Every week, it seems there's another story about someone losing thousands of dollars to an email, text message or phone call that looked completely legitimate.

The truth is, today's scams are incredibly sophisticated. They don't just target people who are unfamiliar with technology, they target good, thoughtful people who are simply caught off guard. And unfortunately, scammers are getting better at creating a sense of urgency that causes people to act before they have time to think.

One of the most important parts of my job isn't just helping clients grow their wealth. It's helping them protect it. That's why I wanted to share a few reminders that could save you from becoming the next victim.

1. If Someone Is Rushing You, Slow Down.

Whether it's an email claiming your bank account has been compromised, a text saying there's suspicious activity on your credit card, or someone calling to say your CRA account needs immediate attention, the goal is almost always the same: create panic.

When we're anxious, we make decisions we normally wouldn't.

Legitimate financial institutions don't want you making decisions in a panic. If something feels urgent, take a breath, close the email or hang up the phone, and contact the organization directly using the phone number or website you already know, not the one provided in the message.

2. Be Careful with Links

One of the easiest ways scammers gain access to your personal information is by convincing you to click a link that looks legitimate.

It might appear to come from your bank, a delivery company, Amazon, Apple or even someone you know.

Before clicking, take a closer look. Does the email address look legitimate? You can click the name and it will show the address. Is the message pressuring you to act immediately? Does something just feel a little "off"? Trust that instinct. If you're ever unsure, open your browser yourself and visit the company's official website instead.

3. Cryptocurrency and "Too Good to Be True" Investments

Over the past few years, we've seen an increase in scams involving Bitcoin, cryptocurrency and online investment opportunities promising extraordinary returns.

Many of these scams use fake celebrity endorsements, convincing websites or even AI-generated videos to appear legitimate.

Remember this: if someone you've never met is encouraging you to invest quickly, promising guaranteed returns or telling you it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it's almost certainly a conversation you should walk away from.

No legitimate investment comes with guaranteed high returns and no risk.

4. The Grandparent Scam Is Still Happening

One of the most heartbreaking scams continues to target older Canadians.

A phone call comes in from someone claiming to be a grandchild or a police officer, lawyer or hospital employee saying a loved one has been in an accident or is in trouble and needs money immediately.

The caller often pleads with you not to tell anyone. If this ever happens, hang up and call your family directly using a number you already have. A few minutes of verification can prevent an incredibly costly mistake.

5. Never Share Verification Codes or Passwords

Banks and other financial institutions may send you a verification code when you're logging into your account. That code is for you.

No legitimate bank employee, investment advisor or technology company will ever ask you to read that code over the phone. If someone does, it's a scam.

6. When in Doubt, Ask Someone You Trust

This may be the most important advice I can give. If something doesn't feel right, don't handle it alone.

Call a family member. Call a trusted friend. Or call our office. I'd much rather spend five minutes helping you determine that an email is fake than have you spend weeks trying to recover from a scam that could have been prevented.

There is absolutely no embarrassment in asking. In fact, I'd encourage it.

7. Protecting Your Wealth Means Protecting Yourself

Building wealth takes years, often decades. Unfortunately, it can take only minutes for a scammer to convince someone to send money or share personal information they'll never get back.

Technology will continue to evolve, and so will the people trying to exploit it. The good news is that one habit remains incredibly effective: slow down before you click, before you send money, and before you share personal information.

If you're ever uncertain about an email, text message, phone call or investment opportunity, please reach out. Even if it has nothing to do with your portfolio, we're always happy to point you in the right direction. And remember, if you ever receive an unexpected email, text or phone call asking you to verify personal information, passwords or one-time verification codes, stop and verify first. CIBC, CIBC Private Wealth and CIBC Wood Gundy will never ask you to provide this information.

Sometimes the best financial decision you make is the one you don't make.