If you have a credit report, you may be one of the 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed in a data breach at Equifax, one of the nation’s three major credit reporting agencies. This means you may begin to receive calls...
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.
FTC Advises of Fraudulent Discount Clubs
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged a group of marketers with debiting more than $40 million from consumers’ bank accounts for membership in three online discount clubs they enrolled consumers in without authorization. As the nation’s consumer protection...
Prevent Fraudulent use of Your Medicare Card
In a Medicare Card Scam, fraudsters contact beneficiaries claiming to represent Medicare, stating that the beneficiary needs a new Medicare card. Fraudsters ask for personal information and may threaten beneficiaries with the loss of Medicare benefits if they don’t...
National Consumers League Warns of Social Media Scams
Facebook is a social media channel used by millions of consumers to keep in touch with family and friends. We share pictures, videos, and even private messages with trusted loved ones. At times, data breaches by scam artists/hackers allow these individuals to log into...
The FTC Never Needs Your Bank Info
A recent scam identified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that some people have received an e-mail that falsely claims to be from Maureen Ohlhausen, the FTC’s Acting Chairman. The e-mail is a scam to attempting to steal your financial information; the...
AoA Warns of Recent Email Scam
Last week, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) notified via their Email Update list that they had a number of people receive emails falsely claiming to be sent from the Administration on Aging (AoA) and specifically from Deputy Assistance Secretary for...
HHS Warns of Hotline Telephone Number Used in Scam
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently confirmed that the HHS OIG Hotline telephone number is being used as part of a telephone spoofing scam targeting individuals throughout the country. Scammers represent...
Avoid Online Rental Scams
In the twenty-first century most, if not all, business is conducted online. This is especially true for making rental properties available. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged the Credit Bureau Center, LLC and three individuals with posting phony rental...
IRS Reminds Taxpayers to Protect Themselves Online
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, the states, and the tax industry today urged taxpayers to take steps to protect themselves online to help in the fight against identity theft. There are simple steps taxpayers can take to help protect themselves from...
Medicare Beneficiaries Beware “Free” Braces
Several reports have been noted of Medicare beneficiaries receiving urgently marked postcards with a special notice of pending eligibility to receive free Medicare-covered back brace or knee support system. If you are experiencing any pain and need a brace for pain...