Consumer Alerts

Trademarks and patents are essential for protecting intellectual property, but scammers are targeting businesses by pretending to be the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Here’s what to watch for and how to keep your business safe: How the Scam Works: Scammers may call, email, or text, claiming to be from the USPTO. They might say your trademark application will be approved—or is about to expire—if you pay immediately. Sometimes, they claim someone else is trying to register your trademark, urging you to act fast. These messages can look convincing, using the USPTO seal, real staff names, or even […]

Each year, elder financial abuse costs older Americans an estimated $27 billion, with seniors falling victim to a range of scams and thefts by family members, caregivers, or strangers. Financial exploitation can take many forms, from unauthorized withdrawals to fraudulent investments, making it crucial for seniors and their loved ones to stay vigilant. Experts urge older adults to closely monitor their credit card and bank account activity, review statements for suspicious transactions, and report any irregularities to their financial institutions immediately. Protecting personal financial information is another key step in preventing abuse. It’s important to never share sensitive details such […]

Scammers are sending fake emails and texts that look surprisingly real. These messages often include official logos, familiar sender names, and urgent warnings that your account is at risk. Their goal is to trick you into clicking on dangerous links or sharing personal information. Be on the lookout for signs of a scam. Watch for links with unusual characters, typos or awkward language in the message, and urgent alerts claiming your account is locked. These are common tactics used to create a sense of panic and get you to act quickly without thinking. Trust your gut: if something doesn’t seem […]

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes with a new message: “Are you still coming over for pot roast tonight?” You pause. Pot roast sounds great, but you don’t recognize the number (or remember making any dinner plans). Instead of ignoring it, you reply, “Who is this?” That’s exactly what scammers are hoping for. These seemingly friendly, accidental invitations are a common trick to get you to engage. Scammers may try to keep the conversation going, gradually building trust before asking for money, pitching fake investment opportunities or sending malicious links. They might also try to collect personal […]

Social media platforms are constantly evolving, often introducing new features that can impact your privacy. Instagram’s recent update to its location settings has sparked fresh conversations about how much personal information we share online—sometimes without even realizing it. With these changes, it’s more important than ever to take control of your privacy by understanding and adjusting your settings. The first step to protecting your privacy is to regularly review your account settings. On Instagram, for example, you can now manage who sees your location or whether your location is shared at all. Take a moment to explore the “Privacy” section […]

Local businesses are reporting a surge in dubious phone calls, allegedly from their local bank. These scammers often attempt to confirm or modify payment details or online banking credentials, which they then exploit for fraudulent activities. These scammers cleverly use publicly accessible information about bank employees to lend credibility to their calls. With the advancement in technology, they’re even employing AI to imitate voices and spoof caller IDs, making the calls appear more legitimate. It’s crucial to remember that MVSB, along with other trustworthy banks, will never reach out to you for sensitive information that’s already in their records. Such […]

New Hampshire’s Attorney General is warning real estate owners of quit claim deed fraud. Fraud occurs when scammers forge documents to facilitate a fake transfer of property outside of a traditional sale – without the owner’s knowledge. Then the scammer will try to record the forged documentation with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. If successful, they can sell the property, take out a mortgage and/or rent the property for profit. Scammers tend to target vacant lots, property without liens and property owned by people living out of state. But in order to do […]

Our Fraud Team has reported an increase in individuals across the country receiving text messages indicating they have unpaid or overdue toll charges. These messages are a scam and recipients should ignore and delete them. If you are unsure and want to verify, reach out to the state’s tolling agency directly using a legitimate phone number or website, not the contact info provided in the text. The text will offer a way to settle your account, and you will be instructed to click on a link and provide payment information. The fraudster likely will imply a sense of urgency to […]