Howard County Office of Consumer Protection

Fake Apps Hiding in Plain Sight: Red Flags that signals an app may not be safe by #scambusters
scambusters.org/fake-dangero...

Happy Government Communications Day when we recognize public communicators. We communicate through social media, newsletters, presentations & resource fairs. Share our posts & also register for our newsletters or request presentations or resource fairs at:
www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer-pro...

Sometimes scams are "low tech" see how parking tickets may be a scam. #ScamAlert #HoCoScamSquad See this alert by #bbb www.bbb.org/article/scam...

Love at first click? Romance scams are more sophisticated than ever, using fake profiles and AI to steal your heart and then your wallet. This goes for wrong number-turned friend and o ut-of-state clients with investment tips. Learn more ways to spot a romance scam at www.uspis.gov/news/scam-ar....

If a new online friend frequently messages but can never meet in person, something may be amiss. #CFTC warns never mix money with online relationships. Learn more at: www.cftc.gov/LearnAndProt... #DatingOrDefraduing #GlobalRISCampaign

The #AdvisoryBoardonConsumerProtection has a mini-crossword puzzle for you this month. Post your answers in the comments!

Today is Safer Internet Day, a worldwide initiative that educates people about issues from cyberbullying, human trafficking, and social networking to the risks associated with using digital devices and how to stay safe when browsing the internet, every day. See tips from #MDStatePolice

There's still time to register for this informative webinar!

#CISA says we should get a headstart on spring cleaning... that applies to our devices too! Outdated software & unused applications can create unnecessary risk. So do old data and files we don't need. Updating systems & reviewing configurations helps keep environments more secure. #SaferInternetDay

Get the latest on new scams, ways to save your money, and improve financial resiliency. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/pfa5sDH/H...

This WIRED video dives inside a crypto phone scam camp to show you how these operations run: scripts to build relationships, how to work around questions and objections, and punishments for failing to close the deal.
www.wired.com/video/watch/...

🤔Do they really want you, or do they just want your PIN? #NationalCybersecuirtyAlliance warns:

⚠️Be extra careful using dating apps as we approach Valentine's Day - they are often flooded with scammers!

🌐Learn how to spot romance scams and #StaySafeOnline this Valentine's Day.

hubs.la/Q041ZD1s0

We were one of 11 organizations honored with the distinction of 2025 Veteran Saves Week Savings Champion. Many thanks to #veteransaves for heading up this important effort.

Job and recruiter scams are everywhere. What you need to know if you're in the job market. Listen to #aarp The Perfect Scam 🎧 (transcript included) www.aarp.org/podcasts/the...

Join #NationalCybersecurityAlliance on February 11th at 1pm ET for an Ask Me Anything session all about how to protect yourself from relationship scams. Register now: hubs.ly/Q041x9J-0

2/ Before you click “claim now,” learn how free offers are used as a powerful tool for fraud and how to spot the warning signs before it’s too late. #hocoscamsquad
scambusters.org/free-gift-sc...

1/ #ScamAlert Who doesn’t like free stuff? Scammers know that a “free gift,” prize, or reward can lower defenses and rush people into risky decisions. From fake loyalty rewards to surprise giveaways that require “just a small shipping fee,” these scams are becoming more convincing and more common. 👇

Data Deletion: Why Erasing Your Information Matters More Than Ever - National Cybersecurity Alliance Data deletion is a great way to reduce your digital footprint and lower the risk of cybercrime – here’s a guide to deleting your data effectively.

Data deletion is more than just erasing your embarrassing teenage Facebook photos - it’s about reducing your digital footprint. #dataprivacyweek
Read more from #NationalCyberSecurityAlliance about why data deletion matters and how to clear your information: hubs.la/Q040GBrX0

Multi-agency presentation on all the schemes and scams facing you! Register today!

Take Control of Your Data - National Cybersecurity Alliance All your online activity generates a trail of data.

For #dataprivcyweek it's key to take control of the data you unknowingly share.
www.staysafeonline.org/articles/tak...

It's Identity Theft Awareness Week and a good reminder to be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal or financial information. Visit our website for tips: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/identity-theft.aspx #IdentifyTheftAwarenessWeek #MDInsurance

For #IdentityTheftAwarenessWeek join @aarpfraudwatch for a free webinar on Facebook Live
www.facebook.com/share/1HSttm...

Protecting your privacy is the #1 way to protect your Identity. For #dataprivacyweek check your settings and restrict access. Don't know where to start? Check here www.staysafeonline.org/articles/man...

This week we'll bring you tips, tricks, and alerts on how to protect your identity, data and personal information. Our latest newsletter is a great place to start: conta.cc/4qFq9DV

Sign up on our home page for our monthly newsletters and stay in the know!

3/ Contact nonprofit credit counselors or debt settlement companies. #FinancialWellnessMonth For more on the scripts and pitfalls of debt relief schemes, see scambusters.org/debt-relief-...

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🚩 Mailers w/seals, checks, or urgent language
🚩Online ads, websites or emails promoting "government-approved" debt relief programs
🚩 Cold calls from "debt specialists"
🚩 Upfront fees, guarantees, pressure tactics, and requests for bank account info

1/ When tackling your debt, steer clear of common debt relief scams which take your money and provide little if any help. Red flags include:

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2. Practice "zero dollar" days by setting one day a week that you spend absolutely nothing.
3. Buy durable consumer goods (electronics, appliances, or clothing) that can be repaired rather than trashed and replaced.

1/ Build resilience into your savings and spending habits this #FinancialWellnessMonth
1. Automate savings by automatically transferring 1 hour of pay each paycheck into a high-yield savings account.