Latest news with #NationalConsumerProtectionWeek
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State House passes bill to limit risk of cryptocurrency scams
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Scams at cryptocurrency ATMs have cost people in the islands $28 million in 2023. You might have seen one as there are reportedly 87 of them in the islands. A bill that just passed the State House aims to limit the risk of scams. Maui resident 'barely sleeps,' provides 24-hour care for mom Crypto scams are a nationwide phenomenon and were the riskiest scam in 2024, according to the Better Business Bureau. 'It's the second highest amount of any scam type that is lost, it's about $5,000 lost per scam involving investment of crypto,' explained Cameron Nakashima, BBB. AARP said criminals — often impersonating government officials or businesses — convince individuals to withdraw large amounts of cash and put the money into a crypto the task has been completed, the money is then transferred to a digital wallet controlled by the criminal. 'What we are concerned about is many people don't realize that once they make that transaction, there's little to no way to get your money back,' said Kealii Lopez, AARP Hawaii State Director. AARP added that one kupuna in Hawaii lost $15,000 and another lost $20,000. Avoid tax season scams by filing early 'Right now there's no limit, so someone can put in $20,000 of their funds and make that transfer without having to see anyone. If you go to the bank, you can take out $500 from your ATM. If you want to take out a whole lot more, you have to see a teller who's going to inquire and say 'Hey auntie, is this person someone you know?' Because banks are used to having to deal with scammers,' Lopez continued. National Consumer Protection Week is a fitting time for a bill that passed the State House. The bill imposes a daily maximum of $1,000 on transactions through a digital financial asset. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said there are ways to protect yourself. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'What's unfortunate when it comes to kupuna and seniors is they're embarrassed when it comes to scams. If you are thinking of making an investment, talk with your loved ones, talk with your friends, kind of vet the vendor, that sort of thing,' said Ashton Stallings, DCCA Communications Specialist. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Montgomery County highlights consumer protection During National Consumer Protection Week
ROCKVILLE, Md. () — Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection () is sharing key information to help residents avoid scams, protect personal data, and understand their rights during National Consumer Protection Week. Throughout the week, which is held from March 2 through March 8, OCP will provide fraud prevention tips on social media and highlight insights from its '. MoCo Minute | REGENXBIO leads the charge in gene therapy for rare diseases A special episode, featuring experts from the Federal Trade Commission, will be released on March 7, covering common scams and ways to safeguard personal information. Residents can follow OCP online or tune into the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music for expert advice on staying scam-free. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
AES Ohio warns of utility scams
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – AES Ohio is warning customers to be aware of utility scams. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) runs from March 2 to March 8. It promotes consumer awareness of scams and frauds. AES said one of the most common utility scams happens when a scammer pretends to represent the company. The scammer then sends unsolicited calls, texts or emails – some even visiting in person. Scammers target people who are vulnerable, often senior citizens and people in poverty. They also will target small businesses. The signs of a potential scam are as follows: A threat to disconnect the power. Offering a refund or rebate. Demand for immediate payment. AES has a process for requesting and receiving billing information. A call from a real representative will have accurate information. The company doesn't strongly recommend a specific payment method or type. It has a variety of options, the list is available here. MyAES is a convenient and secure way to see information for your account. For anyone who'd like to notify AES about a suspicious call, there are two hotlines, including 800-433-8500 for single customers and 800-253-5801 for companies. If you believe you have been harmed by a scam, call your local police department's non-emergency number. To learn more click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here are the top text message scams to watch out for
(WHTM) — There are some alarming new statistics surrounding text message scams. This week is National Consumer Protection Week and it's especially important this year as scammers are becoming more sophisticated than ever, especially when it comes to tricking you on your phone. Think you would spot a text message scam? Don't be so sure. 'I know people get scammed, I know they do,' Lee, who asked that we don't use his last name, said. He was targeted by one of the top scams of 2025: fake IRS texts. You'll receive a tax refund of $573,' Lee said. 'We cannot process it due to incomplete personal information. Please confirm your information in the link.' Pa. Turnpike 'smishing' scam making rounds again The Better Business Bureau, FTC, and state Attorneys General are warning about a big surge in text scams that have replaced phone call scams. Ryan Lippe says top scams right now include: An issue with your tax refund; A problem with your bank account; An unpaid highway toll that will result in a big fine. These scams are more than just a minor inconvenience. For instance, if you get a text message claiming there's a problem with your bank account and you click on it, a scammer can drain that account in a matter of minutes. The Better Business Bureau says: never click on texts from the IRS, your bank, or a toll authority; unsure? Look up the agency and call them. 'If you need help and you want to verify the veracity of a text message, call the source at the number you have legitimately researched,' Holly Palello said. She recently returned home from Florida to receive a text message saying she owed a Florida toll. 'It just said something about a SunPass from Florida.' Luckily, she got suspicious and didn't reply. The bottom line is don't answer unknown calls and don't reply to unexpected text messages. Find more stories on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Attorney General Nessel highlights dangers of scam robocalls
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel highlights the dangers of scam robocalls during National Consumer Protection Week. The Federal Trade Comission (FTC) Michiganders filed 32,647 robocall complaints last fiscal year. The has cracked down on robocalls in recent years. Reports of robocall scams have declined significantly from 2018 to 2022. The department reports they have received 1,330 robocall complaints in 2024 and have logged over 14,000 since Attorney General Nessel launched her anti-robocall initiative in 2019. Nessel is an Executive Committee member of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, an organization fighting to reduce the number of unwanted automated calls Michigan residents receive. 'Few things are more annoying, intrusive, and unwelcome than robocalls,' said Nessel in a news release sent to 6 News. 'While complaints have gone down, billions of these calls are still made each year, and too many Michiganders continue to fall victim to scams. I am proud to lead Michigan's Robocall Crackdown Team and will keep working with our state and federal partners to protect residents and put an end to the flood of illegal robocalls targeting our communities.' attempt to steal money by accessing the victim's money or personal information. In an attempt to fight off would-be robocall perpetrators, the Department of the Attorney General took action against and , warning them about transmitting suspected illegal robocalls on their networks. Nessel also filed criminal charges in 2020 against two political operatives who set up a series of robocalls aimed at suppressing votes in the 2020 presidential election. The two operatives, Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, were charged with intimidating voters and conspiracy to commit an election law violation, among other felonies. The a state statute prohibiting false speech made in an attempt to deter or influence a vote last year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
