It feels like every week there’s a new scam to watch out for. Emails. Phone calls. Text messages. Even job postings. At this point, consumers aren’t just protecting their money, we’re protecting our entire livelihoods.

Last week, I experienced a situation that was so disheartening.

I received a phone call from a company I’ve used in the past — a service that allows you to pay for online purchases over time. My caller ID showed the company’s name. Still, I rejected the first call because, let’s be real, that’s where we’re at now.

They called again. I answered but didn’t say anything.

An automated voice claimed someone was attempting to change my password and instructed me to enter verification codes sent to my phone. Three codes came through. I entered the first one — and then something didn’t feel right.

One of the text messages clearly stated: “This company will never call and ask for this code.” That stopped me.

I checked my email and saw a message saying my email address had been removed from my account, something I did not authorize. I hadn’t even used the account in quite some time.

I immediately called the company’s customer service number. While I was on the phone, I received ten more calls from the exact same number — the same legitimate customer service line I had just dialed. They left ten voicemails.

That’s the part that really disturbed me.

When scam calls appear to come from official numbers, it erodes trust entirely. Whether it’s spoofing or something more, consumers are left vulnerable and confused about who to believe.

Ultimately, I deactivated my account and deleted the app. Not because I wanted to but because these days, we have to be as diligent as possible. No company is immune to breaches, and we’re the ones left dealing with the aftermath.

Contrast that with an experience I had a couple days ago with Bank of America.

I updated my information in their app, and almost immediately — before I even fully closed it — I received both a text and an email asking me to confirm the change. No calls. No pressure. No confusion. Just clear, secure verification.

That’s how it should be done.

This isn’t about paranoia. It’s about transparency, accountability, and protecting customers in an era where trust is already fragile. If consumers are expected to stay vigilant, companies must meet us halfway.

Because there is no such thing as being digitally safe anymore.