To help limit the spread of the Coronavirus, many states require people to wear face coverings in places open to the public. There are cards circulating online and on social media that says the card holder has a disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask,...
News Archive
Protection & Security
We are committed to educating our community members about scams targeting seniors in Santa Clara County; as well as providing up-to-date information offering protection against such scams. This page offers timely data about scams reported, steps to take when targeted, and how to avoid these scams. Guidance is made available as scams are identified.
Receive updates on identified scams targeting seniors by visiting the national database: fraud.org.
Medicare Fraud Alert: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing
As the novel 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-2019) spreads locally and worldwide, people’s concern and anxiety are high. This has created a situation ripe for fraud with multiple new COVID-19 scams targeting seniors. The California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is warning...
Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus Scams
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning the public against common scams happening during the COVID-19 pandemic noting that scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They’ve shared the following tips on protecting yourself from these...
Avoid Coronavirus Scams
The FTC shares that they have been seeing more scams and provide steps you can take to protect yourself, your personal information, and your wallet. Undelivered goods: Online sellers claim they have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, health and medical...
FTC & FDA Warns Sellers of Fraudulent Coronavirus Treatments
The FTC and FDA have jointly issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, claiming they can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. The companies’ products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver. The FTC says the companies have...
Protect Yourself from Counterfeit Medications
America’s healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and many Americans look for ways to save, including turning to online pharmacies for cheaper prescription drugs. While there are legitimate online pharmacies, many can be fraudulent. In one situation, the online pharmacy...
A Beneficial Guide on Internet Safety for Seniors
Every year, seniors are scammed out of tens of billions of dollars. The money they’ve spent their entire lives saving may be at risk of being stolen. The elderly community has always been a prime target for online scammers mainly because of a perceived vulnerability,...
Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office Warns of Sweepstakes Email
A 99-year-old Santa Clara County resident recently received an email claiming to come from the U.S. Department of Treasury to advise him that he had won a sweepstakes for $150 million – plus $10,000 each week for the rest of his life. The South County resident was...
Be Alert for “Medicare Genetic Testing Scam”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is warning the public about a fraud scheme involving genetic testing. Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries cheek swabs for genetic testing to obtain their Medicare information for...
Report Phantom Debt Collectors
Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Global Asset Financial Services Group (GAFS) and fifteen related defendants for operating a fake debt collection scheme. The FTC’s complaint says that GAFS employees claimed to be lawyers or affiliated...