Protect Yourself from Housing Scams
Always verify the legitimacy of any website or organization that asks for personal information related to housing assistance. Visit official government portals or trusted resources to ensure you’re using the right channels.
Key Tips:
- Only trust official government websites with “.gov” in the URL.
- Be wary of any website that asks for payment to be added to a housing waitlist.
- If you feel something is off, report it to the FTC or local authorities.
Crowdfunding Fraud: Protect Yourself
In a recent case, an Oregon man was the first person to be prosecuted by the FTC for running a crowdfunding scam. His Kickstarter campaign failed to deliver a promised board game to backers and instead, he spent the $122,000 raised on personal expenses. The FTC took action, highlighting that consumers should be able to trust their crowdfunding investments will actually be spent on the project they funded. The FTC stated, “Consumers should be able to trust that their money will actually be spent on the project they funded.”
Learn more about crowdfunding fraud here.
How to Protect Yourself from Crowdfunding Scams:
- Always verify the credibility of a crowdfunding campaign before donating.
- Check if the project creator has a history of delivering on promises.
- If the project seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The Dangers of Notarios: Immigrant Fraud
Dishonest immigration consultants, known as “notarios,” have been preying on the Latino community. These individuals present themselves as legal advisors, offering immigration services, but they are not qualified to provide such services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about these notaries, emphasizing that they are only out to scam people for money.
Learn how to identify a legitimate immigration attorney and protect yourself from these fraudulent consultants. The FTC has also released a Spanish-language footnote to help educate the community about this issue. You can view the footnote and get more information about how to avoid becoming a victim here.
Key Takeaways for Immigrants:
- Notarios are not licensed attorneys and should not be trusted with legal advice.
- Always seek out a licensed immigration attorney for any legal services related to your immigration status.
- If you are uncertain about an immigration consultant’s legitimacy, report them to the FTC.
Card Popping Scam: Watch Out for Young People and Military Members
Scammers are increasingly targeting young people, especially those active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as military members who bank with institutions like USAA. The scam, known as “card popping” or “card cracking,” involves fraudsters convincing victims to provide their debit card, PIN, and login credentials under the pretense of depositing a check into their account. However, once they have the information, the scammers withdraw money instead.
Learn more about card popping and how to protect yourself here.
How to Protect Yourself from Card Popping:
- Never share your debit card information or PIN with anyone, even if they appear to be helping you.
- Be cautious when someone asks for your personal banking details over social media or online platforms.
- Immediately report any suspicious activity on your account to your bank or financial institution.
Stay Vigilant: Other Important Fraud Alerts
Other notable scams include identity theft linked to the massive federal government security breach affecting over 20 million individuals, fraudulent for-profit colleges preying on students, and the ongoing IRS phone scams where fraudsters threaten arrest unless you pay them immediately. Stay informed and protect yourself from these scams.
Learn more about the federal government hack and how to protect your personal information here.
Learn how to avoid scams related to for-profit colleges here.
For the latest updates on IRS scams and how to protect yourself from fraudsters posing as tax agents, read more here.
Additional Fraud Protection Tips:
- Always report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities, such as the FTC or your financial institution.
- Keep an eye on your credit report and financial accounts for any unusual activity.
- Don’t trust unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from government agencies or companies.