Have you ever received an urgent text asking for personal information? If so, you’re not alone. In 2024, Alabama residents reported over 7,800 cyber-enabled crime and fraud incidents, resulting in more than $100 million in losses, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Financial fraud is a real threat, and Alabama residents must be prepared to protect their finances.

One of the most common methods used is phishing–a tactic where cybercriminals pose as trusted sources like banks, charities or government agencies to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information like passwords, account numbers or Social Security details.