What is a Tech Support Scam?

A tech support scam is a type of fraud in which a scammer claims to offer legitimate technical support services. The scammers often pose as representatives of well-known tech companies, such as Microsoft, Apple, or Norton. They may call you directly on the phone, send you an email, or pop up a fake error message on your computer.

Once the scammer has your attention, they will try to convince you that there is a problem with your computer. They may say that your computer is infected with malware, that your warranty has expired, or that you need to renew your software license. They will then offer to fix the problem for you, often for a fee.

In some cases, the scammers may even ask you to give them remote access to your computer. This allows them to install malware on your computer or steal your personal information.

How to Spot a Tech Support Scam

There are a few things you can do to spot a tech support scam:

• Never call a number that appears in a pop-up message. These numbers are often spoofed to look like they belong to legitimate tech companies.
• Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails from people claiming to be from tech support. Legitimate tech companies will never cold call you.
• If you are unsure whether a call or email is legitimate, hang up or delete it. You can always contact the tech company directly to verify.
• Never give out personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number, to someone you don’t know.
• Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to install software on your computer. Legitimate tech support companies will never ask you to do this.

How to Protect Yourself from Tech Support Scams

The best way to protect yourself from tech support scams is to be aware of them. Here are a few tips:

• Install a security software on your computer and keep it up to date.
• Be careful about what websites you visit and what files you download.
• Don’t click on links in emails or pop-up messages unless you’re sure they’re legitimate.
• Back up your data regularly.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

What's a Senior Obituary Scam

Obituary scams are a type of fraud that targets the grieving families of recently deceased seniors. Scammers will often read obituaries in newspapers or online, and then contact the family of the deceased, claiming to be a debt collector, government official, or other legitimate entity. They will then demand payment for a supposed outstanding debt, or they will try to obtain personal information about the deceased.

There are a few different variations of the obituary scam. In one common variation, the scammer will call the family of the deceased and claim that the deceased had an outstanding debt with them. They will then demand payment for the debt, often in the form of a wire transfer or a gift card.

In another variation of the scam, the scammer will contact the family of the deceased and claim to be a government official. They will then say that the deceased owed money to the government, and that they need to pay the debt immediately. In some cases, the scammer will even provide a fake government badge or identification number to make their story seem more believable.

Scammers may also try to obtain personal information about the deceased, such as their Social Security number or bank account information. They can then use this information to commit identity theft or other types of fraud.

There are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from obituary scams. First, be wary of any unsolicited calls or emails from people who claim to be debt collectors or government officials. If you receive a call or email from someone who claims to be from one of these organizations, hang up the phone or delete the email. Do not give out any personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information.

Second, be careful about the information that you include in obituaries. If you include your contact information in an obituary, scammers may use it to contact you and try to scam you. You may want to consider omitting your contact information from obituaries.

Finally, if you do receive a call or email from someone who claims to be from a government agency or debt collection agency, you can verify their identity by calling the agency or company directly. You can find the contact information for most government agencies and debt collection agencies on their websites.

If you think that you may have been the victim of an obituary scam, you should report it to the police. You should also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.

Here are some additional tips to help you avoid obituary scams:

• Do not give out any personal information over the phone, especially to someone you do not know.
• Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls or emails from people who claim to be debt collectors or government officials.
• Verify the identity of anyone who calls you and claims to be from a government agency or debt collection agency by calling the agency or company directly.
• Do not pay any money to someone who claims to be a debt collector or government official unless you are sure that they are legitimate.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

What's a Reverse Mortgage Scam?

A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners 62 or older to access the equity in their home without having to make monthly payments. The loan is repaid when the borrower dies, moves out of the home, or sells the home.

Reverse mortgage scams are a type of financial fraud that target seniors. These scams often involve unscrupulous lenders who promise seniors a way to access their home equity without having to make monthly payments. However, these loans can be very expensive and can lead to seniors losing their homes.

Types of Reverse Mortgage Scams

There are a number of different types of reverse mortgage scams. Some of the most common include:

• Mortgage payment relief scams: These scams target seniors who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. The scammer will offer to help the senior get a reverse mortgage, but they will charge an upfront fee for their services. In some cases, the scammer will simply take the money and disappear.
• Home-flipping scams: These scams involve using a reverse mortgage to buy another property, fix it up, and then resell it quickly for a profit. The scammer will often guarantee that the property will increase in value, but this is not always the case. In some cases, the scammer will simply pocket the money from the reverse mortgage and leave the senior with no home.
• Free homes scams: These scams involve targeting seniors who are looking for a free place to live. The scammer will offer the senior a free home in exchange for them getting a reverse mortgage on the property. However, the home is often in poor condition and the scammer will not actually give the senior the title to the property.

How to Protect Yourself from Reverse Mortgage Scams

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from reverse mortgage scams. Some of these tips include:

• Do your research: Before you even consider getting a reverse mortgage, it is important to do your research and understand how the loan works. You should also talk to a financial advisor who can help you assess whether a reverse mortgage is right for you.
• Beware of high-pressure sales tactics: If a lender is pressuring you to get a reverse mortgage, be wary. Legitimate lenders will not pressure you into making a decision.
• Get everything in writing: Before you sign any paperwork, be sure to get everything in writing. This includes the terms of the loan, the fees involved, and the repayment schedule.
• Don’t give out personal information: Never give out your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to someone you don’t know.

If You Think You Have Been Scammed

If you think you have been scammed, there are a number of things you can do. First, you should contact the lender who gave you the loan. You should also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB can investigate the matter and take action against the scammer.

You can also contact your local law enforcement agency. They may be able to help you recover your money.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Don't Open Email or Text from Senders That You Don't Know

Be careful about what emails and texts you open. Phishing scams and malware attacks are on the rise, and they can cause a lot of damage to your computer and your personal information.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to simply not open emails or texts from senders that you don’t know. If you’re not sure who the sender is, don’t even open the message. Even if the email or text looks like it’s from someone you know, don’t open it if the subject line or the body of the message doesn’t make sense.

Here are some other things to look out for when you’re trying to determine whether or not an email or text is safe to open:

• The sender’s email address. Is the email address from a legitimate company or organization? If the address looks strange or misspelled, it’s probably a scam.
• The subject line. Does the subject line sound urgent or threatening? If so, it’s probably a phishing scam.
• The body of the message. Does the message ask you to click on a link or open an attachment? If so, don’t do it. These links and attachments could contain malware that could infect your computer.

If you’re not sure whether or not an email or text is safe to open, you can always contact the sender directly to verify their identity.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Common Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App scams:

Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App are all popular peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps that allow users to send and receive money quickly and easily. However, these apps have also become targets for scammers.

• Fake payment requests: Scammers will often create fake profiles on social media or dating apps and then send messages to users asking for money. They may claim to be in need of help, such as needing money to pay for a medical emergency or to help a family member in need. Once the victim sends the money, the scammer disappears.
• Overpayment scams: In this scam, the scammer will send the victim a payment that is more than the amount they owe. They will then ask the victim to send back the difference, which is actually their own money.
• Tech support scams: Scammers will call or text victims claiming to be from Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App’s customer support. They will say that there is a problem with the victim’s account and that they need to provide personal information or download software in order to fix it. Once the victim provides this information, the scammer can use it to steal their money.
• Phishing scams: Scammers will send emails or text messages that appear to be from Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App. These emails or text messages will often contain a link that, when clicked, will take the victim to a fake website that looks like the real Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App website. Once the victim enters their login information on the fake website, the scammer can steal their account information.

It is important to be aware of these scams and to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips:

• Only send money to people you know and trust.
• Never click on links in emails or text messages from people you don’t know.
• Always log in to Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App directly from their website or app.
• Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts.
• Be wary of any requests for personal information or payment.

If you think you have been scammed, you should contact Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App immediately. You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

How do SIM swapping scams work?

IM swapping scams are a type of fraud in which criminals take control of your phone number by tricking your mobile carrier into transferring it to a SIM card in their possession. Once they have control of your phone number, they can use it to access your online accounts, including your bank accounts, email, and social media.

SIM swapping scams typically involve the following steps:

1. The criminals gather as much personal information about you as they can find, such as your name, address, email address, and phone number.
2. They call your mobile carrier and impersonate you, claiming that you have lost or damaged your SIM card.
3. The customer service representative at your mobile carrier asks the criminals for some security information, such as your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If the criminals have enough information, the customer service representative will transfer your phone number to the SIM card in their possession.
4. Once the criminals have control of your phone number, they can use it to access your online accounts. For example, they can reset your passwords and gain access to your email, bank accounts, and social media accounts.

The risks of SIM swapping scams include:

• Financial loss. The criminals can use your phone number to reset your passwords and gain access to your bank accounts. They can then make unauthorized transactions, such as wire transfers or credit card purchases.
• Identity theft. The criminals can use your phone number to open new accounts in your name. This could lead to financial loss, as well as damage to your credit.
• Cyberbullying. The criminals can use your phone number to send harassing or threatening text messages.
• Loss of access to online accounts. If the criminals gain access to your email and social media accounts, they can lock you out of these accounts. This could make it difficult to communicate with friends and family, or to access important information.

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from SIM swapping scams:

• Be careful about what information you share online. The more personal information you share online, the more likely it is that criminals will be able to target you for a SIM swapping scam.
• Use strong passwords for your online accounts. And make sure to change your passwords regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
• Be suspicious of any emails or phone calls from your mobile carrier. If you receive an email or phone call from your mobile carrier asking you to confirm your personal information, be sure to verify the caller’s identity before providing any information.
• Report any suspicious activity to your mobile carrier immediately. If you think that you have been the victim of a SIM swapping scam, report the activity to your mobile carrier immediately. They will be able to take steps to protect your account and prevent the criminals from accessing your online accounts.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from SIM swapping scams.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Why You Should Update Your Phone Software as Soon as New Releases Are Available

Your phone’s software is constantly being updated with new features, security patches, and bug fixes. These updates are important for keeping your phone safe and secure, as well as improving its performance.

Here are some of the reasons why you should update your phone software as soon as new releases are available:

• Security updates: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. By keeping your software up to date, you can help protect your phone from malware and other threats.
• Bug fixes: Software updates can also fix bugs that can cause problems with your phone’s performance. For example, a bug in the latest version of Android caused some phones to experience battery drain. By updating your software, you can fix these problems and improve your phone’s performance.
• New features: Software updates often include new features that can make your phone more useful. For example, the latest version of Android includes a new feature called “Smart Reply” that suggests responses to text messages. By updating your software, you can get access to these new features and make your phone more enjoyable to use.

How to Update Your Phone Software

To update your phone software, you’ll need to connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network. Then, follow these steps:

1. Open your phone’s settings.
2. Tap on “System” or “About Phone.”
3. Tap on “Software Update.”
4. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install.”

Your phone will then download and install the update. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient. Once the update is complete, your phone will restart.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Automatically Send Unknown Callers to Trash

Spam calls are a major nuisance, and they can be even more annoying when they come from unknown numbers. If you’re tired of being interrupted by these unwanted calls, you can automatically send them to voicemail or trash.

Here’s how to do it on your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Under Silence Unknown Callers, toggle on the switch.

This will send all calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail. You can still listen to these voicemails if you want, but they won’t interrupt you with a ringing phone.

If you have an Android phone, you can usually do the same thing by going to your phone’s settings and looking for a setting called “Block Unknown Callers” or something similar.

In addition to automatically sending unknown callers to voicemail, you can also try these other tips to reduce the number of spam calls you receive:

• Add your phone number to the Do Not Call Registry. This won’t stop all spam calls, but it will help.
• Use a spam blocking app. There are a number of free and paid spam blocking apps available.
• Be careful about what information you share online. Scammers can use your personal information to target you with spam calls.

By following these tips, you can reduce the number of spam calls you receive and keep your phone free from unwanted interruptions.

Here are some additional tips for blocking spam calls:

• If you receive a call from an unknown number, don’t answer it. If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail.
• If you do answer a call from an unknown number, don’t give out any personal information.
• Be suspicious of any calls that ask you to pay with a gift card or wire transfer.
• If you think you’ve received a scam call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from spam calls and keep your personal information safe.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Why You Should Use a Different Strong Password for Each of Your Accounts

Your online accounts are your gateway to the digital world. They hold your personal information, financial data, and other sensitive information. If a hacker were to gain access to one of your accounts, they could use that information to steal your identity, commit fraud, or even take control of your finances.

One of the best ways to protect your online accounts is to use strong, unique passwords for each one. This means that if one of your accounts is compromised, the hacker won’t be able to use the same password to access your other accounts.

So what makes a strong password? Here are a few tips:

• Make it long. The longer your password, the harder it will be for a hacker to guess. A good rule of thumb is to use at least 12 characters.
• Use a variety of characters. Your password should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This will make it even harder for a hacker to guess.
• Don’t use personal information. Avoid using your name, birthday, or other personal information in your password. This information is often easy for hackers to find, making it easier for them to guess your password.
• Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. This is one of the most important tips. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, and one of those accounts is compromised, then all of your accounts are at risk.

There are a number of different ways to create and store strong, unique passwords. You can use a password manager, which is a software application that helps you generate and store passwords. You can also use a passphrase, which is a short phrase that is easy to remember but difficult to guess.

No matter how you choose to create your passwords, it is important to make sure that they are strong and unique. This is one of the best ways to protect your online accounts and your personal information.

Additional tips for creating strong passwords:

• Avoid using dictionary words or common phrases. Hackers often use dictionaries or common phrases to try to guess passwords.
• Use a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This will make your password more difficult to guess.
• Don’t use anything that can be easily guessed from your personal information, such as your name, birthday, or address.
• Change your passwords regularly. This will help to protect your accounts if one of your passwords is compromised.
• Be careful about what information you share online. Hackers can use information that you share on social media or other websites to try to guess your passwords.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Use a Password on Your Computer to Protect Your Personal Data

Your computer contains a wealth of personal information, including your bank account numbers, credit card information, social security number, and other sensitive data. If someone were to gain unauthorized access to your computer, they could easily steal this information and use it to commit fraud or identity theft.

One of the best ways to protect your personal data is to use a password on your computer. A strong password will make it much more difficult for someone to guess or crack, and it will help to keep your information safe.

Here are some tips for creating a strong password:

• Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid using personal information, such as your name, birthday, or address.
• Make your password at least 12 characters long.
• Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.

If you’re having trouble remembering your passwords, you can use a password manager. A password manager is a software application that stores your passwords in a secure location. You only need to remember one master password to access all of your other passwords.

In addition to using a password on your computer, there are other things you can do to protect your personal data. These include:

• Keeping your operating system and software up to date.
• Using a firewall to protect your computer from unauthorized access.
• Being careful about what websites you visit and what links you click on.
• Not opening attachments from unknown senders.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

What is a Password Manager and Why Should I Use One?

A password manager is a software application that helps you store, generate, and manage your passwords. It does this by encrypting your passwords and storing them in a secure database. When you need to log in to a website or app, the password manager will automatically fill in your login credentials.

There are many reasons why you should use a password manager. First, it can help you create strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts. This is important because using weak or reused passwords makes you more vulnerable to hacking. Second, a password manager can save you time and hassle. No longer do you have to remember dozens of different passwords. With a password manager, you can simply use one master password to access all of your accounts.

Third, a password manager can help you keep your passwords safe. The encryption used by password managers is very strong, and it is virtually impossible for hackers to break into your database. Additionally, many password managers offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.

If you are serious about online security, then you should use a password manager. It is one of the best ways to protect your accounts from hackers.

Here are some of the benefits of using a password manager:

• Strong passwords: Password managers can help you create strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts. This is important because using weak or reused passwords makes you more vulnerable to hacking.
• Convenience: Password managers can save you time and hassle. No longer do you have to remember dozens of different passwords. With a password manager, you can simply use one master password to access all of your accounts.
• Security: Password managers use strong encryption to protect your passwords. This makes it very difficult for hackers to break into your database.
• Portability: Many password managers offer mobile apps, so you can access your passwords on your phone or tablet.

Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a password manager:

• Security: The most important factor to consider is the security of the password manager. Make sure that the password manager uses strong encryption and two-factor authentication.
• Ease of use: The password manager should be easy to use. You should be able to easily create and manage your passwords.
• Features: The password manager should have the features that you need. For example, you may want a password manager that can generate strong passwords, autofill your login credentials, and sync your passwords across devices.

Apple's Password Manger

Apple’s password manager is called iCloud Keychain. It is a free, built-in password manager that is available on all Apple devices. iCloud Keychain allows you to store, generate, and manage your passwords across all of your Apple devices. It also supports two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.

To use iCloud Keychain, you need to have an Apple ID and turn on iCloud Keychain in your device’s settings. Once you have turned on iCloud Keychain, you can start storing your passwords. iCloud Keychain will automatically ask you to save your passwords when you create a new account or log in to an existing account.  On iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, you can find the stored passwords in settings under passwords.

Here are some other popular password managers:

• 1Password
• 1Password
• LastPass
• Dashlane
• Keeper
• Bitwarden

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Crooks Are Stealing Your Checks to Commit Fraud

They may steal your checks from your mailbox, from your car, or even from your home. Once they have your checks, they can use them to write fraudulent checks, or they can sell them to other criminals.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from check fraud:

• Shred your old checks. Don’t just throw them away in the trash. Shred them into small pieces so that they can’t be used by criminals.
• Make sure your mailbox is secure. If your mailbox is easy to open, criminals may be able to steal your checks. Consider installing a locking mailbox or a security camera.
• Don’t leave your checks in your car. If you have to leave your car, take your checks with you or lock them in the trunk.
• Be careful who you give your checks to. Only give your checks to people you trust.
• Check your bank statements regularly. This will help you to spot any unauthorized transactions.
• Be aware of the signs of check fraud. These signs include:
  • Unauthorized transactions on your bank statement
  • Checks that have been altered
  • Checks that have been written for more money than you authorized

If you think that your checks have been stolen, you should contact your bank immediately. They will be able to help you to protect your account and to prevent any fraudulent transactions.

Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe from scams and fraud.

• Don’t give out your personal information over the phone or online. This information can be used to open fraudulent accounts in your name.
• Use strong passwords and keep them secure. Your passwords should be at least eight characters long and should include a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Be careful what information you share on social media. Criminals can use this information to target you for fraud.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

What are the top 10 Senior Scams?

Seniors are often targeted by scammers because they are more likely to have accumulated wealth over their lifetimes and may be less likely to be familiar with the latest scams. Here are the top 10 senior scams:

1. Grandparent scam: This scam involves a scammer calling the victim and pretending to be their grandchild. The scammer will say that they are in trouble and need money immediately. The victim is often afraid to ask questions and will send the money without verifying the caller’s identity.
2. Medicare scam: This scam involves a scammer calling the victim and pretending to be from Medicare. The scammer will say that the victim needs to pay a fee or provide personal information in order to keep their Medicare benefits. The victim may be afraid that they will lose their benefits if they do not comply.
3. Online romance scam: This scam involves a scammer creating a fake online profile and posing as someone they are not. The scammer will start a relationship with the victim and eventually ask for money. The victim may be blinded by love and not realize that they are being scammed.
4. Employment and money mule scam: This scam involves a scammer offering the victim a job that pays a lot of money. The job will often involve wiring money to other people. The victim is actually being used as a money mule to launder money for the scammer.
5. Online shopping scam: This scam involves the victim being tricked into buying something online that they never receive. The scammer may create a fake website that looks like a legitimate retailer. The victim will enter their credit card information and never receive the product.
6. Phone scam: This scam involves a scammer calling the victim and trying to get them to give up personal information or money. The scammer may pretend to be from the government, a charity, or a tech support company.
7. Home repair scam: This scam involves a scammer knocking on the victim’s door and offering to do home repairs. The scammer may be very convincing and may even have a fake ID. The victim may end up paying a lot of money for repairs that are never done.
8. Tech support scam: This scam involves a scammer calling the victim and pretending to be from a tech support company. The scammer will say that there is a problem with the victim’s computer and that they need to pay for help to fix it. The victim may end up giving the scammer remote access to their computer, which the scammer can then use to steal personal information.
9. Obituary scam: This scam involves a scammer contacting the victim after the death of a loved one. The scammer will say that they are from a debt collection agency and that the deceased person owed them money. The victim may be afraid to ask questions and may send the scammer money.
10. Reverse mortgage scam: This scam involves a scammer convincing the victim to take out a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows seniors to access the equity in their home. However, scammers may take advantage of seniors who are not familiar with reverse mortgages and convince them to take out a loan that they cannot afford.

How to protect yourself from senior scams:

• Be suspicious of anyone who calls you and asks for money.
• Never give out personal information over the phone or online.
• Do not click on links in emails or text messages from people you do not know.
• Be careful about what information you share on social media.
• If you think you have been scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC has a website with information about senior scams and how to protect yourself. You can visit the website at www.ftc.gov/seniors.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.