09.30.26 Financial Scam Prevention / Travel Updates
Summary
Clark Howard warns listeners about sophisticated account takeover scams where fraudsters impersonate financial institutions to steal life savings, emphasizing the need to never share verification codes with unsolicited callers. He addresses a listener’s $8,600 gift card fraud and advises on protecting elderly neighbors from identity theft, while also discussing current travel trends where winter is now the most affordable season for international trips due to inflated shoulder-season prices. The episode concludes with practical tips for saving money on cruise internet, hotel parking, and re…
Topics discussed
Intro: Clark Howard Show mission and free tools
Warning: How scammers drain life savings via fake fraud calls
Listener story: 22-year-old scammed out of $8,600 by fake boss
Mattress buying advice: Why Costco is the safest bet
Free phone scams and credit freezes for the elderly
Sponsors: Schwab, Talking Real Money, and AT&T Business
Travel strategy: Why winter is the new shoulder season
Cruise Wi-Fi: Using GigSky instead of ship internet
Hotel parking fees: How to avoid and fight back
Reshopping travel deals: Safe strategies for cars, hotels, flights
Outro: Upcoming 'Clark Stinks' segment and show close
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