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: 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