The thought of going to a warm vacation spot in the winter or visiting a foreign country is exciting. But what seems like a great deal may turn out to be a bad trip. Stay safe. Be Informed. Be skeptical of offers for “free” trips. Airlines and other well-known companies sometimes operate contests for travel prizes. […]
Tired of calls from strangers trying to sell you something? Bothered by shady characters offering deals that are too good to be true? You can’t eliminate unwanted calls completely, but you can reduce the number your receive. Stay safe. Be Informed. Sign up for the national “do not call” registry. It’s easy and it’s free! Call […]
Congratulations! You’ve won a car, valuable jewelry, cash, or some other fabulous prize! Is this really your lucky day, or is your luck about to take a turn for the worse? Be cautious before you claim your big prize or sweepstakes win. Stay safe. Be Informed. Never pay to play. It’s illegal for a company to […]
You get a call or letter informing you that you can win millions in a foreign lottery. Is this your lucky day? Nope, it’s most likely a scam that’s preying on your excitement to claim a big prize. Stay safe. Be Informed. Crooks take advantage of our natural desire to win. You see state lotteries and […]
Online shopping is becoming a convenient alternative for those to like to shop in the comfort of their own home, any time of the day or night. But while there are many legitimate companies online, there are also fraudulent sellers out to cheat consumers. Stay safe. Be Informed. The fake merchandise scam category covers a […]
Unwanted software are programs that are downloaded—often unknowingly—that can cause serious problems for computer users. Examples of unwanted software are spyware, adware, and a host of other programs. Sometimes unwanted software comes hidden along with a program that the user actually intended to download. Stay safe. Be Informed. Tips on protecting yourself from unwanted software: Get your […]
A fraudster, claiming to work for a well-known technology company like Microsoft or Norton, contacts you claiming that viruses have been detected on your computer. The fake tech representative alleges they can remotely remove the virus for a fee (typically between $100-400). Think twice before paying up or allow them access to your computer. Stay […]
In a scheme called “phishing,” ID thieves trick people into providing their Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, PIN numbers, mothers’ maiden names, and other personal information by pretending to be someone they’re not. Stay safe. Be Informed. Watch out for “phishy” emails. The most common form of phishing is emails pretending to be from a […]
You can download programs on the Internet to look at pictures, play games, listen to music, and enjoy other activities. But, beware of dangerous downloads that may result in serious computer problems and expenses that you did not anticipate. Stay safe. Be Informed. Some downloads contain viruses. These could wipe out your computer files. Get a […]
Online dating can be fun and convenient, but falling for a sweetheart swindle can be costly. Be wary of “friends” you meet online who develop a relationship with you only to con you out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Stay safe. Be Informed. Falling in love with a con artist has consistently been […]
