FTC Alert: Getting a call from 877-382-4357? Hang up.

Call from 877-382-4357? Hang up. by Andrew Johnson Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Scammers are using fake caller ID information to trick you into thinking they're someone who can be trusted. The practice is called caller ID spoofing, and scammers can fake anyone's phone number. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Federal Trade Commission · 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20580 · 1-877-382-4357

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 Alert: Those (not really) IRS calls (video)

Franklin Police Chief Thomas Lynch had a voice message to all residents recently alerting us to avoid phone scams. This FTC video delivers the same message

Those (not really) IRS calls by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education You've probably gotten one of these calls: They say it's the IRS and they're filing a lawsuit against you for back taxes. They may threaten to arrest or deport you. What do you do? Watch this video to learn more: Read more online https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/03/those-not-really-irs-calls?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 4: Security Summit urges businesses to tighten security, offers new protections against identity theft

The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry urged businesses to be on guard as thieves try to use their stolen names and data to file fraudulent tax returns.

The partners, operating cooperatively as the Security Summit (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit) to fight identity theft, marked the fourth day of National Tax Security Awareness Week with a warning to businesses to enact the strongest measures possible to protect their data and systems. The IRS also is planning additional steps to help businesses combat cybercriminals trying to steal their data.

“As the IRS and our partners have strengthened our security standards, identity thieves have looked for new ways to find sources of information, and businesses need to stay alert,” said IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig. “Businesses, just like individuals, can be victims of identity theft. Thieves may steal enough information to file a business tax return for refund or use other scams using the company’s identity.”

More than 70% of cyberattacks are aimed at businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Thieves may be targeting credit card information, the business identity information or employee identity information.

Business are encouraged to follow best practices from the Federal Trade Commission include:
 -   Set your security software to update automatically
 -  Back up important files
 -   Require strong passwords for all devices
 -   Encrypt devices
 -   Use multi-factor authentication

More information is available at FTC’s Cybersecurity for Small Businesses (https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/small-businesses/cybersecurity).

Businesses should especially be alert to any COVID-19 or tax-related phishing email scams that attempt to trick employees into opening embedded links or attachments. IRS related scams may be sent to phishing@irs.gov.

Starting Dec. 13, 2020, the IRS will begin masking sensitive information from business tax transcripts, the summary of corporate tax returns, to help prevent thieves from obtaining identifiable information that would allow them to file fake business tax returns.

Only financial entries will be fully visible. All other information will have varying masking rules. For example, only the first four letters of each first and last name – of individuals and businesses – will display. Only the last four digits of the Employer Identification Number will be visible.

The IRS also has publicly launched the Form 14039-B, Business Identity Theft Affidavit (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039b.pdf), that will allow companies to proactively report possible identity theft to the IRS when, for example, the e-filed tax return is rejected.

Businesses should file the Form 14039-B if it receives a:
 -   Rejection notice for an electronically filed return because a return already is on file for that same period.
 -   Notice about a tax return that the entity didn't file.
 -   Notice about Forms W-2 filed with the Social Security Administration that the entity didn't file.
 -   Notice of a balance due that is not owed.

This form will enable the IRS to respond to the business much faster than in the past and work to resolve issues created by a fraudulent tax return. Businesses should not use the form if they experience a data breach but see no tax-related impact. For more information, see Identity Theft Central’s Business section (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central).

Although the tax scams can come and go, all employers should remain alert to Form W-2 theft schemes. In the most common version, a thief poses as a high-ranking company executive who emails payroll employees and asks for a list of employees and their W-2s. Businesses often don’t know they’ve been scammed until a fraudulent return shows up in employees’ names.

There is a special reporting procedure for employers who experience the W-2 scam. It also may be found at Identity Theft Central’s Business section (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central).

Finally, Security Summit partners urge businesses to keep their EIN application information current. Changes of address or responsible party may be reported using Form 8822-B (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822-b).

 

Reminder: Changes in the responsible party must be reported to the IRS within 60 days. Current information can help the IRS find a point of contact to resolve identity theft and other issues.

The IRS, state tax agencies, the private sector tax industry, including tax professionals, work in partnership as the Security Summit to help protect taxpayers from identity theft and refund fraud. This is the third in a week-long series of tips to raise awareness about identity theft. See IRS.gov/securitysummit for more details. 

 

 IRS YouTube Video:  https://youtu.be/ELzTL6hQKQc   New Security Measures Help Protect Against Tax-Related Identity Theft 

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 Consumer Alert: Giving wisely in the time of COVID

Giving wisely in the time of COVID by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Thanks to COVID-19, many charitable organizations are faced with greater demand for their services, but less in donations as people have less to give. Now, more than ever, it's important to make sure that your donation will be used wisely and well. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and as you consider new places to send your donations, now and throughout the holiday season, don't forget these four tips for giving wisely: Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/11/giving-wisely-time-covid This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Holiday shopping season 2020

Holiday shopping season 2020 by Shameka Walker Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC The holiday season is upon us and retailers are already preparing for what they hope will be a successful shopping season. Because of COVID-19, it's likely that we'll be going online to look for those perfect gifts. With so many deals around and what seem like eternal "Black Friday" sales, it's important to keep some online shopping tips in mind. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/11/holiday-shopping-season-2020 This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Don’t click links in unsolicited text messages

Don't click links in unsolicited text messages by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC You might be seeing text messages promising money – maybe the economic impact payments, loans for small businesses, or an offer for money you can get.  In fact, I recently saw a WhatsApp text message in Spanish that advertised money for people quarantined at home. If you've spotted messages like this, I hope you've also deleted them.  These text messages going around could lead you to a scam or a hacker, but not to anything helpful. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/dont-click-links-unsolicited-text-messages  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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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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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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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 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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FTC Consumer Alert: Scams telling you to pay with Bitcoin on the rise

Scams telling you to pay with Bitcoin on the rise by Cristina Miranda, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC At first, scammers tried to get you to wire them money. Then, they demanded payment with gift cards. Now, scammers are luring people into paying them with Bitcoin – a type of digital money or cryptocurrency.  Read on to learn how to spot and avoid some of the top ways scammers are trying to get you to pay with Bitcoin. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/11/scams-telling-you-pay-bitcoin-rise?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: If you have federal student loans, read this

If you have federal student loans, read this by Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC A few months ago, we told you that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act gave some flexibility to federal student loan borrowers. Understanding these options can help you make more informed decisions about paying your bills and prioritizing your debts. These benefits have been extended until December 31, 2020. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/if-you-have-federal-student-loans-read?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Donating in difficult times

Donating in difficult times by Jennifer Leach, Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC These days, there are just so many reasons why people want to do to something to help, to make a difference, to take action. In addition to volunteering or putting their feet to the pavement, lots of people are putting their hands in their wallets to try to make an impact.  Once again, though, scammers will be there. As ever, they follow the headlines and pop up wherever there's money to be made. So, before you make a donation to support any cause, here are a few things to think about and do. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/donating-difficult-times?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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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: New alert for Western Union refunds

New alert for Western Union refunds by Karen Dodge Senior Attorney, Midwest Region, Federal Trade Commission Did you lose money to a scam, wiring the money via Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017? If so, you might know that May 31 is the deadline for filing your claim to get money back from the FTC's and the Department of Justice's settlement with Western Union.  With the deadline fast approaching, we know two things: (1) there will probably be a rush of last-minute filers; and (2) scammers will try to take advantage of the people filing claims. Read more

MA Consumer Affairs: "Fraud Alert: Unemployment Benefits & ID Theft"

 

"Driven by the economic downturn brought on by pandemic related restrictions, unemployment across the U.S. is at a historic high. While national and local averages slowly decline across the country, unemployment fraud is on the rise.

For many the unemployment benefit is a lifeline. Unfortunately, for some bad actors it is an opportunity. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), unemployment fraud is up significantly and there is suspicion that the culprits are based overseas. Officials say the fraud is affecting tens of thousands of Americans, slowing the delivery of benefits to those in need, and costing states hundreds of millions of dollars.

Whether you have lost your job, or not, you could be a victim of identity theft related to this unemployment scam. Authorities report that criminals are filing for unemployment benefits online using stolen information of people who have not lost their jobs. Stolen identities can be bought online, or obtained from data breaches, email phishing schemes, or from physical theft. Fraudsters also exploit public websites and social media accounts. Many victims are unaware of the identity theft unless they are notified by a state agency, the IRS, or their employer that a claim has been filed in their name."

Continue reading the article online http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/fraud-alert-unemployment-benefits-id-theft/

The Federal Trade Commission has a similar article  https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2020/06/unemployment-benefits-fraud-puts-workers-risk-more-id-theft

 

 

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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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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