In recent years, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, harnessing AI technologies such as voice cloning and deepfake videos to deceive victims. I remember receiving a chilling call that sounded exactly like a close relative—only to later find out that person had passed away years ago. This experience taught me that traditional trust is no longer enough in the digital age. The key to staying safe is developing two habits: trust less and verify more. "Trust less" means not immediately believing voice or video calls, regardless of how authentic they seem. Scammers exploit our emotional responses, especially when the call appears to be from someone we know. By being more skeptical, we can pause before reacting. The second habit, "verify," involves adding an extra layer of confirmation. Simple verification methods like using a family password or calling back through a different channel can prevent falling for scams. For example, if you receive a call or message claiming to be from a loved one, don't respond or transfer money right away. Instead, contact that person using a known phone number or another trusted method. These steps act like two-factor authentication in our daily communications. Just as we wouldn’t access sensitive accounts without verification, we shouldn’t trust voice or video communications blindly. This approach is practical and achievable for anyone, regardless of technical knowledge. I’ve found that sharing these habits with friends and family greatly increases their awareness and reduces their risk. In a world where AI can mimic voices and faces eerily well, adopting these two simple habits—trust less and verify—is vital for protecting yourself from scams and ensuring digital safety.