American adults lost a total of $43 billion to identity fraud in 2023, according to a new report cosponsored by AARP. That includes $23 billion lost to traditional identity fraud, which affected about the same number of people—15 million—as in 2022 (when the number was 15.4 million). But total losses grew by 13 percent last year, accordingContinue reading “Identity Fraud Cost Americans $43 Billion in 2023”
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The global scam that stole $4 billion from American victims last year
Dennis Jones, an avid runner and photographer, was adored by his children and grandchildren. But in the last few months of his life he withdrew from his family and, having been divorced for years, befriended a woman going by the name Jessie on Facebook. After transferring his savings to Jessie he took his own life.Continue reading “The global scam that stole $4 billion from American victims last year”
Use Two-factor Authentication to Protect Your Accounts
There probably isn’t a day that goes by without you logging in to at least one account — maybe you check your email, post to your social media, pay bills, send money to your friends and family, or buy something online. Your accounts can store a lot of personal and financial information. That’s why youContinue reading “Use Two-factor Authentication to Protect Your Accounts”
Job scams that start on social media: Appointment Setters
Here’s a new scam spotted on social media: appointment setting jobs. They claim you can work from home and make big money. But just what does an appointment setter do? And how can you tell the difference between a legit job offer and a scam? (Read More)
Spot an ad on social for a low, low price on a brand name product? Think twice
Social media feeds are flooded with ads offering steep discounts on brand-name products, including luxury items. But are these offers real or a scam? When a low-priced “deal” pops into your socials, take a closer look before you buy. Here’s why. (Read More)
No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It’s a scam.
The phone rings. Your caller ID says it’s the Social Security Administration. You hesitate. You’re not expecting a call from them, and you’ve heard about impersonation scams. But something inside you makes you pick up. And everything you’re about to hear is designed to scare you into doing whatever the caller says. (Read More)
Spot scammers looking to profit from Midwest tornados
Just as people in Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and other Midwestern states are reeling from the catastrophic damage caused by tornados and other severe weather, scammers are rolling in. They use all kinds of stories to try to trick not just those doing their best to recover, but also anyone who tries to help. The bestContinue reading “Spot scammers looking to profit from Midwest tornados”
U.S. Secret Service takes action against credit card skimming
ABC News got exclusive access as U.S. Secret Service agents blanket Las Vegas, hunting for the skimming devices that are often found at ATMs and self-checkouts as part of “Operation Sandblast.” (Learn More)
Pay your bills, not impersonators
If you’re paying a medical, utility, or other bill online, you probably expect to wind up on the company’s website. What might you not expect? An impersonator tricking you into paying them instead. But that’s what the FTC says a company called Doxo did. Here’s what you need to know. (Read More)
Fighting back against harmful voice cloning
If a call sounds like your boss (asking for bank account numbers) or your family member (begging for help in an emergency), you’re more likely to act. That’s why scammers use voice cloning to make their requests for money or information more believable. And the FTC is fighting back. (Read More)
The Virginia SMP 