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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: In ‘SIM Swap,’ criminals really have your number. Also in the news: Don’t let price be your only guide when choosing an airport, a new SmartMoney podcast, and why you shouldn’t sign up for an airline credit card when you’re on the plane.

In ‘SIM Swap,’ Criminals Really Have Your Number
How to reduce the chances of being victimized.

Choosing Among Airports? Don’t Let Price Be Your Only Guide
There are many factors to consider.

SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Much House Can I Afford?’
It’s about more than just the numbers.

Don’t Sign Up for an Airline Credit Card When You’re on the Plane
Resist the impulse.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 8 credit card strategies – and some surprises, too. Also in the news: The technophobe’s guide to cybersecurity, why the Apple Card could make you spend more, and why Cash App users should be on the lookout for scams.

8 Credit Card Strategies — And Some Surprises, Too
Using your cards strategically.

The Technophobe’s Guide to Cybersecurity
Protecting yourself and your data.

Why The Apple Card Could Make You Spend More
Chasing rewards and instant gratification.

Watch Out for Scams Targeting Cash App Users
Be alert.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The cheapest ways to fly to Hawaii using points and miles. Also in the news: 5 things to know about the Platinum Delta SkyMiles business credit cards, why you should use caution with buy-now, pay-later platforms, and see how the Democratic candidates tax plans would affect you.

The Cheapest Ways to Fly to Hawaii Using Points and Miles
Aloha!

5 Things to Know About the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card
Especially handy for small business owners.

Use caution with buy-now, pay-later platformsInstant gratification can have long-term consequences.

See How the Democratic Candidates’ Tax Plans Would Affect You
A look into the political future.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to navigate the Yahoo data breach settlement. Also in the news: Identity theft and babies, getting grandparents on board with using reward credit cards, and a more realistic way to look at health care costs in retirement.

How to Navigate the Yahoo Data Breach Settlement
Here we go again.

Has Your Newborn’s Identity Already Been Stolen?
A rise in synthetic identity theft has put babies at risk.

Getting Grandparents on Board With Using Rewards Credit Cards
More trips to visit the grandkids.

Here’s a more realistic way to look at health care costs in retirement
Considering the factors.

In ‘SIM swap,’ criminals really have your number

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If you’re not familiar with SIM swap fraud, prepare to be terrified.

This scam, also known as port-out or SIM splitting fraud, allows criminals to hijack your cell phone number. Once they have your number, the bad guys can clean out your financial accounts, confiscate your email, delete your data and take over your social media profiles.

Fraudsters can do all this because many companies — including banks, brokerages, email providers and social media platforms — verify your identity by texting a code to your cell phone. Intercepting those codes can give a criminal an all-access pass to your financial and digital life.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn more about the fraud experts fear the most.