Over the past few months, talking with clients and acquaintances, we've noticed something: scams no longer look "suspicious" the way they used to. Today they arrive with a number that looks like the bank's, a message that perfectly imitates a public authority, or a calm, reassuring voice that says it wants to "protect" you.
That's exactly why talking about it has become essential, especially for those who have worked hard to build their savings and want to defend them with common sense and awareness.
How do you spot the call that seems to come from your bank?
One of the most common situations is a call that appears to come from the bank or the authorities. The number looks credible, the caller uses the right terminology and creates urgency: "there's a problem with your account," "there's a suspicious transaction happening," "we need to act right now."
The mechanism is always the same: rush you so you can't stop and think. According to reports gathered by law enforcement, this type of scam is among the most widespread because it plays on the fear of losing your money.
One simple rule always holds: no bank and no authority ever asks for data, codes or money over the phone. If it happens, hang up. Even if it feels rude. Even if the voice is kind.
Email and text messages: phishing's favourite door
Fake emails and texts — the ones about parcels, blocked accounts or bonuses to claim — are another commonly used entry point. The message is often short, direct, alarming.
According to national cybersecurity data, phishing (stealing data through deceptive messages) keeps growing because it exploits our habit of clicking quickly.
One detail often makes the difference: odd links, small spelling mistakes, unusual requests. Your bank will never ask you to "verify immediately" via a link. When in doubt, don't click — log in only through the official app.
The risk of "too good to be true"
Prices that are too low, impossible-to-find rentals, "like new" items at half price. Online scams exploit the desire for a good deal.
The problem isn't trusting people — it's trusting without checking. When payment is requested outside official platforms or through untraceable methods, that's a signal not to ignore. The card you pay with matters too: here we explain how to choose between debit, credit and prepaid cards.
Protecting your savings also means accepting that, sometimes, a deal that's too good isn't an opportunity — it's a risk.
The best defence is talking about it
Scams today don't target people who "don't understand" — they target people who lower their guard, even for a moment. Talking about these issues, sharing experiences and understanding how they work is the best way to defend yourself without fear.
Glossary
- Phishing: an attempt to steal personal data by posing as a trusted party. Example: an email that looks like it's from the bank, asking you to enter your credentials.
- Smishing: a scam similar to phishing but carried out via SMS or WhatsApp. Example: "Your account is blocked, click here to unlock it."
- Spoofing: a technique that lets scammers make a number or sender look official. Example: a call that appears to come from the bank.
