication that raises concerns, we encourage them to contact our office. We are always here to help you evaluate the situation and protect your financial well-being. If you have a financial advisor yourself, you can do the same – they’d likely be happy to assist you in ensuring the legitimacy (or otherwise) of such outreaches.

How to Identify Legitimate vs. Scam Email Addresses

One of the most effective ways to spot a scam is by closely examining the sender’s email address. Here are some tips using a breakdown and comparison of how to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate emails, using Charles Schwab simply as the example, but the same principles apply to any financial institution.

Legitimate Email Address Examples

Legitimate emails typically come from verified company domains and follow consistent formatting:

• clientservices@schwab.com
• notifications@schwab.com
• support@schwab.com
• no-reply@schwab.com

Key characteristics of legitimate emails:

• The domain ends in @schwab.com
• No extra words, numbers, or misspellings
• Clean, professional naming structure

Scam or Suspicious Email Address Examples

Scammers often create email addresses that closely resemble real domains but include subtle errors:

• clientservices@schwab-support.com
• security@schwabverify.com
• account.alerts@schwabb.com (extra “b”)
• no-reply@schwab.com.secure-login.net
• support@schwab-accountverify.co
• schwab.alerts@secure-mail247.com

Common red flags include:

• Extra words added to the domain (e.g., support, verify, secure)
• Misspellings (e.g., schwabb, schawb)
• Suspicious domain endings such as .co, .info, or .net
• Long, complex addresses with multiple dots

In this example, if the email does not end exactly in @schwab.com, it should be treated with caution.

A Final Word on Keeping Your Information Secure

We encourage you to save or print this article so you can reference it in the future. Even a quick refresher can make a meaningful difference when something doesn’t feel quite right.

We encourage our clients, if ever they receive an email, call, or message – whether from us, one of our affiliates, or another financial institution – and are unsure about its legitimacy, to feel free to forward it to our office. We are always happy to take a second look.

At The Ivy League Advisory Group we know that protecting our clients’ financial information is an ongoing effort, and we remain committed to working alongside you to help ensure your personal and financial security.

If you or a loved one is interested in working with a specialized retirement plan designer BOOK A TIME HERE.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What scams have you encountered in recent years? How did you recognize them? Do you keep updated on the latest scam tactics?

What do you think is the #1 obstacle to visualizing and living your dream lifestyle after 60? If you said a Fixed Mindset, you would be correct.

Dr. Carol Dweck, who is a world-renowned Stanford psychologist and Growth Mindset Pioneer had this to say about the kind of mindset required for positive transformation as we age:

“The belief that abilities are fixed is most damaging in older adults. Our research shows that when people over fifty adopt a Growth Mindset, their cognitive abilities not only maintain but often improve.”

In my previous article and video for Sixty and Me readers, I revealed how my “See It, Believe It & Achieve It” framework works better for people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond than it does for younger adults.

A key part of making this framework beneficial to your dreams and desires coming to fruition is a Growth Mindset and the power of your childhood imagination.

In this second article and video of my new, 12-part exclusive series for Sixty and Me readers titled “Visualize a Vibrant New Lifestyle After 60”, we are going to explore what a Fixed Mindset is and how to transform it through your childhood imagination.

Where Does a Fixed Mindset Come From?

A Fixed Mindset is established early on in life through rigid beliefs and strict rules. They are handed down by authority figures, such as parents and teachers, and later reinforced throughout society.

Millions of people over 60 were conditioned early on in life to adopt a Fixed Mindset through fixed beliefs. The basis of fixed beliefs is that your abilities, circumstances, and potential for growth are limited as you age.

Fixed beliefs are often harsh and aimed at controlling behaviors that come naturally to children, such as curiosity, playfulness, and imagination. These same traits are vital for creating a fulfilling lifestyle as we age. However, due to a Fixed Mindset, the very things we need to visualize and actualize our dreams into reality are often underdeveloped.

Creating a Better Lifestyle After 60

Your childhood imagination was never fixed, nor was it rooted in limitations. As a child, you effortlessly explored possibilities, experimented with new ideas, and genuinely believed anything was possible.

To create a better lifestyle for yourself after 60 requires specific beliefs and behaviors to be changed. For you cannot keep relying on the same beliefs and behaviors all the while expecting new and improved results.

You may agree, but if you are over 60, you have a lot of experience tied to specific thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not so easy to change overnight.

To help you embrace your childhood imagination and overcome fixed beliefs, here is an effective and practical five-step process that is part of my “See It, Believe It & Achieve It” framework.

5-Step Action Plan to Undo a Fixed Mindset

Step 1: Identify & Challenge Fixed Mindset Beliefs

A Fixed Mindset often influences your thoughts and decisions unconsciously. The first step is to consciously challenge negative thoughts and fixed beliefs.

Make a list of five beliefs that keep you feeling stuck. Examples such as:

• “I’m too old to start over.”
• “I’m not creative.”
• “I don’t like change.”

Next to each belief, write a counterstatement such as the following:

• “I am constantly evolving.”
• “I can create my dream life at any age.”
• “It’s never too late to create something new.”

Step 2: Reframe Change as a Playground, Not a Threat

Many of us were raised to see change as risky, unpredictable, or dangerous. Before limiting beliefs took over, however, your natural curiosity as a child led you to seek new experiences.

Instead of asking, “What if this doesn’t work out?” ask a playful question like: “What exciting opportunities could this bring?” and “How can I make this feel like an adventure?”

Step 3: Start Small – Play with Micro-Imagination Exercises

Jumping straight into big visualizations can feel overwhelming. Instead, start small, be playful, and allow yourself time to build your creative muscles.

Before you take a walk or go to the store, allow a few minutes to visualize the experience. What do you see? Who is with you? What’s your desired outcome?

Step 4: Surround Yourself with Growth & Possibility

A Fixed Mindset is often reinforced by your environment. This includes people and routines that keep you stuck in a revolving door of unfulfilling repetitive patterns. To fully embrace change, expose yourself to expansion.

To begin, create a “Growth Mindset Circle” by surrounding yourself with people who embrace learning, creativity, and change. Change one daily habit or routine, such as taking a different route on a walk, speak to yourself in a more loving way, or explore a new topic to educate yourself on.

Step 5: Step into Your Future Self Today

Your childhood imagination allowed you to pretend and play without hesitation.

Instead of waiting to become the person who embraces change, act like that person today. Ask yourself, “How would my future self approach today?” and take one action that’s in alignment with that version of you.

Next Steps:

Next in this series, you will learn how to create a Visualization Sanctuary that will enhance your visualization practices.

I invite you to join me in the video, where I will share with you six Future Self Affirmations that will mentally, emotionally, and energetically align you with the version of yourself who is already living your dream lifestyle.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is one fixed belief you have identified recently? Have you found a way to overcome it? How?

Photo: @arianamadix

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Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s Blue Embellished Shirt Dress

I’m putting it out there. I am having issues with growing old. They say there are certain age bands when you feel the process of aging. Right now, at age 61, I am currently in one of those bands.

I recently had dinner with a former colleague turned friend. We have known each other for 34 years (gasp). Of course, we spoke about our time at our former employer and what it was like to embark on a professional career as a single woman in our 20s. I can’t help but wish I could return to that energetic, ambitious woman from the 1980s and bottle up just a little bit of the excitement, energy, and outlook my younger self had in abundance.

How did I get this old so fast? That is a question I constantly ask myself. I have no rational answer. All I can say is that age creeps up on you and you have very little control. Being a control freak, I have a problem with this. I try to regulate everything, but there are just some things you can’t, and aging is at the top of that list.

Aging Is a Privilege, But…

Yes, I know growing older is a privilege. Trust me, I know. My mother died in her early 60s, and I am trying really hard to outlive her age. I keep my mind and body active, but what is truly frustrating to me is my mind and body don’t want to be as active as I would like them to be. That’s the hard truth about aging.

I do a variety of exercise: dance, strength train, stretch, run. Most disheartening for me is that what I was capable of accomplishing just a couple of years ago, is not what I am able to accomplish now. My pace has slowed, my stamina has decreased, certain dance steps don’t come to me as easily as they used to, and let’s not even discuss remembering things, or lack thereof. I know I have to accept these changes and listen to my body when it is telling me to stop. But, boy, do I hate that feeling.

There are so many people on social media discussing how to age gracefully, and how 60 is the new 30. (This includes pieces I have written myself.) But today, I call bull shit and I thought it was about time I penned a piece to dig a little deeper into the psyche of aging. Underneath taking all the vitamins, walking the correct number of steps, and doing all the things a middle-aged woman is supposed to do; there is a person who longs to feel better. That’s what I want to talk about here.

The Truth About Aging

I admit that I found my 50th birthday very liberating. It was as though a switch went on that gave me confidence and I started to really focus on what makes ME tick. Along with this newfound freedom, there was also a side of me that began to struggle with physical activity. I became slower, less limber, etc., particularly toward my late 50s, early 60s. I grew tired more easily and couldn’t quite keep pace with the activities I had been enjoying. This was the first time when I realized, “Ah… this is what aging must feel like.”

Yes, indeed, this is what aging feels like. While it’s not all doom and gloom, it can be a real challenge and it’s time we started talking about it. So, here goes…

Let’s Talk About It

Walking into a room and forgetting why you are there is common, as is weight gain, vaginal dryness, dwindling energy, thinning hair, and crepey skin. And, that’s just the start. Insomnia, hot flashes, a decrease in bone density, are a few more lovely qualities in a long list of physical signs. Trust me, growing old as a female is not for the faint of heart.

For some reason, this harsh change in physicality somehow gets buried under all the beautiful images of women in their 60s enjoying their “autumn years”; a tag line that makes it feel like you are easily transitioning from one season to the other, the leaves are pretty, and all is tranquil with the world.

I am a half-glass-full kind of gal, and there are some things about growing older that is pretty nifty: no more monthly periods, a sense of liberation, senior discounts, a focus on YOUR needs, and a general sense of not caring what others think. However, there is a sense of loss of your younger self, and it is okay to mourn for that young lady.

What I have found intriguing is that while one is focusing more on themselves in these later years, when asked “how are you,” we aging women tend to talk about the accomplishments of our children and grandchildren. When did WE stop achieving things on our own?

We Don’t Become Invisible

As women, we have a tendency to put others’ needs ahead of our own and, while it is true that as we have gotten older, we are focusing more on ourselves than we used to, it is still in the context that others take priority. We often hear about the “sandwich” generation – caught between raising children and taking care of our parents. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for us! This has to change and the picture of aging needs to change as well.

Admittedly, I didn’t realize there were going to be all these fluctuations and complications when I entered my golden years. None of the advertisements and lifestyle magazines mentioned this, nor did my high school health teacher. It was this rude awakening that made me realize more discussion must take place amongst women, for women.

Our physical and emotional changes shouldn’t be a mystery. In truth, maybe if I was better informed, I wouldn’t have such an issue with growing older; and the title of this essay would be something completely different. I hope this can be a start of a conversation so women in the future will view aging as just another part of the journey for which you prepare. Just as our teenage selves prepared for puberty, we should be aware of all the transformations that we will be experiencing as we enter our menopausal years. I’m advocating for less mystery and more knowledge. After all, knowledge is power.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Were you prepared for menopausal changes? How do you generally feel about aging? How can we better educate young women about what is ahead?