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 Consumer Alert: COVID-19 scam reports, by the numbers

COVID-19 scam reports, by the numbers by Paul Witt, Lead Data Analyst, Division of Consumer Response & Operations If you're a regular reader of this blog — or of the news, you know that scammers are out in force, taking advantage of all aspects of the Coronavirus pandemic. We've spotted plenty of bogus cures and treatments, but many of you have told the FTC about straight-up scams, like texts/emails/calls from a "government agency" promising to get your relief money for you.  Others have told us about things that could be scams (or could be businesses catching up with the new reality) — like websites that promise scarce cleaning products or masks (that never arrive), or problems related to getting money back for cancelled travel plans. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/covid-19-scam-reports-numbers This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: COVID-19 scam reports, by the numbers

FTC Scam Alert: No prizes from the FTC

No prizes from the FTC by Todd Kossow Director, Midwest Region Recently, someone showed up at the door of the FTC to ask about his prize. He had a mailing saying he'd won $5 million – and the FTC had "certified and verified" it. The letter told him to act immediately to get the money. Otherwise, his millions would be given to somebody else. He'd talked with the so-called officials, who wanted him to pay $500 in fees to claim his (ahem) prize. Read more: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/06/no-prizes-ftc?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Scam Alert: Online love asking for money? It’s a scam.

Online love asking for money? It's a scam. by Carol Kando-Pineda Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education While plenty of successful relationships begin online, scammers also use online dating sites, apps, and chat rooms to trick you into sending them money. These impostors create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. Some even make wedding plans before disappearing with the money.  It's a big problem: reports to the FBI about online romance scams tripled between 2012 and 2016, and impostor scams were among the top reports to the Federal Trade Commission for both the general population and the military community. Read more  -->>  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/07/online-love-asking-money-its-scam?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Looking for a remote job for a cause you care about? Here’s how to know if it’s a scam

"If you’re looking for a remote job, you might be interested in companies that support a cause. But scammers know that and use your interest to draw you in. If, for example, you’re an LGBTQ+ person or ally, a job that says you can “help LGBTQ+ people in need from the comfort of your own home” might sound great. But what happens if you take that next step?

Based on reports to the FTC, that LGBTQ+ non-profit looking to “hire fast” could be using common interest to build trust with you. If you’re invested in their cause, they hope you’ll be more willing to give personal information before they’ve told you anything about the job. Or you’ll be willing to deposit that check they sent you for “equipment costs” — and send some of the money on to someone else, or back to them. (These are both big signs of a scam.)"

Continue reading about this scam alert from the FTC ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/looking-remote-job-cause-you-care-about-heres-how-know-if-its-scam

Looking for a remote job for a cause you care about? Here’s how to know if it’s a scam

FTC Scam Alert: Equifax isn’t calling

Many Franklinites are likely among those affected by the Equifax breach (as I was). Hence, this is worthy of sharing!

Equifax isn't calling by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education Ring, ring. "This is Equifax calling to verify your account information." Stop. Don't tell them anything. They're not from Equifax. It's a scam. Equifax will not call you out of the blue. Follow the link to read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Also from the Federal Trade Commission - What to do
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-do

FTC Scam Alert: Work from Home Business Scam Sidelined

Work from Home Business Scam Sidelined by Alvaro Puig Consumer Education Specialist Would you be tempted by an online business training program that promises you could earn thousands of dollars a month working from home? I wouldn't blame you if you were. But don't believe the hype. Promises like these are signs of an online business scam. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Car wrap scam targets college students

Car wrap scam targets college students by Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC If you have a car, you know how expensive the upkeep can be. Gas, maintenance, parking – the whole lot. So what if a company offered to pay you to drive around – which you were already doing – with their branding wrapped onto your car? It could sound like a good deal. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/12/car-wrap-scam-targets-college-students?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Alert: Make it a scam-free vacation

Make it a scam-free vacation by Lisa Lake Consumer Education Specialist, FTC It's almost summer! Right now, you probably have beaches on the brain or you're thinking about that long-planned trip abroad. Before you head out, take steps to help keep your dream vacation from becoming a nightmare: Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/05/make-it-scam-free-vacation?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Scam Alert: Scammers create fake emergencies to get your money

Scammers create fake emergencies to get your money by Carol Kando-Pineda Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education Scammers try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in trouble. They call, text, email, or send messages on social media about a supposed emergency with a family member or friend. They ask you to send money immediately.  To make their story seem real, they may claim to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer; they may have or guess at facts about your loved one. These impostors may insist that you keep quiet about their demand for money to keep you from checking out their story and identifying them as impostors.  But no matter how real or urgent this seems — it's a scam. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/07/scammers-create-fake-emergencies-get-your-money?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Scam Alert: Avoiding tech support scams

Avoiding tech support scams by Carol Kando-Pineda Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education You're working on your computer when, suddenly, a message pops up on the screen: "Virus detected! Call now for a free security scan and to repair your device."  That's a tech support scam. Don't call, text, or email. Legit tech support companies don't operate that way Read more => https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/07/avoiding-tech-support-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

FTC Scam Alert: Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams

Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams by Karen Hobbs, Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Scammers – and scammy companies – are using illegal robocalls to profit from Coronavirus-related fears. Listen to some of the latest scammy robocall pitches, so you can be on the lookout and know how to respond. (Here's a hint: hang up!) Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/socially-distancing-covid-19-robocall-scams  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Scam Alert: How to buy World Cup tickets that aren’t fake

Scam Alert: How to buy World Cup tickets that aren't fake by Alvaro Puig Consumer Education Specialist, FTC The 2018 World Cup kicks off on June 14, 2018 in Moscow. Soccer's rising stars like Argentina's Paulo Dybala, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Brazil's Gabriel Jesus will join World Cup veterans Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suárez, Isco, Toni Kroos, Neymar, and Lionel Messi to vie for the coveted World Cup trophy. If you're looking to buy World Cup tickets, here's what you need to know about buying official match tickets and avoiding a fake ticket scam. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

Got a text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam By Andrew Rayo Whether you've driven through a toll recently or not, you might've gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It's probably a scam.  Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money. Learn how the scam works so you can avoid it. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam? MassDOT sent a specific alert to EasyDrive users earlier this week https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/massdot-alerts-customers-of-smishing.html Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

FTC Consumer Alert: Target for new COVID scam: Small business owners

Target for new COVID scam: Small business owners by Lesley Fair, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC There's a new coronavirus-related scam making the rounds, but this time the crooks are targeting small businesses. It starts with an email that claims to come from the "Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance." It says you're eligible for a loan of up to $250,000 and asks for personal information like birth date and Social Security number.  Let's do a CSI-style investigation to spot clues that the email is a fake. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/target-new-covid-scam-small-business-owners?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Scam Alert: Asked to pay by gift card? Don’t.

Asked to pay by gift card? Don't. by Jennifer Leach Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Has someone asked you to go get a gift card to pay for something? Lots of people have told us they've been asked to pay with gift cards – by a caller claiming to be with the IRS, or tech support, or a so-called family member in need. If you've gotten a call like this, you know that the caller will then demand the gift card numbers and PIN. And, poof, your money is gone. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC Consumer Alert: Netflix phishing scam: Don’t take the bait

Netflix phishing scam: Don't take the bait by Colleen Tressler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Phishing is when someone uses fake emails or texts to get you to share valuable personal information – like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. Scammers use your information to steal your money, your identity, or both. They also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network. If you click on a link, they can install ransomware or other programs that can lock you out of your data. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/netflix-phishing-scam-dont-take-bait?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Scam Alert: Don’t give to a charity imposter

Don't give to a charity imposter by Emma Fletcher Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC When you give to a charity, you're giving because you care and want to help — and you want to be sure your money actually gets to those you're trying to help. But scammers who pretend to be a charity try to get to your wallet. So consider these tips before you give. Read more SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:  Manage Preferences   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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“They’re just looking for you to react to the email"

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

"Local residents are experiencing an old email scam with a new twist: Sextortion scammers appear to be hacking into breached databases and using old passwords for leverage over their victims. 

Scammers claim to have videos of their intended victims on their laptops while they watch pornography on the internet. They threaten that if a certain amount of money isn’t paid, they will send those videos to everyone in their target’s address book. The password trick is just an additional ploy. 

Kevin Morton, owner of Franklin computer repair shop Nerds-To-Go, was working on a sextortion case when contacted on Thursday afternoon. He said scammers are usually all bark and no bite, but he has seen a higher volume of these calls for help coming from the Milford and MetroWest areas in the past few weeks.

“To fix it, just simply delete the email and change the password,” Morton said. “It’s not really necessary to get a new email address.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180729/sextortion-scam-hits-franklin-over-past-week

Regular readers will recognize that I share info from the FTC on scam alerts that they post. Being vigilant these days is required. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Several of these alerts can be found in the archives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/search?q=FTC%2C+alert