Author Archives: virginiasmp

Like many of us, older adults are often targeted by con artists. Many victims don’t ask for help until it is too late! Help your friends, family, clients, or patients avoid fraud by knowing the signs of current or impending fraud. (Read More)

The Department of Education (ED)’s application for federal student loan debt relief is now open and, of course, scammers are on the move — trying to get your money and personal information. Luckily, there are ways to stop them, so keep reading to find out how to protect yourself as you apply for relief. (Read More)

Did Spectrum or another provider call with an offer to lower your monthly TV, cable, or internet bill in exchange for a pre-payment or fee? It wasn’t them. It was a scammer, and you’re not alone. This year, the FTC has gotten thousands of reports — including many from older adults — about scammers pretendingContinue reading “Scammers are Posing as your TV and Internet Company”

According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, health care fraud costs the US $68 billion every year. Fraudsters are always looking for ways to prey on citizens, using phone and technology scams to steal personal information. Medicare fraud and abuse usually target the elderly. With ever-advancing technology, scammers can lure them into sharing their MedicareContinue reading “How Scammers Are Using Technology With Medicare Fraud”

As Medicare open enrollment begins, authorities are warning beneficiaries to be aware of sometimes misleading and aggressive marketing tactics by some Medicare Advantage insurers seeking their business. We’ll tell you what the problem is, and then we’ll help you avoid falling into the trap. (Read More)

That unexpected offer from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to activate a benefit increase is from a criminal and not the real SSA. Do not share personal or financial information. Do not click on links or respond. Report suspected scams to oig.ssa.gov/report. Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies in an attempt to obtainContinue reading “IG Warning: Offers to Increase Your Social Security Benefit Are from Criminals”

Money-flipping cons have long been popular on Instagram and Twitter. But as TikTok’s popularity grows, so do the con artists. Watch out for this TikTok scam, which promises to turn a few hundred dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency into thousands in no time at all. BBB is seeing many new reports in BBB Scam Trackerrelated to this money-flippingContinue reading “That Pile of Cash Might be a Money Pit! Cryptocurrency Investment Scams Take to TikTok”

Better Business Bureau encourages those seeking to donate to Hurricane Fiona assistance efforts to support experienced disaster relief organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability(i.e., BBB Accredited.) Also, look for appeals that are clear about what disaster relief services donors will be supporting. For additional tips and a list of charities that areContinue reading “Advice on Contributing to Hurricane Fiona Relief”

People are telling us they’ve gotten emails warning that their sensitive personal information is being sold in the shadowy marketplaces of the dark web. Some emails list the stolen information, like all or part of the person’s Social Security number, date of birth, and driver’s license number. If you’ve gotten one of these emails, takeContinue reading “Did You Get an Email Saying Your Personal Info is for Sale on the Dark Web?”

If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and outright lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information. If you’ve received an offer for “free solar panels,” it’s likely a scam. Here’s what you should know. (Read More)