While we shop and cook and hang holiday lights, scammers are busy looking for their next targets. The Better Business Bureau has issued a list of scams to be on the lookout for during the holiday season and tips on how to keep yourself from being the next victim. Keep your holidays safe and jolly by not falling for these follies!
October 15 begins open enrollment for Medicare. As you consider the many options, don’t forget to keep an eye out for scams.
Online shopping was already on the rise, but the pandemic has cemented it as the go-to shopping option for many of us. Scammers have followed us online and have constructed many ways to deceive us into sharing money or sensitive personal information.
Many companies are increasing their usage of QR (quick response) codes in different ways like tracking packages, viewing restaurant menus, or downloading smartphone apps. With the rising popularity, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is seeing an escalation in QR code-related scams.
Annually, older Americans are scammed out of nearly $3 billion. With the older adult population increasing, this problem will likely continue to grow. Information and knowledge are key to protecting us all from falling victim to scams. For cybersecurity tips to keep you and your identity safe, click Read More.
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, eligible people will begin receiving monthly payments as an advance of their 2021 child tax credit. Grandparents raising grandchildren may be impacted. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will send these payments by direct deposit, paper checks, and debit cards. If you qualify for the payments, you will automatically receive them around the 15th of each month.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), scammers are creating websites that mimic the United States Postal Service (USPS), which offers an online change of address form. These fake sites charge excessive amounts whereas the authentic USPS charges only $1.05 for submitting an online form.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has posted a warning that scammers are calling people and offering to register them for funeral assistance for a fee. FEMA DOES NOT call people prior to registration, WILL NOT ask for personal information, or charge you a fee for applying.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently released a warning that scammers are utilizing a new scam, sending bogus COVID vaccine surveys via texts and emails. This is a simple ploy to steal your money and/or identity.
When debt seems like a hole you’ll never climb out of, an offer promising to settle your liabilities for pennies on the dollar can be tempting. But proceed with care: Some debt relief offers will line a scammer’s pockets while digging you a deeper financial hole.