‘I feel so stupid’: This young Connecticut woman had her bank account drained by scammers after answering trusted Wells Fargo number — how to spot and avoid similar schemes

Anyone can fall victim to a scam

Stenz isn't alone when it comes to falling victim to a scam. The Federal Trade Commission reports that consumers lost a record $10 billion in 2023.

Technologies used to trick Stenz are one reason for that, as it's become possible for scammers to actually make it appear that they're calling from a legitimate number.

"Digital tools are making it easier than ever to target hard-working Americans,” Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a news release.

As tech makes it possible for fraudsters to find new ways to take your money, protecting yourself has become more important than ever. Here's how you can do that:

• Don't ever give information or respond to commands when someone calls you on the phone. If you receive a call from an alleged bank or government employee, hang up, look up the actual phone number online and call them back.
• Use two-factor authentication. When setting up important accounts, always opt for two-factor authentication when possible. This means that you'll need to enter your password and also verify your account via a different method, such as getting a text sent to your email or phone.
• Don't click on unfamiliar links. If you get a text or an email from a company asking you to click on a link and enter information, don't click the link. Instead, navigate directly to the company's website from your browser.

By following best practices, hopefully, you can avoid falling victim to a scam like the one Stenz was unfortunately caught up in. If you are defrauded, it's important to let your bank or credit card company know as soon as possible. While there's no guarantee, they may be able to recover some of your money.