Avoiding a money mule scam

Avoiding a money mule scam by Bridget Small, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Scammers are looking for people to help them move stolen money. They visit dating, job search, and other sites, tell fake stories, and make up reasons to send you money. Then they tell you to send the money to someone else.  If you help a scammer move stolen money — even if you didn't know it was stolen — you could get into legal trouble. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/12/avoiding-money-mule-scam?utm_source=govdelivery Avoiding a money mule scam

Phone scams keep calling

"A Globe colleague recently got two unsettling calls on his mobile phone from the same “888″ number.

He received the first call a couple of weeks ago from someone who said he was from Eversource (spoiler alert: he wasn’t) and that the electricity to his house would be turned off in “40 to 45 minutes” because his account was overdue.

“Are you really from Eversource?” my colleague asked, more a statement than a question.

The caller quickly hung up."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/28/business/phone-scams-keep-coming-here-are-tips-how-avoid-them/

Additional information from the Federal Trade Commission can be found here

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/taxonomy/term/874

A person uses a credit card for a phone purchase.ADOBE STOCK

Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day

"The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Gail S. Ennis, is designating Thursday, March 4, 2021 as the second annual National “Slam the Scam” Day, to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams, which continue to spread across the United States. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, February 28 – March 6.

Last year, we received over 718,000 reports of Social Security-related telephone scams—with a total of $44.8 million reported lost. Victims who lost money reported an average loss of $5,800. On National “Slam the Scam” Day, we will work to spread the word far and wide about these scams—and encourage people to warn their friends and family to just Hang Up!"

Continue reading about "Slam the SCAM day ->

https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-announces-2nd-national-slam-the-scam-day/

Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day

Naked Security Live: "Watch out for Messenger scams!"

"IM and social media accounts feel less open to spammers and scammers than email - until a crook gets into a friend's account and sends from there..."

Direct video link = https://youtu.be/IzUZ6rBpOso

 

How You Can Protect Yourself from Hackers and Scammers

Protect Yourself from Hackers and Scammers Hackers try to exploit vulnerabilities in your computer or phone. To steal your personal information, they trick you into downloading malicious software to your device so they can take control. And scammers try to get you to let your guard down by making up a story to get your money or information. But there's plenty you can do to protect your personal information and your wallet. Protect the Devices You Connect to the Internet Take steps to protect your computer from malware like viruses and spyware. And find out how to protect your personal information before you get rid of an old computer. Find out how to protect the data on your phone and how to erase that information before you get rid of your phone. Learn what you can do to keep your voice assistant private and secure. Know How to Avoid a Scam If someone says you must pay by wiring money through Western Union or MoneyGram, by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back, or with cryptocurrency, it's a scam. Learn how to recognize and avoid common scams you might see in your inbox, on your phone, or online. Scammers send phishing emails and phishing text messages to try to steal your personal information. They may demand you pay a ransom by Bitcoin or say they have info about a FedEx package delivery for you. Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media sites to trick you into sending money. Tech support scammers want you to pay them to fix a non-existent computer problem. Report Scammers If you spot a scam — or something you think is a scam — reporting it can help the FTC protect you and your community. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Have you gotten a collection call about a debt you don’t recognize?

Have you gotten a collection call about a debt you don't recognize? by Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Nobody likes getting debt collection calls. But have you ever gotten one for a debt you already paid — or you know isn't yours? Or have you been threatened and harassed by a debt collector until you paid up? If so, we want you to know how to protect yourself. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/have-you-gotten-collection-call-about-debt-you-dont-recognize  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: How can you spot a tech support scam

How can you spot a tech support scam by Traci Armani, Consumer Education Specialist, Division of Consumer & Business Education Are you getting pop-up warning messages on your computer screen? Or maybe a phone call that your computer has a virus?  That may well be a tech support scam. But how do you know? And what do you do? Read more > https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/how-can-you-spot-tech-support-scam?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: A real or fake savings club?

A real or fake savings club? by Karen Hobbs, Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. It's also the greatest form of "scammery." That's why scammers are imitating a type of informal savings club known as a "sou sou" or "susu" to trick people into joining what amounts to an illegal pyramid scheme. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/08/real-or-fake-savings-club? This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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1, 2, 3 videos to help you stop unwanted calls

1, 2, 3 videos to help you stop unwanted calls by Jabari Cook - Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC It can be frustrating to deal with a bunch of unwanted calls. If you answer them, you might hear a recorded message of someone trying to sell you something. Or it could be a real person hoping to scare you into paying a debt you don't owe.These kinds of unwanted calls are often scams. Taking steps to stop them can help save you time and unnecessary stress — and maybe some money, too. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/08/1-2-3-videos-help-you-stop-unwanted-calls? This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Video shows how scammers tell you to pay

Video shows how scammers tell you to pay by Sachit Gali Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Scammers make up all kinds of stories to get your money, from telling you that you've won a prize, you owe a debt, or your family member is in an emergency. But some things stay the same: scammers want your money, they want it fast, and don't want you to be able to get it back. They'll ask you to pay in ways that make it hard to track them down — and once you know what these are, you'll have one more clue to tell if you're dealing with a scammer. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/08/video-shows-how-scammers-tell-you-pay? This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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https://youtu.be/PbiXbIHsTqU

FTC Alert: Utility company calling? Don’t fall for it.

Utility company calling? Don't fall for it. by Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Every day, millions of people who have lost their jobs are making difficult choices about how to pay their bills. As the Coronavirus continues to spread, scammers are taking advantage of people's heightened economic anxiety.  Their latest ploy is posing as representatives from utility companies to dupe people out of their cash and personal information by convincing them their utilities will be shut off if they don't pay. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/07/utility-company-calling-dont-fall-it?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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The FTC keeps attacking robocalls

The FTC keeps attacking robocalls by Lois Greisman, Associate Director, Division of Marketing Practices, FTC Have you noticed lately that you're getting fewer robocalls? Yes, way too many calls are still coming, and we're fully engaged on that issue. But we're seeing some promising developments. Some recent FTC actions might just have something to do with that. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/ftc-keeps-attacking-robocalls  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers (video)

"Recently, we launched a new Public Service Announcement campaign as our latest step to caution you about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. The videos feature a message from our Commissioner, Andrew Saul. 

Along with our Office of the Inspector General, we continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls and emails from people falsely claiming they’re government employees. 

The scammers play on emotions like fear to convince people to provide personal information or money in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Fraudsters are also emailing fake documents in attempts to get people to comply with their demands."

Continue reading the announcement on avoiding scammers
https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-launches-new-campaign-to-fight-scammers/#more-4563

Video link -> https://youtu.be/QrHFNdjcp2s

Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers (video)

IRS launches Identity Theft Central

IRS launches Identity Theft Central
Focuses on needs of taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses

The Internal Revenue Service today launched Identity Theft Central, designed to improve online access to information on identity theft and data security protection for taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses.

Located on IRS.gov, Identity Theft Central is available 24/7 at irs.gov/identitytheft. It is a resource on how to report identity theft, how taxpayers can protect themselves against phishing, online scams and more.

Improving awareness and outreach are hallmarks of initiatives to combat identity theft coordinated by the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation's tax industry, all working in partnership under the Security Summit banner.

Since 2015, the Security Summit partners have made substantial progress in the fight against tax-related identity theft. But thieves are still constantly looking for ways to steal the identities of individuals, tax professionals and businesses in order to file fraudulent tax returns for refunds.

The partnership has taken a number of steps to help educate and improve protections for taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses. As part of this effort, the IRS has redesigned the information into a new, streamlined page − Identity Theft Central − to help people get information they need on ID theft, scams and schemes.

From this special page, people can get specific information including:

• Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft, including what to do if someone becomes a victim of identity theft
• Identity Theft Information for Tax Professionals, including knowing responsibilities under the law
• Identity Theft Information for Businesses, including how to recognize the signs of identity theft
• The page also features videos on key topics that can be used by taxpayers or partner groups. The new page includes a video message from IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, warning signs for phishing email scams – a common tactic used for identity theft – and steps for people to protect their computer and phone.

Tax professionals and others may want to bookmark Identity Theft Central and check their specific guidance periodically for updates.

This is part of an ongoing effort by the IRS to share identity theft-related information with the public. The IRS continues to look for ways to raise awareness and improve education and products related to identity theft for taxpayers and the tax professional community.

IRS launches Identity Theft Central

FTC Consumer Alert: Getting bombarded by scam calls? You’re not alone.

Getting bombarded by scam calls? You're not alone. by Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC The Social Security Administration (SSA) scam is the number one scam reported to the FTC right now. As soon as a caller threatens you, or demands you pay them with a gift card or by wiring money.  It's a scam.  Even if the caller ID tells you otherwise. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/12/getting-bombarded-scam-calls-youre-not-alone?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC Consumer Alert: Getting bombarded by scam calls? You’re not alone.

FTC Summer Film Series: Unwanted calls to your mobile phone

Summer Film Series: Unwanted calls to your mobile phone by Megan Gordon, Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Ring, ring! The film series is back, this time with help to stop unwanted calls to your mobile phone. Unwanted calls are annoying. They interrupt your day, and many are meant to scam you. But what can you do about these calls? Today's video gives you some ways to stop unwanted calls on your mobile phone, so take a look. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/08/summer-film-series-unwanted-calls-your-mobile-phone?utm_campaign=unwanted-calls&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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https://youtu.be/NzYdsDb-_cY

In the News: Police warn on scams; Crown Vic - classic police vehicle

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Since January, more than $800,000 has been stolen from Franklin corporations and residents due to fraud, according to police Sgt. Brian Johnson. 

“Once that money is gone, there’s no hope of recovering it,” he said. 

Local police departments, including Franklin and Medway, are urging residents to educate themselves on scams and how to spot them. 

“It happens a lot,” said Johnson, adding that police receive reports of scams a couple times a month. Of the $800,003 stolen this year, Johnson said about $700,000 of that was taken from a local corporation through wire fraud."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190731/franklin-medway-police-warn-residents-of-scams

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/spread-word-about-social-security-scams.html

"Natick police received the last Crown Vic outfitted by MHQ in May 2013. The company put a decal designating it as the “Final Edition Crown Victoria.” Many MHQ employees signed the inside of the trunk to mark the occasion. 

Of the four Crown Vics left in Franklin’s 28-vehicle fleet, three are used by detectives and one is used by officers to go to court assignments or training events, according to Police Chief Thomas J. Lynch. 

“These vehicles do not accrue mileage as fast as regularly deployed Patrol Division vehicles,” he wrote in an email to the Daily News. “As the four remaining CVPIs accrue mileage, years of service and eventually meet our vehicle replacement policy, they will be replaced with Ford Police Interceptor utilities or sedans.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190731/final-crown-vic-police-cruisers-are-rarely-on-road-in-metrowest-region

https://twitter.com/milforddaily/status/1156654279198957569

Who’s reporting robocalls?

Who's reporting robocalls? by Paul Witt, Lead Data Analyst, Division of Consumer Response & Operations Have you ever reported an unwanted call to the FTC, whether it's a robocall (where you hear a recorded message) or call from a live person? If so, thank you.  Reporting, I'm sorry to say, won't end these annoying calls, but it helps the FTC and other law enforcement agencies investigate and bring cases against scammers and businesses that aren't following the law. In fact, the FTC's recent actions against robocallers show what your report can do.  Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/whos-reporting-robocalls?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Medicare does not give out DNA kits

Medicare does not give out DNA kits by Lisa Lake,  Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Here's one that goes to show just how creative scammers can be. The FTC is getting reports that callers claiming to be from Medicare are asking people for their Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal information…in exchange for DNA testing kits.  The callers might say the test is a free way to get early diagnoses for diseases like cancer, or just that it's a free test, so why not take it? But the truth is, Medicare does not market DNA testing kits to the general public. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/medicare-does-not-give-out-dna-kits?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alerts: Who’s pretending to be the government now?

Who's pretending to be the government now? by Paul Witt, Supervisory Data Analyst, Federal Trade Commission You've gotten the calls: from Social Security. Or the IRS. Or Medicare. Or any number of other agencies. Except: as soon as the caller threatens you or demands that you pay them with a gift card or by wiring money, you know. It's a scam. Even if caller ID tells you otherwise – that's not the government calling. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/whos-pretending-be-government-now  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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