Don’t Let a Skimmer Scam Ruin Your Summer

Federal Trade Commission officials are warning motorists to avoid being scammed by skimmers this summer travel season.

A “skimmer” is an illegal card reader that attaches to credit card slots and steals data off of your card’s magnetic strip. They’re used most frequently at gas pumps. Criminals sell this info or use it to buy items online. Card owners may not even realize their information has been stolen until they receive their statement or an overdraft notice.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to spot a skimmer to protect your personal information from potential thieves. Continue reading

Tips to Avoid Federal Grant Scams

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is warning citizens to be aware of scammers who see the New Year as the perfect opportunity to prey on unsuspecting individuals looking to replenish funds after the holidays. Fraudulent grant offers are particularly pervasive, so HHS representatives have a few tips to keep in mind in order to protect yourself from tricksters.

First of all, no legitimate federal government employee would ever call to say you qualify or you’ve been approved for a grant you never applied for. Representatives say to look out for people who target individuals since all government grants involve an application process to carry out projects with a public purpose and are not intended for personal use. Continue reading

U.S. Marshal Phone Scam Alert

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal, be wary of their instructions. The Federal Trade Commission is warning people about a recent scam involving impostors threatening individuals with arrest in order to get money from them.

Consumer Education Specialist Bridget Small said that U.S. Marshals do a lot of things, they protect the federal courts, track down dangerous fugitives and transport thousands of prisoners. What they don’t do is make calls and threaten to arrest people or fine them for missing jury duty. Continue reading