Common tax return mistakes to avoid
Source: Internal Revenue Service Mistakes and errors can happen, but most are easily avoidable when it comes to filing federal income tax returns. Taxpayers are encouraged to review their entire return before filing to make sure it is correct and complete. This is the case even if someone else prepared it, because ultimately, it’s the taxpayer’s […]
Got a letter about unemployment benefits you didn’t file? That’s identity theft
Source: Federal Trade Commission Unemployment benefits can be a life saver if you’re between jobs. But what happens if a scammer misuses your personal information, like your Social Security number (SSN) to file a fraudulent unemployment claim? That’s identity theft. You might find out someone stole your identity when your state’s unemployment agency or your employer contacts you […]
Romance Scams
Source: Federal Trade Commission Here’s how they work: Someone contacts you on social media — and they’re interested in getting to know you. Or maybe you meet someone special on a dating website or mobile app. Soon the person wants to write to you directly or start talking on the phone. They say it’s true love, […]
FTC warns businesses about fake reviews
Source: Federal Trade Commission Whether you’re hiring a contractor, looking for an apartment, or shopping online, chances are you check out online reviews first. Many people use reviews to see the honest opinions of other buyers — and companies rely on reviews to stand out from the crowd. But some companies write, post, or pay for […]
How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season
Source: Federal Trade Commission Does it feel like the holidays come around faster and faster every year? If you’re looking to save time by avoiding the crowds and doing some holiday shopping online, know that scammers camp out online all year long. So if you’re planning to shop online for holiday gifts, how can you avoid […]
Donate safely this Giving Tuesday
Source: Federal Trade Commission Giving Tuesday is a great time to show your gratitude by donating to help others. But you don’t want to give money to a fake charity or scammer (any day of the week).Before you donate this Giving Tuesday ― and anytime you’re asked to give to charity: This Giving Tuesday, and […]
Scam alert: QR code on an unexpected package
Source: Federal Trade Commission An unexpected package from an unknown sender arrives in your name. You open it and find a note that says it’s a gift, but it doesn’t say who sent it. The note also says to scan a QR code to find out who sent it — or to get instructions on how […]
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank, a loved one, the government or law enforcement. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates […]
Business and government impersonators go after older adults’ life savings
Source: Federal Trade Commission Scammers posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are increasingly going after retirees’ life savings. They weave a web of lies about some bogus crisis. Then they trick older adults into giving them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The scams start with lies designed to create a sense […]
Navigating health, benefits, and living as a senior
Source: USAGov Understand how the Administration for Community Living helps seniors The Administration for Community Living was created to help older adults and those with disabilities live and thrive in the communities of their choosing. LongTermCare.gov helps many people prepare for life in their older years. Get informed on what insurance will or will not […]