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A Guide to Avoiding Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Finances
Christopher Davis • February 12, 2025
In today’s digital world, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals of all ages—especially older adults. At Davis Law Firm, we are committed to helping you safeguard your hard-earned assets from fraudsters. Below, we outline three common scams to watch out for and provide tips to protect yourself.
1. The Bitcoin Scam
What It Is
You receive a call, email, or text message from someone claiming to represent a government agency, business, or even a friend. They instruct you to withdraw money and convert it into Bitcoin as a way to “secure” your funds or complete a “transfer.”
Red Flags
- They claim urgent action is needed, pressuring you to act immediately.
- They ask you to use cryptocurrency, which is nearly impossible to recover once sent.
- They refuse to communicate through official channels or avoid providing clear identification.
What to Do
- Hang up or ignore the message. Legitimate organizations will never ask for Bitcoin payments.
- Contact the alleged organization directly using verified contact information to confirm the request.
2. The “I Love You” or Romance Scam
What It Is
A scammer poses as a romantic partner or family member in distress. They build trust through online relationships or pretend to be a distant relative. Once trust is established, they ask for money to handle an “emergency” or help with travel expenses.
Red Flags
- They request money through untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- They refuse to meet in person or provide vague details about their identity.
- The relationship moves unusually fast, often with declarations of love or urgency.
What to Do
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person or cannot verify as a real family member.
- Ask detailed, specific questions that only your real family member could answer.
- Block and report suspicious accounts on social media or dating platforms.
3. The Credit Card Transfer Scam
What It Is
A fraudster asks you to transfer all your money from your credit cards or accounts to another account under the pretense of “protecting” your assets. They might pose as a financial advisor, bank employee, or law enforcement official.
Red Flags
- They claim your accounts are compromised and need to be “secured” by transferring funds.
- They ask for sensitive account details or personal information.
- They urge secrecy and warn against telling anyone else about the transaction.
What to Do
- Never provide account details or make large transfers without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
- Contact your bank directly to confirm whether your account is compromised.
Tips to Stay Safe Online
- Verify Before You Act: Always double-check any requests involving money or personal information.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and how they operate.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t proceed without consulting a trusted advisor or family member.
- Keep Personal Information Private: Avoid sharing sensitive details online or over the phone.
If you believe you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, contact your local law enforcement, National Elder Fraud Hotline, your bank/financial institution, or trusted loved one.
Navigating changes in tax rates and gifting limits can feel overwhelming, but understanding the latest updates is essential for effective financial planning. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down the most notable changes for 2025 and help you understand how these updates might impact you. Key Tax Updates for 2025 1. Standard Deduction Increases The standard deduction has seen modest increases for the 2025 tax year: Single filers and married individuals filing separately: $15,000 (up by $400 from 2024). Married couples filing jointly: $30,000 (up by $800 from 2024). Heads of households: $22,500 (up by $600 from 2024). These adjustments can lower taxable income for many taxpayers, potentially leading to reduced tax liability. 2. Updated Marginal Tax Rates The marginal tax rates remain unchanged, but the income thresholds have been adjusted for inflation: 37%: Over $626,350 (single); $751,600 (married filing jointly). 35%: Over $250,525 (single); $501,050 (married filing jointly). 32%: Over $197,300 (single); $394,600 (married filing jointly). 24%: Over $103,350 (single); $206,700 (married filing jointly). 22%: Over $48,475 (single); $96,950 (married filing jointly). 12%: Over $11,925 (single); $23,850 (married filing jointly). 10%: $11,925 or less (single); $23,850 or less (married filing jointly). 3. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemptions The AMT exemption amounts have increased for 2025: Unmarried individuals: $88,100 (up from $81,300 in 2024). Married couples filing jointly: $137,000 (up from $126,500 in 2024). Changes in Benefits and Credits 4. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) For taxpayers with three or more qualifying children, the maximum EITC rises to $8,046 , up from $7,830 in 2024. 5. Adoption Credit The adoption credit for children with special needs increases to $17,280 (up from $16,810 in 2024). 6. Health-Related Benefits Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Contribution limits rise to $3,300 (up from $3,200 ). Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs): Self-only coverage: Deductibles between $2,850 and $4,300; out-of-pocket limit of $5,700. Family coverage: Deductibles between $5,700 and $8,550; out-of-pocket limit of $10,500. Estate and Gifting Updates 7. Estate Tax Exclusion The estate tax basic exclusion amount increases to $13,990,000 , up from $13,610,000 in 2024. 8. Annual Gifting Limit For 2025, the annual gift tax exclusion rises to $19,000 (up from $18,000 ). This means you can gift up to $19,000 to an individual without incurring gift tax. Unchanged for 2025 Certain provisions remain consistent: Personal Exemptions: Still at zero, a continuation of changes introduced by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Itemized Deductions: No limitation, as in previous years. What Do These Changes Mean for You? Understanding these adjustments can help you: Plan Your Budget: Adjust your withholdings or estimated payments based on the new thresholds and deductions. Maximize Benefits: Consider increasing contributions to FSAs or utilizing the higher gifting limit. Prepare for Tax Filing: Familiarize yourself with these updates to avoid surprises when filing your return in 2026. At Davis Law, we’re here to guide you through these changes and ensure you make the most of the new tax regulations. Contact us today for personalized advice tailored to your financial situation. Need help planning for 2025? Schedule a consultation with our expert team today!