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: 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 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

“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

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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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

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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How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams

How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams By Colleen Tressler When temperatures drop, it often costs more to stay comfortable in your home — and scammers know that. This alert is the first in a series to help you get your home ready for winter, save money, and avoid fraud.  Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/09/how-save-money-utilities-winter-and-avoid-scams

How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams