Faith & Finance - Do Your Finances Need Scam-Proofing?

“The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” — Proverbs 14:15

In an age where scams are becoming more sophisticated by the day, Scripture reminds us that discernment isn’t optional—it’s essential. As believers, protecting the resources God has entrusted to us is more than a practical concern—it’s an act of stewardship. Here’s how you can guard your finances with wisdom, not fear.

Scams Are Everywhere—But So Is Wisdom

Fraudsters use every channel available: phone calls, text messages, emails, and even impersonations of people you trust. But as followers of Christ, we’re not called to panic. We’re called to walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15). That begins with slowing down and thinking critically.

• Pause before you respond. Scammers rely on urgency. If someone pressures you to act immediately—whether claiming your account is locked or your money is at risk—take a step back. Hang up. Verify the source independently. Urgency is often a red flag.
   
• Avoid untraceable payments. No legitimate organization will ask for payment via wire transfer or gift cards. These are the preferred tools of scammers because they’re nearly impossible to recover.

Practical Steps for Digital Protection

Financial stewardship now includes digital awareness. Here are practical ways to protect yourself and your family:

• Use credit cards, not debit cards, for online purchases. Credit cards usually come with stronger fraud protection.
   
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your financial accounts. Even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t access your account without a second form of verification.
   
• Don’t reuse passwords. Use a secure password manager, such as Bitwarden or NordPass, to create and store strong, unique passwords.
   
• Set up account alerts. Most banks allow you to monitor activity in real-time, giving you a heads-up if something unusual occurs.
   
• Freeze your credit. It’s free to do and offers one of the best defenses against identity theft. You can always unfreeze it temporarily when needed.
   
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions. Wait until you're on a secure network or at home to check your bank accounts or make purchases.
   
• Limit what you share on social media. Personal details, such as birthdays or family names, can be used to guess passwords or security questions. Adjust your privacy settings and post wisely.
   
• Shred sensitive documents before discarding them. Even in the digital age, identity thieves still dig through trash.
   
• Don’t click on unfamiliar links, even if they appear to come from someone you know. When in doubt, contact the person or organization directly for clarification.

Stewarding Wisdom in Community

Scammers often target the vulnerable, particularly older adults and teenagers. So make this a shared effort. Discuss online fraud with your family. Equip them with knowledge. If you receive a letter or email about identity protection following a data breach, verify it by contacting the company directly, rather than through the provided link or number.

Financial faithfulness today includes digital vigilance. But there’s no need for fear. By taking these simple steps, you can walk confidently, knowing you’re stewarding God’s resources with care.

A Tool for Wise Stewardship: The FaithFi App

Looking for a practical way to manage your money with wisdom and peace of mind? The FaithFi app is a secure tool that helps you track your spending, plan your giving, and