Alerts
Scams That Start on Social Media
Scammers are hiding out on social media, using ads and offers to market their scams, according to people’s reports to the FTC and a new Data Spotlight. In the first six months of 2020, people reported losing a record high of almost $117 million to scams that started on social media. Click here to learn how to protect yourself on social media.
Threatening Phone Scams Are Targeting Parents and Immigrants
If you live on Staten Island, pay close attention, since these two scams seem to be targeting people in your area. But we know that scammers don’t often stick with one area, so they could expand their target area any time now. To get more information click here.
Fake Check Scams and Your Small Business
If someone you don’t know sends you a check and asks for money back, that’s a scam. But what if you’re a small business owner and someone “overpays” you and asks you to refund the balance? That’s still a scam — a fake check scam, to be exact. Read here on how to protect your business.
Did Someone Tell You to Pay with Gift Cards? It's a Scam.
Maybe someone said you’ve won the lottery, a prize or sweepstakes. Or they claim to be from the government and tell you there’s a problem with your Social Security number. And, to collect your winnings or solve your problem, you have to pay with gift cards. But here’s the thing: anyone who insists that you pay by gift card is always a scammer. Ques to look out for are available here.
Economic Impact Payment Fix for 50,000 Eligible Spouses
In mid-September, the IRS will automatically send “catch-up” payments to eligible spouses whose EIP was diverted to pay their spouses’ child support obligations. To get more information click here.
Hang up on Fake "Refund Calls"
Recently scammers posing as Elite IT agents have been making calls. They say they’re giving refunds related to the case (not true), and urging people to hand over control of their computers (not safe). If you get a call from Elite IT - or anyone else who wants to connect to your computer - hang up and report it. It’s a scam. Read this important info so you don't end up putting yourself at risk.
COVID-19 Report Data "on the daily"
Every day, the FTC is collecting data, watching the numbers, and spotting the trends. We’re also spreading the word about COVID-19-related scams. Because, the more you know about what’s happening, the easier it will be to protect yourself and others from these scams. Click here to stay up-to-date.
Malicious Cyber Actor Spoofing COVID-19 Loan Relief Webpage via Phishing Emails
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is currently tracking an unknown malicious cyber actor who is spoofing the Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 loan relief webpage via phishing emails. These emails include a malicious link to the spoofed SBA website that the cyber actor is using for malicious re-directs and credential stealing. Click here for the details you need to watch out for so you don't fall prey to these emails.
"You've won! Now pay us" is Always a Scam
The scammers are trying to push you into a heightened emotional state, to knock you off balance just long enough to steal your money and personal information. Click here for tips on how to avoid these scammers.
Activate your EIP Visa Debit Card Now
Did you get an Economic Impact Payment VISA debit card in the mail from the U.S. Department of the Treasury? If you did, you might get a letter from Treasury this week, reminding you to activate your card. Click here to learn how to activate your card.
Fake Emails about Fake Money from a Fake COVID-19 Fund
Because of COVID-19, unemployment rates are high and many people’s cash flows are low. Scammers view these as ripe conditions to strike. They’ll stop at nothing — not even a pandemic — to trick you into sharing your personal or financial information. Click here to learn how you can protect yourself.
Help COVID-19 Contact Tracers, Not Scammers
Contact tracers, the folks who work for state health departments to try to track anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, are an important part of our road to recovery. But some scammers are pretending to be contact tracers so they can profit off of the current confusion. They’re trying to steal your identity, your money – or both. Click here to learn the ways you can spot the difference.
Staying Safe During the Pandemic
While the COVID-19 crisis has changed so much about daily life, it has also been a boon for criminals and con artists. But the FBI and our partners are working to protect your family and your wallet. Click here to learn more about protecting children and uncovering scams.
Donating in Difficult Times
These days, there are just so many reasons why people want to do to something to help, to make a difference, to take action. In addition to volunteering or putting their feet to the pavement, lots of people are putting their hands in their wallets to try to make an impact. Once again, though, scammers will be there. Click here to learn how to give safely.
Potential Fraud Scams Surrounding SBA Loans
The United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration warns about possible scams relating to the CARES Act. Click here to learn more about possible scams and fraud schemes to raise public awareness.
Homeland Security Investigations
The office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has created an informational flyer for their Strategic Targeted Outreach Program (S.T.O.P.). The flyer includes information regarding red flags for online shopping, finance, and prohibited pharmaceutical and medical devices along with additional tips and information. Click here to view the flyer created by HSI.
Defending Against COVID-19 Cyber Scams
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Click here to learn more about defending yourself against COVID-19 cyber scams.
United States Attorney Shares Tips for Avoiding COVID-19 Scams
Today, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott warned of several new fraud schemes seeking to exploit the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health emergency often targeting vulnerable populations. Click here to learn more about the US Attorney's tips for avoiding scams.
FBI Sees Rise in Fraud Schemes Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Scammers are leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic to steal your money, your personal information, or both. Don’t let them. Protect yourself and do your research before clicking on links purporting to provide information on the virus; donating to a charity online or through social media; contributing to a crowdfunding campaign; purchasing products online; or giving up your personal information in order to receive money or other benefits. Click here for more information from the FBI on how to protect yourself from fraud.
FDIC: Insured Bank Deposits are Safe; Beware of Potential Scams Using the Agency's Name
In light of recent developments related to the coronavirus, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is reminding Americans that FDIC-insured banks remain the safest place to keep their money. Click here for more information on insured bank deposits from the FDIC.
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