Category Archives: Uncategorized

We’re living in the data age. The things we do on our phones and computers, on our internet-enabled smart devices, and on websites leave a trail of our activities and our personal information. That personal information has value — not just to us, but to scammers and hackers who want to steal our identities. HereContinue reading “Five ways to keep scammers and hackers away”

The signs of a good car-buying experience? Things like trust, transparency, and fairness at the dealership. The signs of a bad car-buying experience? Things like misleading ads, bogus fees, and discriminatory practices. How can you protect yourself when buying a car? According to the FTC and the State of Arizona, at Coulter Motor Company —Continue reading “Did you ask for all those add-ons? Protect yourself at the dealership”

You get a text message with a job offer that pays hundreds of dollars a day for doing remote work. It might sound tempting, but here’s the catch: they ask you to text them your Social Security number. Don’t share it. It’s a scam. (Read More)

When temperatures rise, utility costs do, too. While reputable companies can help you save money with clean or solar energy improvements, scammers offer more than they can deliver. The scams vary, but here’s the gist: someone claiming to be with the government or your utility company promises big savings on your utility bills from solarContinue reading “How to avoid getting burned by solar or clean energy scams”

You might be a spouse who’s PCS’d to a new location or a servicemember getting ready to retire — and you’re probably eyeing new career possibilities. You know where to look for a job, but do you know how to recognize the signs of a job scam? (Read More)

Scammers will say just about anything — in any language — to separate you from your hard-earned money. And when it comes to student loan forgiveness, they’ll target Spanish speakers with false promises of debt relief help. The FTC just sued USA Student Debt Relief (USASDR) for advertising and signing up people for fake student loan forgiveness plans withContinue reading “Student loan scammers speak your language”

Did you get a message on social from an “artist” asking to pay you for permission to paint your photo? It’s a scam. They don’t want to pay you — they want to take your money. Young adults report this scam begins with a direct message on social media from someone who says they likeContinue reading “Scammers target young adults on social media with fake check scam”

Potentially tens of thousands of homeowners are suddenly facing possible foreclosure, after making mortgage payments on time for years. Many “zombie” mortgages date back to the 2008 financial crisis. Consumer advocates warn a new wave of “zombies” could be on the horizon, this time from the home equity lines of credit taken out during theContinue reading “Thousands of homeowners could face foreclosure over “zombie” mortgages. Here’s what to know.”

Arlington County VICAP is hosting speakers from AARP, Social Security Administration and Virginia’s Senior Medicare Patrol to spearhead our Slam the Scam presentation on Thursday, September 12th! Feel free to join us and spread the word! See the flyer attached for registration information!

Most people can probably agree that there are few things more frustrating than airline delays or cancellations that leave you stranded at the airport. Whether the issues are the result of an unprecedented event like the Crowdstrike glitch that grounded thousands of flights worldwide, or more common disturbances like weather delays, desperate travelers often turnContinue reading “Scammers impersonate airline customer service representatives”