Debt collection scams can be one of the most frightening and persistent scam types. Victims often report that scammers harass them or their family members for weeks or even months, both at home and at work, trying to get them to pay a debt they don’t even owe. BBB receives numerous reports of con artistsContinue reading “How to recognize phony debt collection calls and texts”
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6 Ways to Avoid a Real ID Scam as TSA Deadline Nears
If you’re a frequent traveler, mark this date: May 7, 2025. Starting then, you’ll need a Real ID — which is an enhanced driver’s license or state ID card — to board a domestic flight. Here’s additional incentive: Waiting too long could not only jeopardize your next trip, but make you susceptible to a Real ID scam.Continue reading “6 Ways to Avoid a Real ID Scam as TSA Deadline Nears”
Fake shipping notification emails and text messages: What you need to know this holiday season
When you order something online, you might get several emails or text messages about your order: Confirming your order. Telling you it shipped. Saying it’s out for delivery. Notifying you about delivery. Did you know that scammers send fake package shipment and delivery notifications to try to steal people’s personal information — not just atContinue reading “Fake shipping notification emails and text messages: What you need to know this holiday season”
Watch out for fake government compliance notices targeting businesses
Scammers have long impersonated government officials and agencies to trick victims into giving up money or personal information. Now, they’re targeting business owners and confusing them into giving up their information. (Read More)
Read This Before Accepting a Stranger’s Check
Last summer an order for 1,000 sweet cupcakes turned sour for California baker Loria Stern, owner of Eat Your Flowers bakery in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. A self-taught baker, botanist and gardener, Stern began creating and selling botanical-inspired cookies and cakes from her home kitchen in 2016. Although she’s witnessed plenty ofContinue reading “Read This Before Accepting a Stranger’s Check”
Last-minute shopping? Three ways to spot rip-offs
Ever think about clicking on ads for big markdowns or close-out sales in your feed? Social media seems to know what’s on your shopping list, whether it’s the season’s hot toys, electronics, or other popular items. The problem? Scammers are impersonating real companies in ads on Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms. So, howContinue reading “Last-minute shopping? Three ways to spot rip-offs”
Avoid Airline Scams When Booking Your Next Flight
Several months ago, Susan and her husband, Bob, both in their 60s, got a flat tire on the way to the airport and missed their flight from Birmingham, Alabama, to Quebec. When she called American Airlines, the agent said there were no seats on any direct flights for the next three days, but United AirlinesContinue reading “Avoid Airline Scams When Booking Your Next Flight”
Watch out for Gift Card Scams
You may think of gift cards as easy way to take care of your holiday shopping list but beware, scammers like the convenience of them, too. The money you put on gift cards is like cash — once it’s spent, you almost certainly can’t get it back. Scammers have developed two distinct ways to exploitContinue reading “Watch out for Gift Card Scams”
That random text offering you a job? It’s probably a scam
If you need a job, that text messaging offering a full- or part-time position you didn’t apply for might seem great. You might be thinking, why not check it out? Unfortunately, it’s likely a job scam. Here’s how the scam might work. You get a text out of the blue from someone who says they’reContinue reading “That random text offering you a job? It’s probably a scam”
6 ways to keep your packages safe from porch pirates
Americans and Canadians love going online to shop, especially during the holidays, when millions head to their phones and laptops in search of the perfect gifts for friends and family. Unfortunately, having the item delivered to the proper address does not guarantee you (or they) will receive it. According to a Security.org study, package thieves stoleContinue reading “6 ways to keep your packages safe from porch pirates”
The Virginia SMP 