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...
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.
For resources on scam awareness, prevention, and intervention, please select below:
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...
Scammers Get Political with Survey Phishing Con
Steer clear of political polling calls that promise gift cards in exchange for taking a voter survey. Survey cons are taking advantage of the U.S. presidential campaign with a timely phishing scam. How the Scam Works: ...
Worried about Zika? Watch Out for Cure Scams
Within the Bay Area, nine counties have been victimized by the Zika Virus effecting more than 32 individuals. In Santa Clara County, there have been nine reported cases since July 22, 2016. The Better Business Bureau discovered a scam, selling a cure for the Zika...
IRS Warns of Back-to-School Scams; Encourages Students, Parents, Schools to Stay Alert
The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers against telephone scammers targeting students and parents/grandparents/guardians during the back-to-school season and demanding payments for non-existent taxes, such as the “Federal Student Tax.” Be on the lookout...
Learn how to protect yourself from The Imposter Scam
In an Imposter Scam, con artists pressure victims into paying money for taxes, a prize, or a quick personal loan by posing as a government agent, a sweepstakes representative, or even a relative desperate for help. These scams are designed to separate...
Protect Yourself from the Grandparent Scam
A common scam that is deliberately aimed at older Americans is referred to as the “grandparent scam.” In this instance, scammers try to get you to wire money to help your grandchild. Once the money is wired, it is difficult to trace and retrieve. Scammers do this by...