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.

We’re all familiar with the saying “the devil is in the details.” When it comes to downloading apps, it might be worthwhile to check out the developer’s details  before allowing access to your smart device especially if you’re using an Android. You may  inadvertently give permission to  complete strangers to mine your personal data and use as if it were their own.

Apps for Androids use open source software as the basis for each program meaning it is  available to the general public and open to any and everyone. There are no safety features built in to protect your personal data and some apps infiltrate your device when you agree to their terms.

The developers at Apple must meet certain guidelines and submit their programs for approval. If it isn’t approved it cannot be listed or sold. This is NOT an endorsement for Apple products –  it is a comparison to help consumers understand the choices they make when dealing with  Apple and Android apps.

Take a moment to read before you click on agree and make sure you are comfortable with your decision to purchase an app. They are not all the same and there is no generic warning or advice in place. Small print can make a big difference in how and what you buy. Common sense is the best approach to using your purchasing power and there is no app for that!

Grateful to Ocala The Good Life Magazine for featuring Scammunition as their cover story! Here’s how to take a peek!    http://bit.ly/1D7vHd6

It’s that time of year again when deals and steals work  hand in hand. Online shopping is a breeze but consumers need to steer clear of pet scams, infected pizza, and phony payment plans. Here’s a look at some of the latest themes and schemes that will have buyers saying “No! No! No!” instead of “Ho! Ho! Ho!”

Warm fuzzy puppies can make a great gift for responsible pet lovers. Unfortunately, devious scammers use  pictures of non-existent animals as a ploy to lure unsuspecting buyers into deals that deplete funds and causes heartache when the promised pet doesn’t appear.  Never purchase a pet sight unseen and be leery of requests for additional charges for shipping, insurance, and unsubstantiated vet fees. Check out the facility where the dogs are kept and contact the American Kennel Club if purchasing a purebred dog. Be cautious of any deal that sounds too good to be true.

Pizza is the go-to choice for many families during the hectic holidays. Recently people in several states have received emailed coupons offering free pizza from Pizza Hut in honor of their  “55th Anniversary”  and the offer really is too good to be true. The coupon contains malware and if downloaded will cause damage to your computer system. Before clicking on the offer look at the sender’s address. Is it from Pizza Hut? Does hovering over the coupon show pizzahut.com? Did you find the email in your junk folder? Is Pizza Hut advertising the special deal on their website? If in doubt, toss it out!

PayPal is a convenient way for sellers and buyers to conduct payment transactions online. Scammers often “spoof” (impersonate) legitimate business sites in an effort to get your personal information and PayPal is not immune. Beware of  generic greetings in emails listing PayPal as the sender.  PayPal addresses each email with the full first and last names of their customers or the actual business name. They do not send attachments nor do they request bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords. If you suspect any suspicious activity on your account visit www.paypal.com or call 1-888-221-1161. Forward questionable emails to spoof@paypal.com.

It seems each year we need to learn something new in order to protect ourselves and loved ones from fraud. Please share what you know with others. Safety is a great gift and it’s free!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we all know Ebola has been in the headlines for several weeks. Scammers wasted no time in devising deceptive schemes to capitalize on people’s fears and concerns. Here are some of the latest ploys making their way around various media outlets.

Numerous ads for supplements claiming to cure and/or prevent Ebola are popping up everywhere. There are even Ebola Prevention kits for sale which include gas masks and other equipment. designed to prevent an outbreak. Before ordering or taking any “Ebola miracle cure” supplements check with your health care professional and visit  the FDA at www.fda.gov   or call 1-888-463-6332 for additional information.

Scammers thrive on setting up fake charities whenever a disaster or incident requires financial help. No matter what the issue is, never give out your personal information online or on the phone. Before giving your hard earned money to a charity or cause check them out at www.charitynavigator.org or www.give.org . Your local BBB can also help. If you believe you’ve been victimized by a fraudulent charity or scheme contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov or call them at 1-877-382-4357.

It is always difficult to separate fact from fiction when dealing with serious issues such as Ebola. For updates and information please visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-232-4636.

Please remember to check back for upcoming news and events. Thank you for your support! Happy Holidays!