Latest news with #IdentityTheft.gov
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
DMV warns of latest texting scam in NH
Scam text The New Hampshire Department of Safety's Division of Motor Vehicles is warning residents of a text message scam where recipients are asked to send a payment immediately to resolve a traffic violation. DMV officials said Monday they received multiple reports of text messages (shown above) claiming to be 'a final notice' and warning recipients a 'traffic violation remains unpaid.' Officials with the New Hampshire Department of Safety's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are warning residents of a text message scam where recipients are asked to send a payment immediately to resolve a traffic violation. DMV officials said Monday they have received multiple reports of text messages claiming to be 'a final notice,' warning recipients a 'traffic violation remains unpaid.' The scam threatens recipients with enforcement penalties, including potential legal prosecution, credit damage and the suspension of their vehicle registration and driver's license if immediate payment is not made. The URL address provided for payment in the fraudulent text includes 'nhgov' in it, which makes it appear to be an official State of New Hampshire website. DMV officials said the department never sends text messages regarding payments — the only text messages sent are appointment reminders. 'We urge all residents to remain vigilant for scams and encourage anyone who feels unsure about a communication from the DMV to contact our Customer Service line directly at (603) 227-4000,' said DMV Director John Marasco in a statement. Anyone who receives a text message claiming to be from the New Hampshire DMV should not submit payment or any personal information and delete the message immediately, officials said. Anyone who believes they are a victim of a scam or identity theft are advised to file a report with their local police department, review personal credit reports, and consider setting up fraud alerts or a credit freeze. Identity theft victims can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at or call 1-877-438-4338.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Boston man charged with defrauding Guilford woman out of $36,000
GUILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Boston man charged with larceny and telephone fraud after allegedly scamming a Guilford resident out of $36,000 last year. Darshan C. Shaha, 25, was arrested by the Boston Police Fugitive Task Force Boston on March 21. He waived extradition and was transported to the Guilford Police Department on March 24 to face charges of first degree larceny in the first degree and first degree telephone fraud. West Haven police investigate missing person found dead in apartment Shaha remained in custody and was transported to the New Haven Court on a $500,000 court set bond on March 25. On Nov. 7, 2024, the victim reported receiving a text message claiming to be from 'LifeLock by Norton,' warning of a new alert regarding her property and included a link. The victim contacted a fraudulent representative of 'LifeLock by Norton,' who reported an alleged $36,000 overseas wire transfer. The rep claimed the victim's phone was compromised, and instructed the victim to reconnect over an encrypted phone line. The alleged scammer gained the victim's trust by accurately confirming the victim's recent payment details. The victim was told to withdraw $36,000 from her account and was assured that would prevent the theft of the fraudulent wire transfer from being completed. The rep then instructed the victim to remain on the phone during the transaction and not to discuss the incident, and falsely inform bank tellers that the withdrawal was for a vehicle purchase, suggesting the bank might be complicit in the fraud. The victim was told an FBI agent would arrive at the Guilford residence to collect the money in order to shield the victim from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) consequences due to the large withdrawal. A passcode was established to confirm the agent's identity. Later on that evening, Sasha allegedly arrived at the victim's Guilford residence to collect the money, using the passcode provided. The victim photographed Sasha's vehicle and license plate, proving instrumental in identifying him later on. Believing the incident to be a scam, the victim notified police. According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud losses in 2024 exceeded $12.5 billion, a 25% increase from 2023. The Guilford PD recommended the following ways to protect against fraud: Do not respond directly to suspicious texts or emails. Verify contact information through a trusted source before reaching out. Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If you do answer and the caller demands urgency, instructs the victim to be deceitful with loved ones or businesses, or requests payment via gift cards, it is unequivocally a scam—hang up and contact police immediately. Depending on the theft's nature and timing, reporting immediately may enable partial or full recovery of lost funds. Victims of any scams, regardless of monetary loss, should report incidents to their local police, and where a recovery guide is available to assist in safeguarding personal information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
FTC warns consumers on identity theft risks
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Federal Trade Commission is educating consumers on how to protect themselves from identity theft. This can happen to anyone at any time, especially now as tax season gets underway and the risk factor goes up. The Federal Trade Commission is hosting webinars to raise awareness during Identity Theft Awareness Week. And with the rise in cyber crimes and data breaches—resulting in Americans losing billions of dollars each year–the agency says protecting yourself has never been more critical. Terri Miller with the FTC tells 22News, 'The data breaches are happening and they can come from all kinds of places, the programs kids are using a school or our credit card companies.' The term identity theft is pretty self-explanatory but it is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission, like your credit card or social security number—and they can use that information to make purchases, steal your tax refund, get medical care or even pretend to be you if they're arrested. There are signs that someone has stolen your identity, including if you: stop receiving bills in the mail—which means someone has changed your billing address if you are being charged for things you didn't buy and even seeing withdrawals from your bank account statement that you didn't make 'So if it was your social security number, the advice is more geared towards checking your credit—freezing your credit—so that no one can access your credit history, and your credit report,' Miller adds. The FTC says you can protect yourself by: Keeping your personal and financial records in a safe place and shred them before throwing them away Knowing that organizations like the IRS, your bank, or your employer, won't call, email or text you for your social security number By making a strong password for your online accounts with a two-factor authentication–also being wary of links sent to you Getting an identity pin to prevent someone from filing a tax return by using your social security number Utilizing identity monitoring services If you think you may be a victim of identity theft…make sure to report to the Federal Trade Commission online at or by calling 1-877-438-4338. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
