Identity theft remains one of modern society’s largest issues. As technology continues to expand and become intertwined with everything we do the risk of our personal information getting compromised becomes greater and greater. There is one practice, though, that you can do periodically to ensure any paper copies containing your information don’t fall into the wrong hands: Shred them.

For some, the month of June means that summer is here. School is no longer in session and frequent visits to the pool or lake are on the minds of most. The smell of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs fill the air and the sounds of baseball ring throughout town. It could even mean taking that vacation you’ve patiently waited for all year. But if you’re a dad, there is a good chance that June means even something more. Father’s Day…it’s a time to recognize and a time to be recognized for everything that being a father entails.

Older Americans are increasingly becoming popular targets for lottery and sweepstake scams. According to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, lottery scams rank second on the list of fraud offenses reported by older adults, claiming thousands of victims each year.

Financial caregivers play a major role in ensuring that their loved ones maintain the best quality of life possible and that all finances - from routine to complex - are managed wisely. In recognition of Older Americans Month in May, Astra Bank is offering tips to help financial caregivers better understand and execute their role as fiduciaries. 

The next time you receive a frantic call from someone saying they are your grandchild and asking for money, make sure it’s actually your grandchild who’s calling. According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2016, impersonation scams ranked second as the most common consumer complaint, with more than 400,000 reported. The “grandparent scam,” is a form of financial abuse that deliberately targets older Americans using impersonation tactics.