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9 Scams That Millennials Are Falling Victim To

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Scams millennials fall for
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According to GoBankingRate, Millennials are falling for scams at a higher rate than other generations. In their survey 35% of millennials have fallen victim to phone scams, whereas only 25% of Gen Xers reported the same. The reason for many millennials falling victim to scams is that they have grown up online and tend to put their trust in digital spaces and they believe in their ability to spot a scam too much. Here are nine common scams that millennials are falling for.

1. AI-Powered Voice Cloning Scams

AI scams
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The FBI recently posted a public service announcement listing some of the ways that criminals use generative AI to trick victims. One common scam is using voice cloning to mimic friends and family, politicians, government agencies, or businesses. The FTC’s 2023 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book found that about 20% of people targeted by an imposter scam lost money, and the median loss was $800 and government scams led to median losses of over $14,000. If you receive a random call, make sure to validate it before giving out personal information or sending any funds.

2. Romance Scams

Romance scams aren’t just happening on dating apps like Hinge. Scammers are getting more creative and millennials are falling for the scams. You may get an accidental text that says, “Sorry I’m running late. Be there in 10 minutes.” Scammers use these accidental texts to start up a conversation and plant the seeds for a romance scam. You may even be talking to a bot that can send thousands of these messages at a time.

3. Employment Scams

Employment scams millennials are falling for
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If a job is too good to be true it probably is a scam. Millennials are falling for employment scams that have detrimental consequences. Some scammers play the long game and set up interviews, while others advertise easy ways to make money through tasks. Some will steal your personal information and others will pay you a large sum of money upfront and ask you to send a small amount back, stealing your account information.

4. Event Ticket Scams

Beware of purchasing tickets on unverified sites or on social media. Millennials are also falling for scams on established sites like Ticketmaster. However, Ticketmaster will do their best to make it right if you buy tickets that disappear from your account or are fake.

5. Celebrity Endorsement Scams

Thanks to AI, there are many products that claim to be celebrity endorsed but are not. This endorsement might prompt you to buy a product or make an investment that’s a scam. The videos and images produced are deepfakes and can be hard to spot. Do your research before getting caught up in these scams.

6. Text Scams

Most scams start with a text message. Bad actors pose as the post office trying to deliver a package, your bank texting you about suspicious activity, or a credit card company trying to approve a charge. If you receive a random text about a package delivery, don’t click the link in the text. Even if the website that the link goes to looks like your bank’s or USPS, it’s probably a scam to get your information.

7. Crypto Currency Investment Scams

Cryptocurrency scams have skyrocketed as crypto has gained popularity. Scams usually involve fake prizes, contests, giveaways, or early investment opportunities. Bad actors may hack friends’ and family’s social media accounts and send you information about a great crypto investment opportunity.

8. Marketplace Scams

Always read seller’s reviews before making a purchase online and buy on trusted marketplaces that will protect your money. Millennials are falling for scams online where they buy an item online from a fake website or social media like TikTok and then the seller’s profile disappears and they never receive the item or their credit card information is stolen. Not every site online is trustworthy or protects your information. If you are a victim of a scam and you use your credit card, make sure to start a chargeback.

9. Refund Phishing Scams

A new way that scammers are profiting from stolen credit cards is by making a fraudulent purchase from a fake website. The charge will have the website name and email or phone number so when the credit card holder calls or emails to dispute the charge, the scammer will get more personal information.

Scams Affecting Millennials

Just because millennials are in some cases more technologically savvy, doesn’t mean that they aren’t falling for scams especially online. Scammers are getting more sophisticated every day so don’t think that you are immune. If you are the victim of a scam, be sure to report it to local authorities, the FTC, and contact your bank or credit card company.

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3 Low-Cost Tips to Keep Yourself Out of the Dentist’s Office

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Keeping yourself out of the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. From proper daily habits to budget-friendly dental products, there are numerous ways to maintain good oral health. Preventative care is crucial for long-term dental health and can save you both discomfort and money. In this article, we’ll explore three cost-effective strategies to help you avoid frequent visits to the dentist.

Maintain a Regular Oral Hygiene Routine

Regular oral hygiene is the foundation of dental health. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can significantly reduce plaque buildup and prevent tooth decay. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay affects 90% of adults aged 20 to 64 years old. For those concerned about costs, many affordable toothpaste brands offer essential benefits and protection against cavities.

In addition to brushing and flossing, using a mouthwash can be beneficial. Mouthwash helps to reach areas of your mouth that are difficult to clean with a brush or floss, reducing the bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Dental products such as oral irrigators are often available at a low cost and can enhance your oral care routine.

An often-overlooked tip is to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. A worn-out toothbrush is less effective at cleaning your teeth, making frequent replacements vital. For those keeping a close eye on their budget, multi-packs of toothbrushes or opting for non-electric toothbrushes can be a cost-effective choice.

Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Diet plays a crucial role in dental health, influencing both teeth and gums. Consuming a diet high in sugary and acidic foods can increase your risk of developing cavities. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people. It’s crucial to make sure your diet is optimized to prevent oral diseases.

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthy teeth and gums. Dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts can provide vital nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining the health of your enamel. Focusing on a nutritious diet can be a budget-friendly way to support oral health.

It’s also important to reduce snacking between meals, as constant exposure to sugar can enhance bacterial production in your mouth. Selecting healthier snacks, and consuming water instead of sugary drinks are simple adjustments that can contribute to stronger teeth. These small changes in dietary behavior can significantly decrease the risk of tooth decay.

Visit Your Dentist for Regular Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are vital for detecting issues early and maintaining oral health. While this may seem counterintuitive as a way to avoid dental visits, preventative check-ups can reduce the need for extensive and costly procedures later. Further, dental professionals often provide expert advice tailored to your personal oral care needs.

In many cases, dental insurance can alleviate the cost burden of regular check-ups. The coverage varies, but most insurance plans offer free or low-cost annual cleanings and exams. According to IBISWorld, the rise in orthodontics businesses in the United States, with over 15,000 businesses open, indicates a growing availability of dental services. 

Moreover, community health centers and dental schools often provide affordable or sometimes free dental care services. These services can be a viable option for those on a tight budget, ensuring that everyone has access to essential dental services and education. Regular visits enable early detection of possible dental issues, saving you both pain and expense.

Maintaining your dental health on a budget requires a combination of proper hygiene practices, a balanced diet, and regular dental check-ups. By implementing these cost-effective tips, you’ll be on your way to keeping your teeth and gums healthy without breaking the bank. Take proactive measures today to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles and fewer trips to the dentist’s office.

5 Unintended Consequences Of Breaking an Apartment Lease

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Unintended consequences of breaking an apartment lease
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Are you considering breaking the lease on your apartment? Sometimes life events like a new job, sudden job loss, or buying a home can cause us to break an apartment lease. However, in these circumstances, your landlord has no obligation to let you out of your lease. Before you notify your landlord, you should be aware of the consequences that could stay with you for years to come and it can be difficult to find no credit check apartments. So, here are some things you need to consider before you abandon your current lease.

1. Loss of Security Deposit

Responsible for unpaid rent when you break an apartment lease
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The most immediate consequence of breaking your apartment lease is losing your security deposit. This is the most common consequence of breaking an apartment lease. If you paid the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit, you should also expect to lose your last month’s rent if you break your lease.

2. Responsible for Unpaid Rent

Your landlord will probably also hold you responsible for any unpaid rent. Depending on the terms of your lease, some landlords will allow you to find someone else to rent your apartment and if successful, won’t charge you for the remainder of the lease. Every situation is different though and your landlord has no obligation to give you this curtsey. Check the early termination clause of your lease for more information. There may be a buyout clause in your lease detailing how much you will owe if you break your lease and how much notice you need to give.

3. Impact on Rental History

Breaking apartment lease impact on rental history no credit check apartment
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Landlords often scrutinize past rental history when you apply for a new lease. Breaking an apartment lease could complicate your search for a new apartment and raise concerns with your new landlord. You may have to pay additional fees to get approved or your application could get denied because of a poor rental history.

4. Legal Action by Landlord

If you break your apartment lease and don’t pay the remainder of the lease, your landlord has the right to take legal action. This could lead to a civil lawsuit and you may incur lawyer fees. In some situations, landlords may be granted the right to garnish wages or could seek the help of a collections agency to recoup any money owed.

5. Credit Score Impact

Early termination of your lease can also affect your credit score. Your landlord could report any unpaid rent to credit bureaus, which will drop your score. This may make finding a new apartment more difficult and you may need to look for no credit check apartments to obtain a lease. You also may have difficulty finding loans in the future.

Exceptions to The Rule

There are of course extenuating circumstances where breaking the lease on your apartment could be appropriate. If you break your lease because of active military duty, you are covered by the  Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and can lawfully break your lease.

Environmental factors may also allow you to break your lease such as domestic violence. The majority of states allow victims of domestic violence to break the lease agreement without penalty by providing landlords with written notice.

If your apartment has uninhabitable living conditions not rectified by the landlord, you could be entitled to break your lease without consequence as well. Again every state has different landlord-tenant laws, so you may want to consult a lawyer before trying to break your lease.

Options If You Need to Break Your Lease

You will have trouble finding a new apartment if you decide to break your lease. You may have to search for no credit check apartments, which are hard to find. Additionally, these kinds of apartments will typically have higher security deposits, costing you more out-of-pocket.

While circumstances may make it necessary for you to break your apartment lease, it’s important to know how it will affect your financial situation now and in the future. This way you can limit the impact as much as possible. If you have additional questions about the terms of your lease, make sure to communicate with your landlord and contact an attorney if necessary.

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