Selling stuff online? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Selling stuff online? Here's how to avoid a scam Selling stuff online can be a great way to make some extra cash. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other sites attract a lot of buyers — and scammers. Here are some ways scammers try to cheat you and what to do about it. For more info visit -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/07/selling-stuff-online-heres-how-avoid-scam

Tune into Military Consumer all year long

Tune into Military Consumer all year long By Kira Krown As Military Consumer Month comes to a close, the work doesn't end here. While servicemembers, veterans, and their families do so much for our country, scammers continue to target their hard-earned salaries and benefits year-round. Read More ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/07/tune-military-consumer-all-year-long

https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/

Scammers impersonate US immigration officers

Scammers impersonate US immigration officers

by Kira Krown

If you got a call from ICE, you're not alone. (And, for the record, it wasn't them.) Scammers are pretending to be from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Like other government impersonators, they want to trick you into giving them your money or personal information.

Read More-> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/07/scammers-impersonate-us-immigration-officers

Scammers impersonate US immigration officers

Spot extortion scams on LGBTQ+ dating apps

Spot extortion scams on LGBTQ+ dating apps

Spot extortion scams on LGBTQ+ dating apps By Jim Kreidler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education It's Pride Month and maybe you're trying to meet someone on an LGBTQ+ dating app. The FTC is hearing about scams targeting people on LGBTQ+ dating apps, like Grindr and Feeld. And they aren't your typical I-love-you, please-send-money romance scams. They're extortion scams. Read More ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/06/spot-extortion-scams-lgbtq-dating-apps

IRS continues with Dirty Dozen this week

The Internal Revenue Service today kicked off the week with the 5th item on its 2022 annual Dirty Dozen scams warning list, with a sad reminder that criminals still use the COVID-19 pandemic to steal people's money and identity with bogus emails, social media posts and unexpected phone calls, among other things.

These scams can take a variety of forms, including using unemployment information and fake job offers to steal money and information from people. All of these efforts can lead to sensitive personal information being stolen, with scammers using this to try filing a fraudulent tax return as well as harming victims in other ways.

"Scammers continue using the pandemic as a device to scare or confuse potential victims into handing over their hard-earned money or personal information," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "I urge everyone to be leery of suspicious calls, texts and emails promising benefits that don't exist."

The IRS has compiled the annual Dirty Dozen list for more than 20 years as a way of alerting taxpayers and the tax professional community about scams and schemes. The list is not a legal document or a literal listing of agency enforcement priorities. It is designed to raise awareness among a variety of audiences that may not always be aware of developments involving tax administration.

"Caution and awareness are our best lines of defense against these criminals," Rettig added. "Everyone should verify information on a trusted government website, such as IRS.gov."

A common scam the IRS continues to see during this period involves using crises that affect all or most people in the nation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the scams for which people should continue to be on the lookout include:

Economic Impact Payment and tax refund scams: Identity thieves who try to use Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), also known as stimulus payments, are a continuing threat to individuals. Similar to tax refund scams, taxpayers should watch out for these tell-tale signs of a scam:

Any text messages, random incoming phone calls or emails inquiring about bank account information, requesting recipients to click a link or verify data should be considered suspicious and deleted without opening. This includes not just stimulus payments, but tax refunds and other common issues.

Remember, the IRS won't initiate contact by phone, email, text or social media asking for Social Security numbers or other personal or financial information related to Economic Impact Payments. Also be alert to mailbox theft. Routinely check your mail and report suspected mail losses to postal inspectors.

Reminder: The IRS has issued all Economic Impact Payments. Most eligible people already received their stimulus payments. People who are missing a stimulus payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax return. Taxpayers should remember that the IRS website, IRS.gov, is the agency's official website for information on payments, refunds and other tax information.

Unemployment fraud leading to inaccurate taxpayer 1099-Gs: Because of the pandemic, many taxpayers lost their jobs and received unemployment compensation from their state. However, scammers also took advantage of the pandemic by filing fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation using stolen personal information of individuals who had not filed claims. Payments made on these fraudulent claims went to the identity thieves.

Taxpayers should also be on the lookout for a Form 1099-G reporting unemployment compensation they didn't receive. For people in this situation, the IRS urges them to contact their appropriate state agency for a corrected form. If a corrected form cannot be obtained so that a taxpayer can file a timely tax return, taxpayers should complete their return claiming only the unemployment compensation and other income they actually received. See Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits for tax details and DOL.gov/fraud for state-by-state reporting information.

Fake employment offers posted on social media: There have been many reports of fake job postings on social media. The pandemic created many newly unemployed people eager to seek new employment. These fake posts entice their victims to provide their personal financial information. This creates added tax risk for people because this information in turn can be used to file a fraudulent tax return for a fraudulent refund or used in some other criminal endeavor.

Fake charities that steal your money: Bogus charities are always a problem. They tend to be a bigger threat when there is a national crisis like the pandemic.

Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity may be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return. Taxpayers must donate to a qualified charity to get a deduction. To check the status of a charity, use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.

Here are some tips to remember about fake charity scams:

• Individuals should never let any caller pressure them. A legitimate charity will be happy to get a donation at any time, so there's no rush. Donors are encouraged to take time to do the research.

• Potential donors should ask the fundraiser for the charity's exact name, web address and mailing address, so it can be confirmed later. Some dishonest telemarketers use names that sound like large well-known charities to confuse people.

• Be careful how a donation is paid. Donors should not work with charities that ask them to pay by giving numbers from a gift card or by wiring money. That's how scammers ask people to pay. It's safest to pay by credit card or check — and only after having done some research on the charity.

For more information about avoiding fake charities, visit the Federal Trade Commission website

Shared from the IRS -> https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-continues-with-dirty-dozen-this-week-urging-taxpayers-to-continue-watching-out-for-pandemic-related-scams-including-theft-of-benefits-and-bogus-social-media-posts

IRS continues with Dirty Dozen this week

Hurricane season opens June 1 - Are you ready to deal with weather emergencies and avoid scams?

"Today marks the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season, which will run until November 30. Long-term averages for the number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes are 14, 7, and 3, respectively."

Shared from https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc 

the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season

"Threats from hurricanes don’t come just from wind and rain, storm surges, flooding and rip currents, or tornadoes and landslides. Hurricane-related threats also come in the form of scammers who use those weather emergencies to cheat people. Some of the most common weather-related frauds and scams include people who promise to help you with clean-up or repairs, but disappear with your money; those who pretend to be FEMA or other government agencies; people who promise you a job – if only you pay to get it; and those who promise you a place to rent – if only you wire them the money to get the place sight unseen.

The FTC’s site, Dealing with Weather Emergencies, has practical ideas to help you get ready for, deal with, and recover from a weather emergency. It also has advice on how to recognize, avoid, and report frauds and scams."

Shared from https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/how-prepare-hurricane-season-2022-and-avoid-storm-related-scams

 

Are you ready to deal with weather emergencies and avoid scams?

Applying for jobs? Be on the lookout for scams

Applying for jobs? Be on the lookout for scams By Lauren Prather You might have just graduated from college, but there's still more to learn when you're on the job hunt. Not every posting or job recruiter is legit.  Learn how to spot the scams. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/applying-jobs-be-lookout-scams

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/applying-jobs-be-lookout-scams

Did you get a text from your own number? That’s a scam

Did you get a text from your own number? That's a scam By Andrew Rayo Scammers are always thinking up ways to put a new spin on their criminal tricks. This time, they're sending spam texts to you — from your own phone number. They've changed (spoofed) the caller ID to look like they're messaging you from your number, but the shock of getting a text from yourself is bound to get your attention — which is what they're after. Read More ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/04/did-you-get-text-your-own-number-thats-scam

Did you get a text from your own number? That’s a scam

Use These Scam Tools to Spot Fraud

On March 10, we held our annual National Slam the Scam Day to raise awareness of Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. In case you missed it, here are our top tools and resources for this year:

• Check out our Fraud Prevention and Reporting page to learn about Social Security fraud – and how we fight scammers -> https://www.ssa.gov/fraud/
• Read our Scam Alert factsheet to learn what tactics scammers use and how to protect yourself -> https://www.ssa.gov/fraud/assets/materials/EN-05-10597.pdf

Continue reading about the tools to use to spot fraud

https://blog.ssa.gov/use-these-scam-tools-to-spot-fraud/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/1_Mkj--DOms

Fraud and older adults – what’s your story?

Fraud and older adults – what’s your story?

by Bridget Small, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Your stories help us better understand how fraud affects every community. During National Consumer Protection Week, we’re offering information and advice for some of these communities. 

Today we’re focusing on scams that have an impact on older adults.

Read more -> https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2022/03/fraud-and-older-adults-whats-your-story?utm_source=govdelivery

Fraud and older adults – what’s your story?

Slam the Scam: How to Spot Government Imposters

"Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? 

That’s the question we’re asking as part of our annual Slam the Scam Day on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. On Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we raise awareness about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. We want you to know how you and your loved ones can avoid becoming victims! 

There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears, threatening you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime."

Continue reading to Slam the Scam ->
https://blog.ssa.gov/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery 

Slam the Scam: How to Spot Government Imposters

FTC Consumer Alerts: Servicemembers - Reporting for duty

Servicemembers: Reporting for duty by Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC National Consumer Protection Week is a time to shed light on how scammers will try to rip off anyone, including the military.  The FTC's military dashboard compiles five years' worth of reports from servicemembers, veterans, and military families. From January 2017 through September 2021, military consumers told the FTC about more than 961,000 reports related to fraud, identity theft, or other consumer issues. Read more -> https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2022/03/servicemembers-reporting-duty?utm_source=govdelivery

FTC Kicks Off National Consumer Protection Week this Sunday, March 6

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will launch the annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) this Sunday, March 6. 

Joined by other federal, state, and local agencies, consumer and national advocacy organizations, the FTC will spend March 6-12 sharing information with Americans on how they can avoid scams, identity theft, and other consumer protection issues.

To support these efforts, the FTC and its partners have organized a series of programming ranging from webinars to Twitter chats and livestreams. Topics of interest include college students and cryptocurrency scams, financial caregiving, and how to recover from fraud.

For more about events coming up this week -> https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2022/03/ftc-kicks-national-consumer-protection-week-sunday-march-6?utm_source=govdelivery 

FTC Kicks Off National Consumer Protection Week this Sunday, March 6

Conned on social media? It’s not just you

Conned on social media? It's not just you by Rosario Méndez Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC In 2021, more than 95,000 people told the FTC that they'd been scammed with a con that started on social media. Today's Data Spotlight gives us insights into how scammers use social media to con people. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2022/01/conned-social-media-its-not-just-you?utm_source=govdelivery

If you see or experience scam on social media, report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell 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 $59.50-$95.00. 

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 $95.00 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.”
“These solicitations,” noted O’Donnell, “are labeled Recorded Deed Notice and request that the homeowner forward a check in the amount of $95.00 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.”

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.”
If you receive such a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry’s Customer Service Center immediately at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 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.
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, 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 via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 

Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam

United against scams - "The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja (unity)"

United against scams by Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC's Consumer & Business Education Kwanzaa, which is based on traditional African harvest festivals, is celebrated every year from December 26 to January 1. The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja (unity) and the importance of finding ways to stay united and working together. Pulling together to protect loved ones — against scammers, for example — is especially important this time of year. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/12/united-against-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

United against scams - "The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja (unity)"

’Tis the season for student loan scam calls

'Tis the season for student loan scam calls by Emily Wu Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending. Repayments will begin again after January 31, 2022. Scammers know it, too, and are looking for ways to take advantage: they're calling, texting, and e-mailing to try to use any confusion around restarting your student loan payments to steal your money and personal information. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/12/tis-season-student-loan-scam-calls?utm_source=govdelivery

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

Protect Yourself from Social Security-related Scams

SCAM ALERT The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action. If you receive a call, text, or email that... Threatens to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your Social Security number Warns of arrest of legal action Demands or requests immediate payment Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency, or by mailing cash Pressures you for personal information Requests secrecy Threatens to seize your bank account Promises to increase your Social Security benefit Tries to gain your trust by providing fake "documentation," false "evidence," or the name of a real government official ...it is a SCAM! Do not give scammers money or personal information – Ignore Them! Protect yourself and others from Social Security-related scams Try to stay calm. Do not provide anyone with money or personal information when you feel pressured, threatened, or scared. Hang up or ignore it. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents. Report Social Security-related scams. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email that mentions Social Security, ignore it and report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Do not be embarrassed if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. Get up-to-date information. Follow SSA OIG on Twitter @TheSSAOIG and Facebook @SSA Office of the Inspector General for the latest information on Social Security-related scams. Visit the Federal Trade Commission for information on other government scams. Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit oig.ssa.gov/scam for more information. Please also share with your friends and family. Report a Scam Plan for the future, manage the present! With your free and secure my Social Security account, you can receive personal estimates of future benefits based on your real earnings, see your latest Social Security Statement, and review your earnings history. It even makes it easy to request a replacement Social Security Card, check the status of an application online, and much more, from anywhere! Log In Now Learn More