Scam Alerts in Massachusetts

Every week we are posting about the latest scams to look out for, make sure to come back regularly to stay up to date. We know if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam!

2024 Fraud Totals
Fraud reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with a staggering $12.5 billion lost, a shocking increase of 25% over 2023. The number of reports remained stable from 2023 to 2024, but the percentage of reporters who had money stolen jumped from 27% to 38%.

Key Takeaways:

· Impostor scams continue to rise, with criminals impersonating trusted individuals, companies, or government agencies to deceive victims.

· 1 in 5 victims of impostor scams had money stolen from them, with an average loss of about $800 per person.

· Many scams were tied to gift card purchases or cryptocurrency, with a total of $2.95 billion being stolen from consumers across the country.

Email remained the most popular method for criminals to reach their victims, with a 25% increase in its use compared to last year.

These numbers are shocking, but the true extent of fraud is likely much higher, as a significant amount of fraud goes unreported. Last October, the FTC factored in underreporting from 2023, estimating that the $10.4 billion in losses reported to the agency that year was more like $158.3 billion.

Avoiding Fake Tax Preparers
April 15 is almost here, and many Americans are realizing that their plans to do their own taxes this year didn't work out. If you're one of them and looking for some last-minute help, here's what to look out for to avoid fraudulent tax preparers.

Pay attention to payment and promises. Tax scammers may ask for payment in cash up-front or ask to be paid a percentage of your return. Some might also promise a large return before they even see your paperwork. These are all red flags. No one can guarantee you a return nor should anyone be paid in advance or more than a standard fee.

Another warning sign is someone who avoids filling out their tax preparer ID or refuses to sign your return. Anyone who isn't willing to identify themselves on your tax forms or asks you to sign your tax return before it's completed shouldn't be trusted.

Tax season can be stressful, but resources are available at IRS.gov to help you find a reliable and safe professional to help you through it.

TSA Deadlines & Real ID Scams
The deadline is coming – in fact, it's almost here. Beginning May 7, 2025, airline passengers need an enhanced driver's license, known as Real ID, or a passport to board a plane. This change is based on a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission as a way to improve airline safety. Beware -- anytime there is a deadline there will also be scams.

Most Real ID scams will likely be phishing attempts that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as your state DMV or the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Be wary of emails, texts or phone calls claiming to be from these agencies -- or another state agency -- and never click on links. These government offices will not contact you about Real ID. It is an optional license and is up to each individual to obtain it on their own.

For more information about obtaining a Real ID , contact your state or local DMV office or visit dhs.gov/real-id.

How to Avoid Fake Check Scams
Several scams rely on convincing the target to deposit a check as a first step of the crime. They then convince the target to use the money in a specific way. For example, in some work-from-home scams, the “company” will send a check for deposit, and then once it “clears”, they direct the target to purchase needed office equipment from the company’s “catalogue”.

The catch? The check was fake and it bounced, and the equipment catalogue was fake, too. The money the target spent on “equipment” came from their own money. And, the equipment never comes.

Even though a check deposit may appear to be cleared on your banking app or website, the process can take several weeks. The criminals rely on most of us not knowing this, so they get us to deposit and then quickly transact against the deposit. When the check is determined to be fake, the target is out that money.

Be suspicious anytime someone wants to send a check that you then must act on with some immediacy – making purchases, paying a fee or sending funds to a third party for example.

Sweepstakes Scams
Who wouldn’t want to win thousands or even millions of dollars, or the chance to go on a luxury vacation? There are many legitimate sweepstakes and contests out there, and the idea of winning some fabulous prize can be mighty alluring. Criminals get that, and they exploit our excitement to score that big check or dream trip.

When a sweepstakes or a contest is fraudulent, there is often a big red flag: you must first pay upfront fees or taxes to get your prize. No legitimate sweepstakes or contest requires upfront payment. Another clue is if you are asked to share sensitive information to receive your prize, such as your Social Security number or bank account information. Again, this is something perpetrators do, not legitimate entities.

If you find yourself reacting to an out-of-the-blue communication with a heightened emotion, and it comes to you with great urgency, let that be an indicator or a fraud attempt. Take an “active pause” – consider what you are being confronted with, what you might know about it, and then react with intention. That moment of deliberation could be what keeps you safe.

Look Out for Fake Checks
Checks might seem like something from the past, but scammers often use fake checks in their crimes so they can exploit the time it takes for them to bounce. During that waiting period, scammers will ask you to act on those funds. But once the check bounces, any amount you acted on is gone. This tactic shows up in several scam types from fake job and work-from-home scams (the fake check is to purchase equipment from the “employer” or for you to wire or otherwise send funds to “vendors”), to a seemingly innocent overpayment you received where you’re asked to send part of the money back.

It’s important to know that, just because the check looks like it cleared, it doesn’t mean it has – it can take time for a bank to validate a check, but the federal rules are to make the amount available, usually within 24-48 hours. Use caution when accepting a check: ensure it is validated by your bank and reject seeming overpayments where you’re asked to pay back the overage to the sender.

How to Make Yourself a Harder Target
Criminals are always looking for ways to get your personal information to use in criminal activities. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to help protect your data and minimize its value to criminals. Here are three:

Create stronger passwords: Better protect yourself by using strong and unique passwords or passphrases or consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords securely.

Use multi-factor authentication: A second layer of defense to your accounts makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain access. Check account settings for two-factor authentication, two-step verification, or multi-factor authentication, and follow the setup instructions.

Keep your operating system updated: Sometimes those updates are to patch a known vulnerability; set yours – and your antivirus protection - to update automatically.

Spotting Fake QR Codes
QR codes are everywhere – from restaurant menus to package tracking. But where there is innovation, there are criminals exploiting them for fraud. QR codes are now being used by scammers to lead you to phishing websites, where they may steal sensitive details like banking info, login credentials and more.

Before acting on a QR code in the real world, check for signs of manipulation (a sticker over the original QR, for example). And you don’t have to use a QR code – if you’re at a restaurant, ask for the printed menu. Also, look at emailed or texted QR codes with suspicion; the point of them is to link you to a website when you’re not otherwise online.

Just like when clicking links, it is important to use caution when scanning QR codes to ensure the source is trustworthy.

Be a fraud fighter!

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.