The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reminding consumers that Medicare fraud isn’t just a problem for seniors—it affects everyone who pays taxes and contributes to the Medicare system. Scammers use a variety of tactics to steal Medicare numbers and personal information, including offering free medical equipment, genetic testing kits, or pain creams in exchange for Medicare details. They may also pose as Medicare representatives calling about new cards, coverage changes, or account verification. The FTC warns that Medicare will never call unexpectedly to ask for your Medicare number or personal information, and legitimate Medicare communications don’t require immediate action or […]
Consumer Alerts
New Fake Party Invitation Scam Targets Email Logins
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about a rising wave of fake party invitations arriving by text and email during the busy graduation and summer-gathering season. According to the agency, scammers are sending messages that appear to come from well-known electronic invite services and may even list the name of someone you know as the host. The catch: the invitation demands that you enter your email address and password—or a special access code—to view the event details. That request is a red flag, the FTC says, and signals an attempt to steal your account credentials. Once scammers obtain […]
Fake CAPTCHA Scams on the Rise: What You Need to Know
Cybercriminals are turning a trusted security tool against internet users. Fake CAPTCHA screens—designed to mimic the familiar “I’m not a robot” verification tests—are being used to trick people into downloading malware or enabling a flood of scam notifications. According to recent reports, these fraudulent pop-ups appear on compromised or malicious websites, prompting users to complete what looks like a routine security check. Instead of verifying human users, however, these fake CAPTCHAs instruct visitors to click “Allow” on browser notifications or even run commands that can compromise their devices. Once permission is granted, victims may be bombarded with phishing alerts, fake […]
Don’t Fall for “You’ve Won a Prize” Calls
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are calling people at random, claiming they’ve won a prize, sweepstakes, or lottery. These fraudsters often say you must pay a fee, provide bank details, or share personal information to claim your winnings. In reality, legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to receive a prize. Scammers use excitement and urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly, often stealing money or sensitive data in the process. To protect yourself, hang up immediately if someone calls claiming you’ve won a prize you didn’t enter to win. Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to claim […]
Scammers Exploit Global Conflicts to Steal Money and Information
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are exploiting news about the Iran conflict to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. These fraudsters may pose as charities, government agencies, or even relatives in distress, using emotional appeals or urgent messages to pressure victims into donating or providing sensitive data. Some scams also spread misinformation through social media or fake news sites to lure people into clicking malicious links. To stay safe, the FTC advises verifying any organization before donating or responding to requests for help. Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited messages and never […]
Watch Out for Debt Relief Scams
When facing financial stress, offers promising quick debt relief can be tempting—but many of these offers are scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), dishonest companies often claim they can eliminate or reduce debt for an upfront fee, only to disappear once payment is made. These scammers may use official-sounding names or pressure tactics to gain trust, leaving consumers in worse financial shape. Legitimate debt relief programs never guarantee results or demand payment before providing help. To protect yourself, be cautious of any company that asks for payment before settling debts or instructs you to stop communicating with your […]
Beware of Calls About “Unclaimed Funds”
Scammers are contacting individuals claiming they are owed “unclaimed funds” or money from government agencies, but these calls are often fraudulent. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), legitimate agencies will never call, text, or email unexpectedly to request personal information or payment to release funds. These scams often pressure victims to act quickly or pay a fee to claim nonexistent money, putting personal and financial information at risk. If contacted about unclaimed funds, it’s important to stay calm and verify the legitimacy of the claim before taking any action. Never share Social Security numbers, bank details, or other sensitive […]
Protect Against Online Scams and Fraud
Cybercriminals are using increasingly advanced methods to target consumers through phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent social media messages. These scams often appear to come from legitimate businesses or trusted contacts, making them difficult to spot. Once personal or financial information is shared, it can be used to access bank accounts, steal identities, or make unauthorized purchases. Staying informed and cautious is the first line of defense against these evolving threats. To reduce the risk of falling victim to online fraud, it’s important to verify the authenticity of messages before clicking links or sharing information. Look for signs such as misspelled web addresses, […]
Fake Party Invitation Emails : How Scammers Steal Your Info
Have you noticed unusual party invitations appearing in your email inbox? These messages might not be genuine and could pose a serious risk to your personal information. Recently, community members have shared concerns about suspicious emails that look like birthday or party invitations. These emails often seem to come from trusted sources, such as friends or family, but are actually part of a scheme intended to steal email and banking credentials. Typically, the recipient is prompted to click a link to “open” the invitation. After clicking, the page requests the user’s email address and password. When the information is submitted, […]
Beware of Unexpected Calls Claiming Your Money is at Risk
Scammers are increasingly impersonating banks, government agencies, and well-known companies to convince people their money is in danger. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these fraudsters often call unexpectedly, claiming that accounts have been compromised or that funds must be moved to a “safe” location. They may use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate and pressure victims to act quickly, often requesting personal information, wire transfers, or gift card payments. These calls are designed to create panic and trick individuals into handing over their money or sensitive data. The FTC advises never to trust unsolicited calls about financial or account issues. […]
