By now many consumers have received new credit cards embedded with a chip designed to cut down on fraudulent transactions. EMV cards (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) generate a random number for each transaction and customers have an extra added layer of protection when they shop using “chip and dip” technology. As with any new advancements and/or improvements, scammers are taking advantage  new credit cards.

Imposters are sending out emails phishing for personal information by claiming that the credit card company is updating your account information and they provide a link “for your convenience” to check on your account details. Clicking on a phony link enables scammers to not only steal your valuable personal data, it also can install malware and/or viruses on your computer system. If you receive emails addressed to “Dear Cardholder” proceed with caution. Call your credit card company directly with any questions and take matters into your own hands.

Chip and dip does not work when shopping online. Use the same precautions as always when making purchases from websites. Check the spelling of the site carefully. One typo can send you to the wrong place and jeopardize your account. Always look for https:// in the address bar. The S and a padlock icon means the website is secure. Avoid any “click bait” ads that encourage you to shop elsewhere for out of this world bargains and then fail to follow through with merchandise you believe you purchased.

Word of mouth is a great way to share your experiences with others-both good and bad. Remember to check bank and credit card statements carefully during the holiday season and be leery about any offers that seem to be too good to be true.

Wishing everyone a safe and scam-free Holiday Season!

The use of Social Security numbers as identifiers on Medicare cards has been a hotly debated subject over the last several years. As Identity Theft issues continue to dominate the news to  as the most common complaint filed with the FTC, concerned consumers have reluctantly provided their Social Security numbers to medical care providers at every visit. Scammers are already capitalizing on changes made in a recent law that mandates how new Medicare cards will be issued over the next several years.

Over $320 million has been set aside by Congress to pay for new Medicare cards for using random numbers instead of individual SSNs. The rollout will take place over the next four years starting with new beneficiaries first followed by those with existing cards. The intent is to reduce the likelihood of identity theft but scammers have stepped up their game and devised new strategies for stealing personal info. Here are a few tips to stay ahead of their games.

*No one from Medicare will contact you in person, on the phone, or by email asking for personal information. This is especially important to note during open enrollment which takes place from October 15 through December 7.

Scammers are calling beneficiaries and refer them to legitimate websites as a ruse to try to “legitimize” the necessity of providing personal details to “helpful” callers who hope you fall for their lies.

Unsolicited phone calls offering free medical supplies are just another way scammers try to get Medicare numbers and other personal information. Filling in coupons with personal info or posting health issues on social media are some of the ways con artists find out about medical concerns.

Caller ID  can no longer be used as a source for determining whether or not a call is legitimate. Software programs manipulate information and burner phones are used to hide the true identities of thieves. Don’t use Caller ID as a guide.

Medicare sends any notifications via USPS. Be sure any official looking letters are legitimate and if in doubt, visit the Social Security website at http://www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For more information on the new legislation visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114hr2enr/pdf/BILLS-114hr2enr.pdf.

Keep an eye out for a new batch of credit cards arriving soon in your mailboxes. Credit card companies are issuing new cards embedded with chips as opposed to magnetic strips and are hoping to pass the savings on to consumers in more ways than one.

EMV cards (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) are widely used in other countries. In the U.S. there is a shift towards finding better ways to protect both card issuers and users from fraudulent transactions. The new chip technology automatically exchanges  information between the card issuer’s terminals and the chip generating a unique, one-time-only code per transaction rather than using the actual credit card number. Personal data is protected and so is the card itself.

Many stores are still in the process of transitioning their terminals to accept EMV cards. Eventually the liability for fraudulent purchases will shift from issuer to merchant if the EMV technology is not supported by the merchants. However, if the card issuer has not upgraded their customers cards with EMV chips and the magnetic strip was used for a fraudulent transaction, the card issuer will be held liable. At this time, cards with both chips and magnetic strips are still available. Use the chip if you have one to keep your accounts secure.

If you are unsure of any changes to your credit cards, call the company who issued the card and ask. As with any ongoing effort, the transition to EMV technology will take some time and soon dipping the chip will be the new way to shop.

The US Census Bureau has sent out a questionnaire called the 2015 National Content Test in an effort to gauge  response times using different forms of digital media. Approximately 1.2 million households will receive a notification with easy to follow instructions on how to participate in the process. It is important to note that a response is REQUIRED BY LAW and a toll-free number is available for those who do not have access to the Internet.

If you receive a notice and want more information please call or visit the following websites:

Call 1-866-226-2836

http://www.census.gov

For regional help http://www.census.gov/regions/

On a personal note I received a letter and after thoroughly doing my “homework” and checking on the information provided, I  responded in a timely manner.  Please take a few moments before responding to any requests for personal info and if in doubt, check it out.

Many low-income families turn to a government program called Section 8 to help with housing issues.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps subsidize rental payments in certain instances and applicants are placed on a waiting list when trying to qualify for help. Scammers are taking advantage of needy families by phishing for personal data and stealing from those who are trying to survive.

Fake websites, phony applications, and demands for fees or first month’s rents via wire transfers are some of the tricks scammers use to rip off people. Here are some tips on how to avoid housing hassles:

Call the local housing authority in your area and ask how to sign up for Section 8. Their number is available in the phone book or on the HUD website www.hud.gov.

There are no fees when signing up on the waiting list. No wire transfers, no advance deposits, and no money is needed to be place on the list.

Do not give out your Social Security card number, credit card info, or any other bank account information.

HUD provides a state by state listing of their resources on their website. Finding adequate housing is not always easy. Don’t let scammers close the door on your options.

Another disaster and predatory scammers circle around the despair and pain of others like sharks in a feeding frenzy. Compassionate people want to help and often their good intentions go awry because they didn’t look before leaping into a website or email claiming to be part of relief efforts and/or charitable organizations.

Before donating to any cause, the FTC recommends taking a few moments to check with the following organizations before responding to any solicitations for money:

BBB Wise Giving Alliance  www.wise.give.org         703-276-0100

Charity Navigator       www.charitynavigator.org    201-818-1288

Charity Watch             www.charitywatch.org           773-529-2300

Unfortunately it is now a given that scammers will capitalize on other people’s suffering  no matter the cause. The above websites offer a wealth of valuable information to help you assist others in their times of need. Thanks to the folks who contribute and care. Just remember your safety matters too!

An email arrives in your inbox alerting you that a sexual predator has moved into your neighborhood. An attached link promises to provide you with the information you asked for in order to keep your family safe. Problem is you never signed up for any notifications about predators and the sender is not familiar to you or anyone else in your home.

Scammers try their best to prey on people’s fears but at times they actually give themselves away when you know what to look for. Here are a few tips.

Always be suspicious of bad grammar and phrases that don’t make sense.

Hover over URLs for a few moments to determine their origination. It is easy for scammers to set up a fake websites encrypted with malware or phishing programs designed to steal your personal info.

Don’t click on strange links especially when you haven’t requested any information on a particular area of interest.

There are several reputable sources for Sexual Predator information. One of the most reliable is www.FBI.gov. where information for  each state is posted in an easy to access format. Local law enforcement agencies can also refer you to reputable sites if needed.

Take care and be aware that some predators hide in cyberspace waiting for you to fall for their phony websites and fake emails. It takes just a few seconds to stay safe when you know how to beat cons at their own game.