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)
Category Archives: Uncategorized
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)
College students are targeted with jobs scams, too
Getting hired might feel like the ultimate high. But finding out it was just a scammer trying to steal your money will bring you — and your bank balance — right back down. Many college students look for virtual jobs they can do while going to school, but if a new employer mails your firstContinue reading “College students are targeted with jobs scams, too”
If someone you care about paid a scammer, here’s how to help
Sharing a scam experience with someone you know takes courage. If someone trusts you enough to share their scam story, especially if the scammer is still in touch with them, here’s some advice to help guide you. (Read More)
Looking for a postal job? Also look out for job scams
Thinking about applying for a job with the United States Postal Service (USPS)? Make sure you’re dealing with the real thing. Scammers advertise jobs that don’t actually exist to try to steal your money and personal information — and one way they do that is by pretending to be USPS. So how do you know ifContinue reading “Looking for a postal job? Also look out for job scams”
Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness
Hearing a lot about federal student loan forgiveness in the news? You’re not alone — scammers are, too. You might get a call from someone saying they’re affiliated with Federal Student Aid (FSA) or the Department of Education. (They’re not.) They’ll say they’re following up on your eligibility for a new loan forgiveness program, andContinue reading “Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness”
The Virginia SMP 