Scams, Scam Alerts, Scams on Seniors, Elder Abuse, Fraud, ID Theft, Identity Theft, Security, Internet Safety, Protecting Seniors
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Be Careful When Disposing of Your Old Computer
Don’t leave yourself vulnerable
Are you thinking about putting Ol' Nellie out to “e-pasture”? In other words, are you thinking about retiring an old computer? No problem, but make sure the bad guys can't access private information left on the hard drive. -
Identifying Hoaxes and Urban Legends
Look for the telltale signs
Chain letters are familiar to anyone with an email account, whether they are sent by strangers or by well-intentioned friends or family members. Try to verify the information before following any instructions or passing the message along. -
New Scheme Uses Denial-of-Service Attacks to Access Consumer Accounts
Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center if you're victimized
In New Jersey, telecommunications denial-of-service (TDoS) attacks were used as a diversion to prevent financial and brokerage institutions from verifying victim account changes and transactions, affording fraudsters enough time to transfer funds from victims' brokerage and financial accounts. -
Help! We've Been Robbed!
Concern for 'friends' could cost you
The Internet Crime Complaint Center continues to receive reports of email or social networking accounts being compromised and used in a scam to swindle consumers out of thousands of dollars. -
Insurance Companies Profit from Fallen Soldiers’ Funds
And the Office of Veterans Affairs has allowed the practice
For the families of fallen soldiers, money from their loved ones’ life insurance policies provides little comfort for their loss, but it adds insult to injury to learn that insurance companies profit by holding onto payouts, using the funds to make more money, and pocketing most of the earnings. -
Credit Union Employee Arrested for Embezzlement and Elder Abuse
Targeting the "inattentive" or elderly
Ugh. This may be a new low: a vulture who preys from behind a bank counter and a nice tie. Here's the story. -
9 Ways to Foil Scammers Hyping Work-from-Home Schemes
Do your due diligence
Have you been bombarded with work-from-home come-ons? Don't they sound enticing? Just sit back and watch the big bucks roll in. The sky's the limit! -
Test Your Cyber Smarts
Education is the first step in fighting phishers, scammers, and thieves
Test your cyber smarts with these interactive quizzes. You'll learn all about guarding against Internet fraud, protecting your personal information, and securing your computer—and you'll have fun! -
How to Report Medicare Fraud
A step-by-step approach
You, as the beneficiary, are the key link in fighting Medicare fraud. Review your Medicare Summary Notices, and if something looks wrong, take action! -
States Fail to Report Disciplined Caregivers to Federal Database
Many state agencies didn't know about the requirement or simply weren't complying
Hundreds of state agencies nationwide have never told the federal government about health professionals they disciplined, undermining a central database meant to weed out dangerous caregivers. -
Largest Federal Health Care Bust Ever
Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations began in 2007
Ninety-four people have been charged for alleged participation in schemes to submit more than $251 million in false claims to the Medicare program. -
6 Tips to Avoiding Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
Is danger lurking in your medicine cabinet?
It pays to be careful, especially if you buy prescriptions over the Internet. Follow these tips to stay safe. -
Be on the Alert for Scams Targeting Elders
As always, a little common sense goes a long way
They solicit you by telephone, mail, or TV. Their come-on is that you can protect your home or your assets. They offer a free lunch or dinner. They sound so nice. . . . -
Check That Check
Look for these telltale signs
Phony checks and money orders may look real enough to fool bank tellers. Some are fake cashier’s checks; others look like they’re from legitimate businesses. Companies whose names appear may be real, but someone falsifies the checks without their knowledge. -
The FTC Doesn’t Conduct Sweepstakes
Scammers just want your money
The FTC is the nation’s consumer protection agency. It investigates fraud and provides free information, but it never collects money directly from consumers.
