Did someone reach out and offer free, in-home perks like cooking and cleaning in exchange for your Medicare number? Don’t give it. That could be a scammer trying to commit hospice fraud. Scammers are targeting older adults — with calls, texts, emails, fake ads, and even door-to-door visits — claiming they’ll set you up withContinue reading “You heard that correctly: Scammers are committing hospice fraud”
Author Archives: virginiasmp
‘Tis the season to donate, and scammers are taking advantage
With so many purchases during the holiday season, it can be easy to miss a fraudulent credit card charge or two – especially if it appears to be from a charity. Keep a close eye on your credit card statement this time of year. How the scam works You review your credit card statement and noticeContinue reading “‘Tis the season to donate, and scammers are taking advantage”
The low-down on health insurance ads during open season
During open season for the Health Insurance Marketplace, you might have seen an increase — maybe a flood — of ads for health plans. The ads might promise comprehensive health insurance…but the plan turns out to have limited benefits. Or it’s a medical discount card and not insurance at all. Some ads might promise rewardsContinue reading “The low-down on health insurance ads during open season”
Getting a pet? Avoid scams
During the holidays, adding a dog, cat, or other adorable animal to the family is top of mind for many, and scammers know it. While there are lots of fur babies waiting for their forever home, scammers try to take advantage of the situation by posting fake ads for pets — all designed to takeContinue reading “Getting a pet? Avoid scams”
The naughty list: BBB’s 12 scams of the holidays
With the year quickly winding down, Better Business Bureau has compiled our naughty list of the top 12 holiday scams. (Read More)
Is that holiday app safe? Better check it twice
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”
Phishing scams can be hard to spot
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 “
Email or social media hacked? Here’s what to do.
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.”
New FTC report to Congress on scams and older adults
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”
Three ways to protect the personal info on your phone
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”
The Virginia SMP 