Phishing is when someone uses fake emails or texts – or even phone calls – to get you to share valuable personal information, like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and
Scammers are good at what they do – and they target all of us. They hope to get people off balance just long enough to take advantage. In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 122,500
Gift cards are a convenient way for scammers to steal money from you. Many different kinds of imposters ask you to pay with gift cards , and they all have an urgent need for you to send money right
If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. Technology has made it cheap and easy for scammers to make illegal calls from anywhere in the world, and
It's Military Consumer Month! Did you know that scammers call and pretend to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA)? They say your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of
July is Military Consumer Month and a good time to focus on scams affecting military consumers. Last year, imposter scams once again topped the list of frauds that military consumers reported to the
By October 31 , the nationwide credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – must provide free electronic credit monitoring services to active duty servicemembers serving away from
November 11 is Veterans Day, a time to commemorate former servicemembers and recognize their service to the nation. In the U.S. today, there are more than 20 million veterans. Whether they’ve been out
by Andrew Smith, Federal Trade Commission, Director of Bureau of Consumer Protection
Free credit freezes and year-long fraud alerts are here, starting September 21 st, thanks to a new federal law. Here’s what you should know: Free credit freezes Security freezes, also known as credit
Servicemembers understand the serious responsibility of enlisting in the armed forces. But some companies may try to take advantage. If you or a loved one is visiting military recruiting websites to
Before you get too excited, are you sure it’s that person? Really sure? We’ve heard reports that scammers, who will try just about anything to separate you from your money, are now posing as
Military Consumer Month is over, but that doesn’t mean our work is done! Scams will evolve and change, and they often follow the headlines. Military Consumer’s email updates can fill you in on the
You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe
Hawaii is home to 47,000 active duty servicemembers and 5,500 National Guard personnel—many of whom face unique challenges because of permanent changes of station. To help them as they transition to
Many military families move every few years. For spouses and other family members, finding a new job after relocation can be a challenge. Websites can help you find work, but scammers also use these
Military life comes with its share of changes, like deployments and permanent change of station (PCS) moves. And these changes may, at times, make it difficult to honor financial and legal commitments
Would you donate to a charity called Help the Vets? What about if you get a robocall that asks you to donate your car to “Veterans of America?” Unfortunately, just because the word “veterans” is in
You’re working on your computer when, suddenly, a message pops up on the screen: “Virus detected! Call now for a free security scan and to repair your device.” That’s a tech support scam. Don’t call
While plenty of successful relationships begin online, scammers also use online dating sites, apps, and chat rooms to trick you into sending them money. These imposters create fake profiles to build
“I was headed home on leave but I lost my wallet and military ID. I’m stranded — please wire money.” “Your grandson is being held in jail. He needs bail money right away.” Scammers try to trick you