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Do you know how to avoid scams? In 2023, imposter scams were the most prevalent, with reported losses totaling $2.7 billion. To protect yourself, watch out for these four red flags: 🚩 Unsolicited contact 🚩 Pressure to act immediately 🚩 Requests for payment through unconventional methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers 🚩 Requests for personal or account information For more tips and information on the latest scams, visit bit.ly/4atud1z.

More great tips from Maryland Department of Aging We all can be great advocates to protect and serve our seniors See something and say something Great Tipfeom the Article: “For example, when you are out in public, be aware of older people purchasing gift cards in large amounts. If you see this, ask questions or mention gift card scams. So many people have helped stop a scam in its tracks by stepping in and asking questions.” You can report these types of scams to the Federal Trade Commission. #MDAging #MDOA See more below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

SCAM: If someone asks you to purchase gift cards and give them the numbers off the back of the card, it’s likely a scam. Scammers will pressure you into taking action right away. They’ll tell you which gift card to buy and, sometimes, from where. They’ll ask you for the gift card number and PIN. Slow down. Don’t give them the numbers or send them a photo of the card. To learn more about this type of scam and how to protect yourself, visit https://bit.ly/45ZoHlS. #SecuritySaturday #ScamAlert #StayAlert #FinancialScams #GiftCardScams

Figuring out how fraudsters behave is fascinating--and this research reveals some of their surprising targets. I am delighted to share these insights in this new blog!

As a community, we can all participate in Medicare Fraud Prevention Week by looking out for our older neighbors and community members. For example, when you are out in public, be aware of older people purchasing gift cards in large amounts. If you see this, ask questions or mention gift card scams. So many people have helped stop a scam in its tracks by stepping in and asking questions. You can report these types of scams to the Federal Trade Commission. #MDAging #MDOA

🚨 Beware of Gift Card Scams! 🚨 Scammers are tricking individuals into purchasing gift cards, claiming it's for various reasons like taxes, bills, or emergencies. How to protect yourself: 1️⃣ Be skeptical of anyone demanding payment via gift cards. 2️⃣ Verify requests with trusted sources before taking any action. 3️⃣ Remember, legitimate organizations won't ask for payment via gift cards. Spread the word and stay vigilant! #FraudPreventionMonth

Here are a few steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from scams: 1. Don’t give out sensitive personal information over the phone or in response to an email, social media post, or text message. Sensitive information includes your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, PINs, and passwords. 2. Check incoming bills, including utility bills and credit card statements, for charges that you didn’t authorize. Contact the utility provider, credit card company, or bank if you see any charges you don’t recognize. 3. Protect your electronic accounts by keeping the security software on your computer and smartphone up to date and by using multifactor authentication when possible. 4. Don’t transfer money to strangers or to someone over the phone. Similarly, never buy a gift card to pay someone over the phone. Once you transfer money or share the numbers on the back of a gift card, there’s usually no way to get your money back. If you think that you or someone in your life has been the target of a scam, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–372–8311 or your local police department.

Did you know that gift card fraud is 10x as prevalent during the holidays as during other times of the year? Stay safe by staying smart, and please be sure to follow these key tips

One of the most common gift card scams is physical tampering. To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is important to carefully examine the gift card package before purchasing it, ensuring that it has not been opened or tampered with in any way. Our latest blog details how this scam operates, as well as provides helpful tips on how to protect yourself as a consumer.

⚠️You receive a call, text, email or direct message that appears urgent. The person on the other side is demanding immediate action with a gift card being the form of payment. This is just one example of ways fraudsters are attempting to scam individuals. Check out our latest blog to learn more on ways to spot and avoid gift card scams. https://lnkd.in/eH2qDCDD