Learn how financial scammers exploit emotions and how you can protect your finances from their latest tactics.

How can you protect your money from online scams? What steps can you take to safeguard yourself from financial deception? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski delve into the harrowing tale of Judith, a 79-year-old who fell victim to a sophisticated scam that led to the loss of nearly $600,000. Joined by Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist for the Washington Post, they unravel the tactics scammers use to prey on emotions and trust, emphasizing the importance of awareness and empathy in scam prevention.

Then, Sean and Anna break down recent financial headlines, including updates on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new rule on overdraft fees, and the halted merger between Albertsons and Kroger. 

We're off next week, but you can follow our latest coverage on NerdWallet's financial news hub: https://www.nerdwallet.com/h/news/financial-news 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: scam prevention, online scams, phone scams, scam awareness, financial fraud, scammer tactics, protecting your savings, scam victims, scammer manipulation, scam warning signs, elderly scam victims, scam support, scam protection tips, FBI impersonation scam, financial security, bank manager intervention, scam victim recovery, fraud prevention, scam prevention strategies, protecting retirement savings, scam red flags, scam recovery, scam education, online fraud, scam prevention awareness, and scam victim advocacy.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.