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(Webinar Event) Fraud: Take Steps to Protect Yourself

Date/Time: March 25, 2022 from 11am – 12pm Hosted by Virginia Hospital Center, join Arlington County VICAP and Arlington County Police Department to learn: Medicare Scams & Fraudulent Requests to Include Prescription Drug Fraud How to Prevent, Detect, and Report Fraud Top Tips, Red Flags, & Resources to Enhance the Security of Older Adults

If You Donate to Relief Efforts for Ukrainians, Give Wisely

If you want to donate to relief efforts for Ukrainians, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have some advice about how to make sure you choose a legitimate and effective charity. The BBB warns that scammers will likely create fake donation websites and make fraudulent pleas for money to supposedly help the peopleContinue reading “If You Donate to Relief Efforts for Ukrainians, Give Wisely”

Spot the Red Flags of Elder Financial Abuse

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, many older adults are more socially isolated than ever — and thus more vulnerable to being financially victimized. Elder financial exploitation extends far beyond random con artists bombarding older adults with robocalls and phishing emails. According to the National Adult Protective Services Association, the “vast majority” of cases reported to its member agencies involve peopleContinue reading “Spot the Red Flags of Elder Financial Abuse”

Phone Calls for Donations to the Police Could be a Scam

“I’m calling on behalf of the National Save the Police Fund,”* the voice on the phone told me. “We support police officers who risk their lives daily protecting our communities. Can the police officers count on you?” Gotten calls like this? So have we all. At the end of 2021, robocalls raising money for policeContinue reading “Phone Calls for Donations to the Police Could be a Scam”

Facebook, Instagram Are Hotbeds for Scammers

Scams that started on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites doubled year-over-year in 2021, leading to $770 million in consumer losses, a federal agency warns. Calling social media a “gold mine” for scammers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says these platforms were far more profitable than any other method of reaching consumers for scams.Continue reading “Facebook, Instagram Are Hotbeds for Scammers”

The Top Frauds of 2021

Every year, people report fraud, identity theft, and bad business practices to the FTC and its law enforcement partners. In 2021, 5.7 million people filed reports and described losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud — a $2.4 billion jump in losses in one year. You can learn about the types of fraud, identity theft,Continue reading “The Top Frauds of 2021”

Can Multiple Email Addresses Protect You From Cyber Thieves?

For security and privacy online, do you really need more than one email account? Some experts say having more than one can better safeguard your personal and financial information from sticky-fingered cybercriminals. You might have separate accounts for financial matters, family and friends, online shopping, newsletter subscriptions, and so on. (Read More)

5 Common Gift Card Scams and How to Spot Them

It’s that time of the year again, when we’re all online looking for presents to give and receive. Gift cards are an increasingly popular choice, which means you might well be buying or receiving them during the festive period. In fact, they’ve become a huge global market projected to grow at a rapid clip overContinue reading “5 Common Gift Card Scams and How to Spot Them”

Make your donation count by avoiding end-of-year charity scams

The season of giving is here. If you celebrate Christmas, you might be about to fill some stockings. But, for many, holiday giving includes supporting charitable causes. Charities in need of support will be making year-end appeals by phone, mail, email, and social media. Scammers know that, too, and every year try to trick peopleContinue reading “Make your donation count by avoiding end-of-year charity scams”

10 Telltale Signs of a Romance Scam

When it comes to romance scams, Patrick Wyman, a 13-year veteran of the FBI, has seen it all. He’s investigated, helped on or supervised about 300 romance fraud cases. Wyman, a supervisory special agent in the Washington Field Office, says two things are critical to preventing a smooth-talking criminal from breaking your heart and emptyingContinue reading “10 Telltale Signs of a Romance Scam”