Consumer Alerts

A recent phishing scam is targeting businesses and consumers who use Office 365 email services. Fraudsters are gaining access to Office 365 accounts by stealing login credentials obtained using convincing fake login screens. Fraudster email attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated – often appearing to be sent from a business, organization, or individual the victim normally emails or does business with. The fictitious emails contain malicious links or attachments that redirect the victim to a fake login page asking for their email username and password. Once the information is entered, fraudsters then use the stolen credentials to log into Office 365 and send fraudulent […]

We’ve been seeing an increase in reports of timeshare resale scams impacting area residents. Timeshare resale scams often begin when a phony vacation property company reaches out to a timeshare owner claiming to have guaranteed buyers and promising hefty returns for their timeshare. The company stresses that they must move quickly and be willing to pay registration, closing costs and other fees in advance of the sale. If you own or are selling a timeshare, be leary of companies that promise large returns and request upfront fees – two tell-tale signs that it’s likely a scam. If you own a […]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a reduced Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution rate for families with High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). The 2018 maximum family contribution rate will be $6850 instead of the $6900 limit that had previously been announced. The maximum self contribution for 2018 will remain $3450. The IRS has cited recent tax changes and inflation-related increases as the reasons for the change. The new family contribution limit is effective immediately and any contributions over the limit could be subject to taxes and penalties. For more information, please see IRS Bulletin No. 2018-10. If you have any questions or concerns about your […]

The Belknap County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public of a new scam using the Sheriff’s Department’s name. It has been reported that fraudsters are calling area residents posing as a Deputies for the Belknap County Sherriff’s Department attempting to trick victims into providing sensitive account information over the phone. Scam call recipients have reported being told that there is a warrant out for their arrest and that bond must be paid to avoid being arrested. The caller then requests that the fine be paid over the phone and attempts to collect account and/or debit card information. It has also been reported that a […]

An unfortunate common approach that fraudsters use is to misrepresent that they are selling advertising for local schools, first responders, non-profits and even for-profit businesses. For instance, local businesses and consumers have reported to receiving suspicious solicitations for advertisements in false educational materials from local schools about drug and alcohol prevention. These requests were made by individuals claiming to represent fictitious fundraising organizations, with claims that local schools would benefit from the sales. The local schools did not approve nor were they aware of these efforts. Whether you receive a solicitation at work or at home on behalf of a […]

A common mode for fraudsters to gain access to people’s personal information and money is to offer work opportunities and/or send a large check for them to deposit and then wire some of the money back. Because the checks are fraudulent, the victim loses the money that they’ve wired out – and may put themselves at further risk for identity theft by offering personal information. For example, Local community members have reported to receiving solicitations from “Morningside Digital Media”, a fictitious modeling agency based in California. The company targets individuals who pursue employment in the entertainment, modeling and acting industries […]

A number of consumers have recently reported instances of fraudulent purchases as a result of stolen identification. Authorities have identified that many of these purchases were made by the Felony Lane Gang, a criminal organization which operates across the country, and is now targeting the New England region. The Felony Lane Gang is a sophisticated group that breaks into cars, steals checks and ID’s to make false checks. The checks are then made payable to unsuspecting individuals whose IDs were stolen. The criminals have been known to then disguise themselves to look like the victim based on pictures from the […]