Your bank account information is more than a string of digits at the bottom of a check. In the wrong hands, those numbers can be exploited to commit fraud, impersonate you, and gather even more sensitive information. Understanding the limitations—and the real dangers—of exposed account data is key to preventing bigger financial and identity-theft problems.

A bank account number by itself doesn’t typically allow a criminal to directly withdraw your money. Most banks require additional verification before funds can move. But according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, that doesn’t mean the number is harmless.

Fraudsters can use account numbers to legitimize false documents, such as fake invoices, applications, or merchant accounts. Once a fraudulent form looks credible, it becomes easier for scammers to continue building schemes that eventually reach your wallet.

When account and routing numbers are compromised

Pair your account number with your bank’s routing number—which is public and easy to find—and the threat level rises quickly. With both pieces of information, scammers may:

• Set up unauthorized payments for goods or services.
  
• Initiate ACH withdrawals or other bank transfers out of your account.
  
• Create counterfeit checks that appear to draw on your funds.
  
• Launder money by depositing and moving funds through your account.
  
• Make online purchases where verification is minimal.
  
• Open additional accounts or services, using your account to look legitimate.
  
• Impersonate bank staff and fish for even more personal information to access other accounts.
  

These capabilities show why protecting both the account number and any identifying bank details is essential.

Even partial information helps scammers

Criminals rarely stop with what they have. Exposed banking details often become tools for confidence tricks. A scammer might place your real account number on a fake business application or invoice, convincing others that the document is genuine.

Another method relies on social engineering. Once a fraudster knows your account or bank name, they may call or email you posing as a bank representative. The goal: coax you into revealing passwords, authentication codes, or additional account numbers—the keys needed for full account takeover.

How to protect your bank information

Security starts long before anything goes wrong. Experts recommend:

• Sharing bank account numbers only when absolutely necessary—and only with trusted recipients.
  
• Using secure, encrypted portals for payments instead of emailing banking details.
  
• Shredding financial documents and disposing of old checks securely.
  
• Asking your bank about ACH blocks or debit filters to prevent unexpected withdrawals.
  
• Enabling real-time transaction alerts.
  
• Using strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication for financial accounts.
  
• Keeping your bank updated with your current contact information to ensure you receive alerts quickly.
  

These preventative steps make it significantly harder for criminals to misuse your information.

Warning signs

Consumers should stay alert for red flags, including:

• Unauthorized deposits or withdrawals.
  
• Checks clearing your account that you never wrote.
  
• Bills or collection notices for accounts you didn’t open.
  
• Vendors reporting bounced checks or failed payments.
  
• Unexpected messages referencing your real account number.
  

Spotting these signs early improves your odds of limiting damage. If you see signs of fraud, contact your bank immediately.

As millions of Americans prepare for the annual Black Friday shopping rush, cybersecurity experts are urging older adults to take extra precautions when making purchases online. While digital shopping continues to grow in popularity among seniors, thanks to convenience, home delivery, and exclusive web-only deals, it also presents a prime opportunity for scammers who ramp up their efforts during the holiday season.

One of the biggest risks facing older shoppers this year is the rise of fraudulent retail websites designed to closely mimic legitimate brands. These sites often use domain names that differ by only a letter or two, polished product photography, and countdown timers to create a sense of urgency.

Experts advise older adults to navigate directly to known retailer websites rather than clicking on deals they encounter through emails, social media, or online ads.

‘Too good to be true’ prices

With record-breaking discounts advertised this season, distinguishing between genuine markdowns and deceptive offers becomes more challenging. Scammers frequently promote ultra-low prices on popular items – electronics, mobility devices, household tools – only to deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all.

Consumer protection groups recommend comparing prices across multiple trusted retailers and avoiding sellers that request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Older adults remain prime targets for phishing attempts, especially during the holiday shopping spree. Fraudulent notifications claiming a package delivery issue, a “failed payment,” or a limited-time coupon are circulating widely.

Shoppers are advised not to click links from unsolicited messages. Instead, they should log in to their retailer or shipping provider’s official website to check order statuses.

Protect your personal information

Before entering any payment information, consumers should confirm that the website address begins with “https://” and that a padlock icon appears near the browser’s address bar—signs of a secure connection.

Using credit cards instead of debit cards offers added protection, as credit card companies typically provide stronger fraud-dispute mechanisms.

Additionally, older adults are encouraged to avoid creating accounts with weak or reused passwords—two-factor authentication is strongly recommended.

Porch piracy and fake shipping update scams are expected to rise right alongside online purchases this season. Seniors living alone or in multi-unit housing may be especially vulnerable.

Opting for package tracking through official retailer apps, requiring delivery signatures, or using secure pickup locations can reduce the risk.

Consumer protection organizations and many banks now offer free fraud-alert tools and education resources aimed at seniors. Family members can also play a key role by helping older relatives verify deals, set up security tools, and avoid rushed purchases.

On my daily trip to the mailbox, I discovered I had a letter from the Social Security Administration. It was unexpected, so I opened it immediately.

The letter acknowledged my recent request to change my direct deposit information to another account. It advised me to keep the old account open until the monthly payments began arriving at the new account in the following month.

There was just one problem. I had made no such request. Having written about scams for the last 20 years, I immediately knew my account had been hacked.

What to do

I called my local Social Security office in Richmond, Va., and told them what happened. The agent suggested I come in.

“We can rectify this in about five minutes,” she said.

I arrived at the office and checked in. When my number was called, I was sent to a Social Security agent we’ll call “Bob.”

When I explained the situation, “Bob” checked my ID and pulled up my online account.

“Yep, it’s been changed,” Bob said. “Do you use the online account very much?”

“Hardly at all,” I replied.

“The safest thing to do is just delete it,” he said.

“Do it,” I replied.

Just like that, the scammer’s access to my Social Security account was ended, and Bob restored my real direct deposit information. And like the first agent predicted, it all took about five minutes.

Social Security online accounts are a tempting, and sometimes easy, target for scammers. If you use yours regularly, it is wise to constantly change the password. If you don’t use it, like Bob suggests, just delete it.

It’s not a new scam, but it’s drawn a new warning to Social Security recipients. The Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration is alerting the public to fraudulent emails designed to spark fear, urgency, and confusion.

The scam begins with an email titled “Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected.” Inside, recipients find an attachment that appears to be an official SSA OIG letter. It carries the alarming headline “SUSPENSION OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER DUE TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES” and displays stamps such as “Official Document” and “Official Government Communication.”

The letter falsely claims the recipient’s Social Security number will be suspended within 24 hours and that several criminal charges will be filed. It instructs the victim to call a phone number “immediately” to avoid prosecution. This entire message is a scam that has begun to appear more frequently in recent months.

What happens if you call the number

According to the OIG, victims who call the provided number may be greeted by:

• Someone posing as an SSA OIG employee
• An automated system telling them to send a text message

Scammers may even use the name of a real SSA employee to sound credible. Their goal is to pressure you into revealing personal details—such as your Social Security number, birthdate, or bank information.

Acting Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson stresses that the SSA does not send letters threatening to suspend your Social Security number or demanding immediate contact.

“Scammers continue to exploit fear and confusion by using official-looking letters and real SSA employee names to threaten you and convince you they’re legitimate so that you will respond and provide them with your personal information and money,” Anderson said. “If you get an unexpected call, text, email, letter, or social media message from SSA OIG or any government agency, pause and think scam first.”

How seniors can protect themselves

• Don’t trust unexpected emails about Social Security issues. SSA will never threaten to suspend your number.
• Never call the phone number in a suspicious message.
• Do not open attachments from unknown senders.
• Never share personal information, especially via phone or email.
• Verify directly with SSA by using official contact information at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you receive an alarming message claiming your Social Security number is in danger, it’s a scam. Take a moment, stay calm, and verify through official channels. Being cautious can protect you from identity theft and financial loss.

Fidelity Investments’ latest Q3 2025 retirement analysis shows that Americans’ retirement nest eggs continue to grow, with average 401(k), IRA, and 403(b) balances all reaching record levels during the quarter. 

The surge reflects a combination of steady savings habits and supportive stock market performance, even as uncertainty around the broader economy persists.

According to the report, the average 401(k) balance rose 5% from its previous high in Q2, marking the sixth quarter-over-quarter increase in the past eight quarters—an upward trend stretching back to late 2023. Fidelity noted that both 401(k) and 403(b) contributors maintained consistent savings rates throughout the third quarter, signaling that workers are staying focused on long-term goals despite economic concerns.

Disciplined behavior

Sharon Brovelli, president of Workplace Investing at Fidelity, said the data underscores disciplined behavior among savers. 

“Americans are continuing to exhibit impactful savings behaviors such as staying the course and focusing on long-term goals, which clearly is having a positive effect on retirement savings,” she said. “To see balances and saving behaviors increase across all savings vehicles is encouraging, especially as savers continue to navigate an uncertain economic environment.”

One of the standout trends in this quarter’s findings is the growing embrace of Roth accounts, vehicles that offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Fidelity reports that 20% of Gen Z 401(k) participants now contribute to Roth 401(k)s, a significantly higher share than older generations.

The trend is even more pronounced in IRAs. Gen Z investors directed 95% of their IRA contributions to Roth IRAs rather than traditional accounts, demonstrating a strong focus on long-term tax efficiency.

“Retirement is about taking a long-term view, and the growing interest in Roth products shows that investors recognize their potential for tax advantages and long-term growth,” said Robert Mascialino, president of Wealth at Fidelity Investments. “By creating a plan and saving consistently, investors of all ages are positioning themselves for a financially secure retirement.”

Auto Portability gains traction

Fidelity’s analysis also highlights the rapid expansion of Auto Portability, an automated service that rolls small retirement balances from one employer’s plan to another, helping workers avoid cashing out when changing jobs. As a founding member of the Portability Services Network, Fidelity has helped advance the adoption of the service since its launch in October 2022.

To date, more than 9,200 Fidelity 401(k) plans have implemented Auto Portability, preserving about $24 million in retirement savings that might otherwise have been lost or withdrawn prematurely.

Fidelity’s quarterly analysis draws on savings behaviors from over 52 million retirement accounts across IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s. The full breakdown of trends, along with additional research and industry insights, is available in the latest edition of Building Financial Futures and through Fidelity’s Workplace Insights hub.

T. Rowe Price investment leaders outlined a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026 at the firm’s 43rd annual Global Market Outlook press briefing. 

The event brought together specialists across equities, fixed income, and multi-asset portfolios, along with guest speaker Glenn August, founder and CEO of Oak Hill Advisors. Together, they offered a multi-faceted assessment of trends shaping the global economy—from AI’s shifting growth engine to the implications of aggressive fiscal expansion across developed markets.

Capital markets strategist Tim Murray described a U.S. economy increasingly defined by contrasting narratives. AI-related industries are thriving, while rate-sensitive sectors such as housing and manufacturing remain weak. 

Although the Federal Reserve has begun cutting rates, Murray cautioned that mortgage costs remain high enough to dampen a housing rebound.

Labor market deterioration is emerging as a key risk, he added, noting that while layoffs are still low by historical standards, job creation has slowed and recently softened even within typically stable noncyclical industries.

“The AI sector is booming, but areas like housing and manufacturing are lagging,” Murray said. “Stimulus could help broaden growth in 2026, but labor market weakness and sticky inflation cloud the outlook.”

AI leadership set to broaden

In equities, Josh Nelson, head of Global Equity, said the AI boom is entering a new phase, shifting from digital tools like models and software to “physical AI” infrastructure requiring vast upgrades in energy, cooling, networking, and semiconductor capacity.

Top-tier AI companies are expected to continue outperforming, but Nelson emphasized rising dispersion as competition intensifies and product cycles diverge.

He also highlighted the expected boost from the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which could inject $200–$300 billion in U.S. fiscal stimulus in 2026. Internationally, he pointed to a quiet expansion underway in Europe, compelling value in Japan, softened regulatory pressure in China, and attractive valuations across emerging markets.

“The AI boom is far from over,” Nelson said. “By 2026, we expect broader participation across AI and the broader market.”

Ken Orchard, head of International Fixed Income, reported generally healthy credit fundamentals: strong balance sheets, manageable default expectations, and ample access to capital markets. But he warned that certain “late-cycle” behaviors make credit selectivity more important than ever.

A central challenge, he noted, is ballooning fiscal deficits in the U.S., UK, and key eurozone economies. As governments issue more debt to fund expansionary policies, they must increasingly offer higher yields to attract buyers.

His highest-conviction views include keeping duration low, favoring public credit over government bonds, underweighting U.S. fixed income relative to global peers, holding inflation-linked bonds, and overweighting quality-tilted emerging markets.

“Rich valuations demand disciplined credit selection,” Orchard said. “Meanwhile, fiscal expansion is pushing government bond yields higher as supply rises.”

“Cockroaches” in credit markets require vigilance

Rounding out the panel, Glenn August of Oak Hill Advisors emphasized the importance of credit and liquidity risk management in leveraged finance. 

While he acknowledged structural improvements in loan and high-yield markets, he stressed that some troubled credits—his metaphorical “cockroaches”—always persist in a $5 trillion market.

Lower recovery rates heighten the need for careful selection, active oversight, and distressed-debt expertise.

“There are always cockroaches in markets,” August said. “The key is to avoid them—and that’s where selection and active management matter.”

A first-of-its-kind nationwide study has pinpointed where epilepsy affects older Americans the most and uncovered surprising social and environmental factors that may increase risk. 

The research,  published in JAMA Neurology and led by teams at the Houston Methodist Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University, offers the clearest national picture yet of how and where epilepsy impacts adults age 65 and older.

By analyzing data from 4.8 million Medicare beneficiaries between 2016 and 2019, researchers uncovered a clear geographic trend: older adults living in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, East Texas and central Oklahoma had significantly higher rates of epilepsy than those in other regions.

Lead investigator Weichuan Dong, Ph.D., said the findings offer critical insights long missing from national data.

“Until now, we didn’t have a national picture of where epilepsy affects older adults the most,” Dong explained. “We revealed striking clusters of high epilepsy rates across parts of the South — what we call the ‘epilepsy belt.’ Understanding where the burden lies is the first step toward uncovering why.”

Factors that raise risk

While epilepsy can affect anyone, the study found that several conditions strongly predicted a higher incidence in older adults. These include:

• Insufficient sleep—fewer than seven hours per night
• Extreme heat—a growing concern as many regions experience more days above a heat index of 95°F
• Low levels of physical activity
• Limited access to a household vehicle, which affects access to care
• Lack of health insurance among younger adults, suggesting that some people may go undiagnosed until they reach Medicare age

Many of these risk factors reflect local environments and socioeconomic conditions, meaning that community-level solutions could make a real difference. One finding stood out: the powerful link between extreme heat and new epilepsy cases.

“This is the first study documenting such a strong association between extreme heat and incident epilepsy in older adults,” said Siran Koroukian, Ph.D., of Case Western Reserve University. “It highlights the importance of climate change in emergency preparedness, especially as our population grows older.”

Why these findings matter

Epilepsy affects an estimated 3.3 million Americans, and care for epilepsy and seizures totaled $24.5 billion in health care spending in 2019, according to the CDC. But until now, little was known about how the condition varies geographically for older adults.

By using advanced machine learning and geospatial mapping, researchers were able to uncover patterns that traditional approaches could not. Obesity levels and access to primary care were also strong predictors of where epilepsy rates ran highest.

For older adults and their families, the study shows the importance of managing sleep, staying cool in high heat, staying physically active, and ensuring reliable access to health care, especially in regions identified as high-risk.

For community leaders and health systems, the findings could guide decisions about where to invest in preventive care, cooling centers, transportation assistance, or public health outreach.

Researchers from multiple institutions contributed to the project, including experts from Houston Methodist, Case Western Reserve University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Bowling Green State University, and Mount Sinai Health System.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reportedly stepped back from a potential overhaul of how it determines eligibility for disability benefits, according to disability-rights advocates who were briefed on the decision. 

One of the advocacy groups, AARP, said the move follows months of concern from organizations that warned the contemplated changes could severely restrict access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and disproportionately affect older Americans.

Advocates say they were alerted to the reversal during recent conversations with SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano. Jason Turkish, an attorney and cofounder of the nonprofit Alliance for America’s Promise, said Bisignano informed him in a Nov. 18 meeting that the agency would not move forward with the new regulations. 

Turkish added that other senior administration officials had delivered similar assurances the week prior.

“I am deeply gratified by this outcome,” Turkish wrote in a Nov. 19 update to fellow advocates.

Concerns over age-related criteria

The SSA had signaled earlier this year that it was preparing to propose changes aimed at making the disability-determination process more efficient. Among the most controversial ideas reportedly under consideration was reducing the importance of age as a factor when evaluating eligibility for SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Advocacy and research groups argued that such a shift could strip benefits from hundreds of thousands of current recipients, particularly older adults whose age-related limitations are already integral to disability assessments.

Groups representing older Americans expressed relief following news that the overhaul was no longer being pursued.

“Social Security Disability Insurance is a critical lifeline for people who find themselves no longer able to work,” said Jenn Jones, AARP’s vice president of financial security. 

She praised the commissioner’s “careful and transparent” approach, noting that changes to SSDI could significantly affect older beneficiaries who depend on the program for stability and independence.

Agency silent on details

Neither the SSA nor the White House responded to inquiries about the decision, leaving unclear which elements of the proposed rule changes were under active consideration or whether they may resurface in the future. 

For now, disability-rights groups are treating the pause as a victory and a reminder of the influence of sustained public advocacy.

A new study suggests that the key to fighting Alzheimer’s disease might not be only in the brain; it could also be in your muscles.

Scientists from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Copenhagen found that increasing a certain protein in muscle tissue helped prevent memory loss in mice bred to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The findings, published in the journal Aging Cell, offer a fresh angle on how lifestyle factors like exercise may help protect the brain.

The research focuses on Cathepsin B (Ctsb) — a protein released by muscles during exercise. Earlier studies suggested Ctsb might help with memory, but this experiment took it a step further.

Researchers boosted the amount of Ctsb produced in the muscles of Alzheimer’s-model mice using a harmless gene therapy. The results were remarkable:

• The treated mice did not develop the usual memory problems,
• Their brains continued to grow new neurons in the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain,
• And their brain and blood looked more like those of healthy mice.

“Our study is the first to show that increasing Cathepsin B in muscle can prevent memory loss in an Alzheimer’s model,” said Henriette van Praag, Ph.D., one of the study’s lead researchers.

Why this is so unexpected

Most Alzheimer’s treatments try to reduce brain inflammation or break down amyloid plaques — clumps of protein linked to the disease. But in this study, those plaques and inflammation stayed the same.

Even so, memory and brain function improved.

This suggests Ctsb might help the brain in a completely different way — possibly by restoring the brain’s ability to make important proteins needed for learning and memory.

“We’ve always known exercise is good for your brain,” said Atul S. Deshmukh, Ph.D., co-author from the University of Copenhagen. “This helps explain why. Muscles send signals that can actually support brain health.”

Not a one-size-fits-all solution

One surprising twist: when healthy mice (those without Alzheimer’s) received the same treatment, their memory actually got worse. Researchers think healthy muscle may react differently to the gene therapy.

That means it’s far too early to consider this a treatment for people — but it is a big step toward understanding how muscles and the brain communicate.

The study adds to growing evidence that the connection between muscle activity and brain health is stronger than previously thought. Exercise may help protect the brain not just by improving blood flow or reducing stress, but by sending powerful chemical messages from muscles to the brain.

“Targeting muscle could eventually become a low-cost, non-invasive option for slowing neurodegenerative diseases,” van Praag said.

While the research is still in its early stages, one message is clear: taking care of your muscles may be more important for your brain than anyone realized.

Even as the cost of senior living continues to climb at some of the steepest rates in years, residents and families say they are more satisfied than ever with the care and services they receive, according to the newly released J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study.

The report shows that overall satisfaction across both independent living and assisted living/memory care communities improved significantly over the past year, defying trends of rising rents and service fees that have increased between 7% and 10% across the industry.

Residents of independent living communities reported an average satisfaction score of 753, a 25-point climb from 2024. According to J.D. Power, much of that improvement was fueled by heightened perceptions of value.

Key drivers of the gains include:

• Price paid for services: +28 points
• Community staff performance: +25
• Buildings and grounds: +21

Andrea Stokes, practice lead for hospitality and senior living at J.D. Power, said the increases indicate that residents feel they are receiving strong value despite higher costs.

‘Milestone achievement’

“One area showing improvement this year, particularly in the independent living segment, is satisfaction with community staff,” she noted. “That is a milestone achievement for an industry that continues to face staffing challenges.”

Family members and decision-makers overseeing a loved one’s assisted living or memory care saw satisfaction rise by 12 points, reaching 867. Improvements were most pronounced in:

• Dining quality: +11 points
• Resident activities: +8
• Living units/apartments: +7

The quality of care provided by assisted living and memory care staff reached a record high, achieving an average rating of 8.89 out of 10—the highest level J.D. Power has ever recorded in the category.

The top-ranked providers

In the 2025 rankings, LCS (Life Care Services) continued its dominance in independent living, taking the top spot for the seventh straight year with a score of 831. The next highest performers were:

2. Discovery Senior Living – 761
3. Five-Star Senior Living – 757

In the assisted living and memory care category, Discovery Senior Living earned top honors with a score of 884, followed closely by:

2. Atria Senior Living – 879
3. Frontier Senior Living – 877

The 2025 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study measures satisfaction with six foundational aspects of the senior living experience: buildings and grounds, staff, dining, price/value, activities, and living units. The study reflects responses from 2,917 residents and decision-makers collected between May and August 2025.

Despite economic pressures, the data suggests that many senior living operators are delivering stronger experiences, and that consumers increasingly feel the higher costs are justified by quality, staff performance, and amenities.