watchdog alert

Scammers pretending to be from computer companies rely on successful tech support scams to steal your money, gain access to your computer and personal information, or both.

All charity scams are deplorable, but those pretending to raise funds to support our nation’s veterans are particularly shameful. Last week, the Federal Trade Commission, along with state charities regulators, announced a major takedown of fake veteran charities.

There are plenty of reputable contests and sweepstakes out there (including some from AARP), and let’s be honest, winning feels great! But there are questionable characters out there too, who are trying to hook you on winning and reel in the profits for themselves.

With the tech support scam, you get an online popup or a call from a well-known tech company (like Microsoft or Apple) saying that a virus has been identified on your computer. The scammer convinces you that he can fix the problem for a fee. Victims who catch on and stop payment are now getting hit with an associated scam.

A law passed in 2015 requires Medicare to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards. Beneficiaries will begin to receive their new cards in May, and the rollout will continue into 2019. This is a good move, since Social Security numbers are the key to identity theft, and having them displayed on Medicare cards has long presented a risk. Unfortunately, scammers have come up with ways to take advantage of this change.

A surge in television, radio and internet ads from law firms and lawsuit marketing companies is causing some patients to take serious risks. While “opt-in” notices are required for law firms bringing class action complaints, the rhetoric of these ads have frightened some patients into stopping critical life-saving medications without consulting a healthcare practitioner.

Scammers are now going to the Social Security Administration website and setting up “my Social Security” accounts for workers that are of retirement age in an attempt to steal their retirement benefits. People age 62 and older face the highest risk from this scam!

Lately, it seems that you can’t go one day without hearing about the tremendous gains (and losses) of Bitcoin and other popular “virtual currencies.” While high returns make them intriguing as an investment, the  U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) wants you to be aware of the possible risks associated with investing or speculating in virtual currencies.

As we enter tax-filing season, it pays to be aware of the signs that point to possible tax identity theft.

Massive data breaches, a major Medicare card scam, new forms of phishing: there were lots of big scam stories from this past year, but also, hope for some scam victims. Take a look back with us: