Scammers target young adults on social media with fake check scam

Scammers target young adults on social media with fake check scam By Larissa Bungo 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. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/07/scammers-target-young-adults-social-media-fake-check-scam

Scammers target young adults on social media with fake check scam

FTC: Can you spot an investment scam?

Can you spot an investment scam? By Terri Miller Investment scammers claim you'll get big returns investing in a hot new money-making "opportunity" — maybe something like cryptocurrency.  Some scammers say you'll likely make a lot of money if you follow their proven system or method. But will you? Read more >

FTC: Can you spot an investment scam?

Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer

Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer By Terri Miller Did someone supposedly spot fraud or criminal activity on one of your accounts? Did they offer to help "protect" your money by moving it from your bank, investment, or retirement account?  Maybe they even asked you to share a verification code? If anyone did any of those things, it's always a scam.  So, what do you do next? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer

Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer

 

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams By Andrew Rayo With so many people on social media, it's no surprise that scammers are there, too. A scammer might, for example, send you a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or WhatsApp offering a chance to invest in cryptocurrency.  But there's no investment opportunity — just a scammer trying to take your money. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/unexpected-messages-social-media-about-investing-are-almost-always-scams

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams

 

Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scams

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded Norfolk County residents to disregard a direct mail solicitation offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an outrageous fee of anywhere from $60-$112. 

Register O’Donnell stated, “For the past several years, a California company has been preying on unsuspecting homeowners by sending a direct mail solicitation asking them to send a check for $112 in order to receive a copy of their deed. If a consumer knew that they could print a non-certified copy of their deed for free from our website www.norfolkdeeds.org or obtain a certified copy of their deed for a charge of only $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 for postage, they would never agree to pay such an outrageous fee for service. The average price for a mailed homeowner’s certified deed copy by the Registry (usually two pages) is $3.00.”

Warning About Deed Scams

Consumers should always be cautious of unsolicited requests for payment, especially when it comes to official documents like property deeds. It's important to research and verify the legitimacy of any requests before sending money.

“These solicitations,” noted O’Donnell, “are labeled Recorded Deed Notice and request that the homeowner forward a check in the amount of $112 for a copy of their deed. The Registry has been contacted by multiple individuals who have received this solicitation. Please do not fall for this scam.”

Always verify the source of any request for payment for official documents, as scammers often target homeowners with deceptive tactics. It's advisable to contact the appropriate authorities, such as the Registry, to confirm the legitimacy of any such requests before taking any action. If you receive such a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry’s Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell concluded, “While the deed direct mail solicitation may be legal, it is unconscionable as it takes needless advantage of individuals. Clearly, this is a scam being perpetrated against hard working Norfolk County residents, many of whom are first-time homeowners or elderly. Consumers are interpreting these notices as a bill, since they are affixed with a due date. I once again urge in the strongest terms that Norfolk County citizens not let themselves fall victim to these types of misleading deed scam advertisements.”

Additionally, if you desire a certified copy of your own deed, also contact the Customer Service Center and they will be glad to provide you with one for a nominal fee of usually $2.00-$3.00. 

If you would like to stay up-to-date on upcoming Registry of Deeds events, programs, and real estate information, you can sign up for our Registry email updates at www.norfolkdeeds.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Is that person you met online really a military servicemember…or a scammer?

Is that person you met online really a military servicemember…or a scammer? By Cristina Miranda If you meet someone on social media or a dating website or app, how can you tell if their profile is real?  They say they're in the military — but scammers especially like to pose as military servicemembers stationed overseas.  What's the best way to spot a fake? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/person-you-met-online-really-military-servicememberor-scammer

Is that person you met online really a military servicemember…or a scammer?

The Guardian: Beware QR code scams

"Look before you scan – the QR code scammers are phishing for business"

Here’s a familiar scenario. You’re going to a meeting in an unfamiliar part of town. You’re running late and it’s raining. And there isn’t a car park in sight. Ah, but here’s some on-street parking and you gratefully pull into the empty bay. Now all you have to do is pay for a couple of hours and then scuttle along to your meeting. But the parking meter (of course) no longer takes coins. This is the 21st century, after all.

No worries – you can pay by phone. There are notices plastered all over the meter on how to pay using an app that – of course – you have not yet downloaded. The rain is getting heavier and there’s no mobile signal. You’re getting increasingly flustered. And then you spot that there’s a Quick Response (QR) code – a nice (if incomprehensible) square with lots of funny squares and spaces – on one side of the meter. Phew! All you have to do is scan it and you’ll be through to a website in no time. So you do and you are. Job done. Relax.

Continue reading the article online ->  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/08/qr-code-scammers-phishing-quick-response-cybersecurity

The Guardian: Beware QR code scams

Why it’s not rude to ignore “hi, how are you?” text messages from strangers

Why it's not rude to ignore "hi, how are you?" text messages from strangers By Gema de las Heras A text message from an unknown number that simply says: hi, how are you? seems harmless.    Your first instinct might be to respond to see if it's someone you know. Or maybe tell them they made a mistake. But it's best to ignore these type of text messages.    Scammers are using this tactic as a conversation starter, so don't text back. If you do, here's what happens next. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/05/why-its-not-rude-ignore-hi-how-are-you-text-messages-strangers?utm_source=govdelivery

Why it’s not rude to ignore “hi, how are you?” text messages from strangers

Protect your SNAP benefits from illegal card skimmers

Protect your SNAP benefits from illegal card skimmers By Ari Lazarus With SNAP benefits, you use an EBT card to buy food at the store. But we're hearing about scammers using illegal skimmers to steal card information, then grabbing your benefits for themselves.    Here's how to spot and avoid these scams.  Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/05/protect-your-snap-benefits-illegal-card-skimmers?utm_source=govdelivery

Protect your SNAP benefits from illegal card skimmers

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It’s a scam.

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It's a scam By Alvaro Puig 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 ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/05/no-one-using-your-social-security-number-commit-crimes-its-scam

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It’s a scam

Let’s talk about spam texts and emails

Let's talk about spam texts and emails By Andrew Rayo Another day, another round of spam texts and emails trying to sell you things. At best, spam is annoying. At worst, it's pushing scams or trying to install malware on your device. If you're tired of getting spam, there are some ways to help. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/lets-talk-about-spam-texts-and-emails?

Let’s talk about spam texts and emails

Pay your bills, not impersonators

Pay your bills, not impersonators By Andrew Rayo If you're paying a medical, utility, or other bill online, you probably expect to wind up on the that 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 ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/pay-your-bills-not-impersonators Pay your bills, not impersonators

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not By Jim Kreidler Before you spend money on that celebrity-endorsed premium cookware, weight loss product, or can't-miss money-making opportunity, pause. Take a breath. Are you sure a celebrity or influencer is really endorsing that product or program?  Maybe a scammer is behind that online ad. Scammers are using fake celebrity and influencer testimonials and endorsements — complete with doctored video and audio that seems like the real thing — to generate buzz and profits. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/did-celebrity-really-endorse-maybe-not

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness By Terri Miller 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, and might even know things about your loan, like the balance or your account number.  They'll try to rush you into acting by saying the program is available for a limited time. But this is all a scam.  What else do you need to know to spot scams like this? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/scammers-follow-news-about-student-loan-forgiveness

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness

New tech support scammers want your life savings

New tech support scammers want your life savings By Amy Hebert As we continue our deep dive into imposter scams, we're taking a look at a new twist on tech support scams. Ever deal with a tech support scam?  A warning pops up on your computer. It says your computer has a virus and gives you a number to call for help. You often end up paying hundreds of dollars to a scammer who pretends to deal with the fake virus.  Now scammers are upping the stakes — instead of hundreds of dollars, people are unknowingly handing over tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to tech support scammers. Here's how. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/new-tech-support-scammers-want-your-life-savings

New tech support scammers want your life savings

Sure ways to spot a scammer

Sure ways to spot a scammer By Jennifer Leach Scammers say and do things that can tell us they're lying — and they're not who they pretend to be. Of course, to hear or see those clues, we have to get past the panic scammers make us feel, thanks to the so-called emergencies they try to create.  And since scammers are convincing, that can be hard to do. But recent scams are costing people their life savings, so here are some sure ways to spot the scammer. Read more - > https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/sure-ways-spot-scammer

Sure ways to spot a scammer

No love for romance scammers in 2024

No love for romance scammers in 2024 By Bridget Small As your social media and mailboxes fill up with new year's greetings, you might see some unfamiliar names.  Are the messages from long-lost friends or romance scammers trying to get close?  Here are some things to watch for. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/01/no-love-romance-scammers-2024

No love for romance scammers in 2024

How are robocallers getting your phone number?

How are robocallers getting your phone number? By Andrew Rayo Does it ever feel like you're getting more robocalls than calls from actual humans?  Illegal robocalls aren't just annoying — they're also often scams. But you might be wondering — how did they get my number in the first place? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/how-are-robocallers-getting-your-phone-number How are robocallers getting your phone number?

Job scams targeting college students are getting personal

Job scams targeting college students are getting personal By Lesley Fair If you'll be seeing college-age relatives over the holidays, warn them about a variation on the "job interview" scam that students looking for summer or permanent employment have reported to us. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/job-scams-targeting-college-students-are-getting-personal

Job scams targeting college students are getting personal

Keep your money safe from gift card scammers this holiday season. Here’s how

Keep your money safe from gift card scammers this holiday season. Here's how By Cristina Miranda What's one way to keep your money safe from scammers during the holidays?  If you're in the check-out line buying gift cards, make sure they're for gifts. Only gifts.  Not because someone tells you to buy gift cards and give them the numbers off the back of the card. Only scammers say that. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/keep-your-money-safe-gift-card-scammers-holiday-season-heres-how

Keep your money safe from gift card scammers this holiday season. Here’s how