Joined April 2018
- Tweets 12,301
- Following 958
- Followers 1,118
- Likes 6,237
2,923 Photos and videos
Westchester Consumer Protection retweeted
The #IRS reminds you that criminals often take advantage of people wishing to help victims in times of crisis. Stay alert and verify a charity is legitimate before you donate: irs.gov/teos #HurricaneSeason
ALT A red heart with two bandages forming an X shape. Text: Beware of disaster scams. Check before you give. IRS logo.
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Sweepstakes Scams! -You're asked to pay something to get your prize - a fee or tax - but real Sweepstakes don't do this. -They ask you to pay by wiring money or sending gift card info (harder to track/can't get money back). -Don't give them bank or credit card info. Be careful!
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Fake/scam texts & emails are going around pretending to be from US Postal Service, UPS, E-Z Pass or DMV - they're phishing attacks - fraudsters make these texts & emails appear to be coming from legitimate entity - if you get one - DELETE IT - don't click on link!
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Stay Safe Online – Be Safe – Always Do This:
1) Lock down your login with strong passwords, a password manager & multi-factor authentication.
2) Back up your data regularly to the cloud or an external drive.
3) Antivirus software is worth it.
4) Update your software regularly.
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Westchester Consumer Protection retweeted
Did you see or experience an imposter scam? Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report makes a difference. #StopGovImposters
ALT Blue background with text that reads: Join the IRS in the fight against imposter scams. Report scams at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov #StopGovImposters. Text box on the bottom left-hand corner reads: EJCC's Never EVER campaign NEVER EVER. Learn more: ejcc.acl.gov/imposters.
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Westchester Consumer Protection retweeted
What if the person calling from "your bank" is actually a scammer who knows your account balance? 🚨 The FBI warns that fraudsters are spoofing official numbers to trick you into moving funds. Learn more here:idtheft.center/4ufHZ1U
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Many people are looking for help managing their debt. FTC Commissioner @MeadorFTC warns about credit repair scammers and gives advice on how to spot and avoid them. Watch this video and share it on your social media channels to help others avoid the scam:
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Be Careful When Setting Passwords:
-Create complex/unique passwords
-Change passwords routinely
-Use two-factor authentication
-Enable facial or fingerprint authentication
-Consider password manager
-Always have antivirus software
PROTECT YOURSELF: create hack-proof passwords!
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ADVICE TO AVOID SCAMS: Scammers try to pressure you into making quick/rash decisions. Stay calm! Refuse to be rushed! Don't respond to threats! If it's robocall from alleged Gov or Utility, usually it's best to HANG UP! Then you call the proper number & check if there is an issue
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RECEIVE LETTER ON DATA BREACH?
-Change passwords & enable multi-factor authentication!
-Review Account Statements & Credit Reports w/ Equifax, Experian & TransUnion!
-Sign up for fraud alert or credit freeze on Credit Reports!
-Accept free identity theft protection if offered
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Westchester Consumer Protection retweeted
Jun 15
The #IRS is joining other government agencies and organizations across the country to raise awareness about imposter scams. Learn the signs of an imposter scam so you can avoid them. #StopGovImposters ejcc.acl.gov/imposters
ALT Blue background with text that reads: The IRS joined the Elder Justice Coordinating Council's Never EVER Campaign. NEVER EVER. URL displayed: ejcc.acl.gov/imposters. Hashtag displayed #StopGovImposters
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Scammers Tricks on Donations:
-Try to rush you to make donation
-Thank you for donation you never made
-Alter caller ID to look like local phone #
-Use similar names of real charities
-Make vague/sentimental claims without specifics on how donation is used.
PROTECT YOURSELF!
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Some consumers use online services to get referrals for home improvement contractors, landscapers, plumbers & electricians, but be careful, they don't always refer LICENSED contractors - please use our website to ensure the contractor you hire is LICENSED. consumer.westchestergov.com
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Westchester Consumer Protection retweeted
Jun 11
Defend your tax information from AI-generated phone schemes that impersonate the #IRS through robocalls, voice mimicry and spoofed caller IDs. Calls with threatening, prerecorded messages are scams. Hang up and report them: irs.gov/scams
ALT A defender tackling a ball from a forward on the opposing team. Text: Strong defense wins matches and can also help protect from scams. IRS logo.
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Ignore calls, texts, and emails threatening to arrest you for missing jury duty: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-al…
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More advice when setting online passwords:
- At a minimum, you MUST use 8 characters mixed with upper & lower case letters numbers.
- If you use 12 characters with mixture of upper & lower case letters, numbers & symbols (! or ?), it'll take hackers thousands of years to break!
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Religious Group Scam in Area!
Scam uses fraudulent emails or texts asking parishioners to donate to local houses of worship - asking for cash or gift cards!
Don't respond - call house of worship to verify - don't click links - don't be rushed - always deliver donations directly!
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Be Careful: WiFi hotspots aren't safe!
-Not safe like Home WiFi w/ passwords & encryption
- Hackers target free WiFi spots & see what you're doing on computer
- Only surf websites, don't enter any Login Info like Passwords
- Never check bank/financial sites
- Consider VPN
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AVOID PHONE SCAMS: Don't let caller pressure you; verify caller's identity; if relative mentioned, call him or her to check; never wire money or send gift card/check/money order to anyone unless sure it's legit; and if in doubt call law enforcement or consumer protection office!
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Don't trust an online pop up, email or text allegedly from Microsoft or Apple claiming there's a problem w/ your computer & to click link to fix it. It's usually a scam! Be careful w/ all links in unsolicited emails & texts - clicking links may let scammers into your computer!
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