Tech expert Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers timely advice on protecting your genetic and financial data amid evolving risks, especially with major changes coming to retirement account rules in 2026. As millions of Americans approach retirement age and adjust their savings strategies, scammers are ramping up efforts to exploit confusion and personal information. Understanding these changes and taking proactive steps can help safeguard your privacy and your hard-earned money.
One of the most significant shifts affecting retirees and near-retirees is the upcoming overhaul to 401(k) catch-up contributions beginning in 2026. Currently, individuals over 50 can contribute additional "catch-up" amounts to their 401(k) accounts beyond the standard annual limit—$23,500 in 2025. These extra contributions are usually tax-deferred, meaning the money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes, grows tax-free, and is taxed only upon withdrawal in retirement.
However, starting in 2026, for anyone earning more than $145,000 in the prior year, these catch-up contributions will no longer enjoy tax deferral. Instead, they will be treated like Roth 401(k) contributions: taxed upfront at the time of contribution but allowed to grow and be withdrawn tax-free later. While this change may simplify some aspects of retirement tax planning, it also introduces new complexities and opportunities for fraudsters to prey on retirees.
Scammers constantly target financially active retirees, and rule changes like this create the perfect environment for deception. Fraudsters often reach out via email, phone calls, or even physical mail, impersonating trusted figures such as financial advisors, IRS agents, or retirement plan administrators. Their goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive information like account numbers, Social Security details, or direct deposit information, which they can then use for identity theft or unauthorized withdrawals.
These schemes can be incredibly convincing, especially when they reference real tax law changes or retirement plan adjustments. Even savvy individuals can be caught off guard. The FBI has warned that seniors are particularly vulnerable to billion-dollar scams fueled by AI-driven phishing and social engineering tactics. As scammers become more sophisticated, retirees must remain vigilant.
To counter these threats, experts recommend several key steps. First and foremost, stay informed about the Secure 2.0 Act and the specific 401(k) changes it mandates, including how catch-up contributions will be taxed starting in 2026. Reliable sources for this information include your plan administrator, the IRS website, and licensed tax advisors. Being well-informed helps you quickly spot fraudulent communications that attempt to exploit your confusion.
Next, consider protecting your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. While you can manually opt out of data brokers and track your information online, this process is tedious and ongoing. A more efficient approach is to use a reputable personal data removal service. These services automatically contact hundreds of data brokers on your behalf, request removal of your information, monitor for reappearances, and provide you with a dashboard confirming what’s been removed.
Although no service can guarantee complete erasure of your data from the internet, using a data removal service significantly reduces your exposure. By limiting the amount of personal information available online, you make it much harder for scammers to cross-reference data from breaches, public records, or the dark web to target you. While these services come at a cost, they can be a worthwhile investment for your privacy and peace of mind.
In addition to data removal, be cautious about any communications you receive regarding your 401(k) or retirement accounts. If you get a call, email, or letter requesting account updates, do not respond directly to the message. Instead, independently verify the request by contacting your plan administrator using official contact information from your statements or the provider’s official website. Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as these could install malware aimed at stealing your information.
Installing strong antivirus and anti-malware software on all your devices is another essential defense. The best security programs can detect phishing emails, block ransomware attacks, and alert you to suspicious activity, protecting your personal data and digital assets. Kurt Knutsson regularly updates recommendations for top antivirus products compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices to help users stay protected.
Monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts closely is critical for early detection of fraud. Scammers often use stolen personal information from previous data breaches or data brokers. Setting up transaction alerts with your bank and retirement plan provider can notify you immediately of any unusual activity. You might also consider temporarily