Author Archives: virginiasmp

Apple’s App Store and Google Play offer a range of holiday-themed apps for your enjoyment. For Christmas, kids can engage in live video chats with Santa, witness a reindeer feeding, or monitor Santa’s sleigh. For Hannukah, kids can illuminate a virtual menorah and play a dreidel game. For Kwanzaa, there are games to learn theContinue reading “Is that holiday app safe? Better check it twice”

Scammers love a good disguise. One day they show up texting you about a delivery you missed, the next they say you need to sort an issue with your Netflix account. Here’s how to avoid these phishing scams. Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening anContinue reading “Phishing scams can be hard to spot “

Hackers target your email and social media accounts to steal your personal information. Like your username and password, bank or credit card account numbers, or Social Security number. If they get it, they use it to commit identity theft, spread malware, or scam other people. So, what are signs that someone hacked your account, and howContinue reading “Email or social media hacked? Here’s what to do.”

Every year, the FTC reports to Congress on the agency’s recent efforts to protect older adults. Check out this year’s report for new scam and fraud trends, FTC cases and rulemakings that impacted older adults, and updates on Pass It On and other outreach programs. What else is new? This year’s report also highlights work from the Scams AgainstContinue reading “New FTC report to Congress on scams and older adults”

Imagine carrying a written copy of all your conversations with you everywhere you went. Or copies of your account numbers, usernames, and passwords. Or all the photos and videos you’ve ever taken. I bet you’d do just about everything in your power to protect all that valuable information. Well, your mobile phone holds all thatContinue reading “Three ways to protect the personal info on your phone”

Missing jury duty can come with real consequences. You could face a fine, go to court, or even get arrested. Scammers take advantage of that to get your money or sensitive information. But their story is a lie.   This scam usually starts with a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be fromContinue reading “Did you get a call or email saying you missed jury duty and need to pay? It’s a scam”

You get an email from someone in your place of worship asking you to buy gift cards for a worthy cause. It might look legit, but hold on. Some scammers pretend to be pastors, rabbis, imams, or bishops to steal worshippers’ money. Learn to spot gift card scams — or your money might end up in aContinue reading “Is that gift card helping your congregation or paying a scammer?”

People are reporting getting calls (and calls) (and more calls) about their supposed “loan application.” Only they hadn’t applied for a loan. So what’s going on? When people don’t pick up, the callers leave messages saying the imaginary “loan application” is on hold because the business needs more information, so please call back. The callsContinue reading “Hang up on unwanted calls about loans”

There’s been a lot of hype and excitement about artificial intelligence and all the amazing things it can, or one day might, do. Some companies are developing and selling AI tools, while others are flaunting the benefits of incorporating it into their existing business models. And some businesses aren’t being truthful when it comes toContinue reading “Operation AI Comply: Detecting AI-infused frauds and deceptions”

Did a salesperson knock on your door and promise free rooftop solar panels at no cost to you? Or say you’ll never have to pay another electricity bill because government programs, grants, or rebates cover your solar installation? It’s likely a scam. While there are some government-funded solar programs for households that qualify, “going solar”Continue reading “Solar energy is rising in popularity. So are the scams”