Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
@hococonsumer.bsky.social
Office of Consumer Protection helps protect Howard County MD consumers resolve disputes & enforces consumer laws. Links provided do not mean endorsements. Howard County Government's Social Media Comments Policy, at
www.howardcountymd.gov/socialmediapolicy
www.howardcountymd.gov/socialmediapolicy
Car rental damage scams. What you need to know to spot, avoid and address them from #Scambusters
scambusters.org/rental-car-d...
scambusters.org/rental-car-d...
December 26, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Car rental damage scams. What you need to know to spot, avoid and address them from #Scambusters
scambusters.org/rental-car-d...
scambusters.org/rental-car-d...
Survey scams are fishing for information on you for identity theft, account fraud, and more. Read #ScamBusters article on how to spot it and protect yourself.
scambusters.org/fake-surveys...
scambusters.org/fake-surveys...
December 26, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Survey scams are fishing for information on you for identity theft, account fraud, and more. Read #ScamBusters article on how to spot it and protect yourself.
scambusters.org/fake-surveys...
scambusters.org/fake-surveys...
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Waiting for some last-minute packages to arrive? Porch pirates could be waiting for them, too. Here's how to keep your online purchases safe from would-be thieves. www.checkbook.org/a/0/OTH7899/
How to Protect Yourself from Package Theft
How to avoid package theft and what you can do if it happens
www.checkbook.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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Here's the 12 scams of the holidays according to the Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org/all/holiday-...
www.bbb.org/all/holiday-...
BBB Scam Alert: 12 scams of the holidays
With the year quickly winding down, Better Business Bureau has compiled our naughty list of the top 12 holiday scams (formerly called 12 scams of Christmas).
www.bbb.org
December 23, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Here's the 12 scams of the holidays according to the Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org/all/holiday-...
www.bbb.org/all/holiday-...
Rental scams are costing consumers millions. FTC data shows complaints often from fake listings on social media. Folks 18-29 are 3X more likely to lose money. If a rental deal feels rushed, or seems too good to be true, pause & verify before giving money or information. Article linked in comments 👇
December 22, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Rental scams are costing consumers millions. FTC data shows complaints often from fake listings on social media. Folks 18-29 are 3X more likely to lose money. If a rental deal feels rushed, or seems too good to be true, pause & verify before giving money or information. Article linked in comments 👇
#ScamAlert Fake Push Notifications: Criminals now use fake phone alerts to trick you into clicking and engaging. For more read the #ScamBusters article👇. #hocoscamsquad
scambusters.org/fake-push-no...
scambusters.org/fake-push-no...
December 22, 2025 at 5:38 PM
#ScamAlert Fake Push Notifications: Criminals now use fake phone alerts to trick you into clicking and engaging. For more read the #ScamBusters article👇. #hocoscamsquad
scambusters.org/fake-push-no...
scambusters.org/fake-push-no...
Connecting your bank account to apps comes with benefits and conveniences. But do you know the risks as well? #Scambusters spells out the pros and cons of linking bank accounts, and scams to avoid. #hocoscamsquad
scambusters.org/linking-bank...
scambusters.org/linking-bank...
December 19, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Connecting your bank account to apps comes with benefits and conveniences. But do you know the risks as well? #Scambusters spells out the pros and cons of linking bank accounts, and scams to avoid. #hocoscamsquad
scambusters.org/linking-bank...
scambusters.org/linking-bank...
#ScamAlert 3P Billing Scams: Don't overlook those small dollar unfamiliar charges #ScamSquad
scambusters.org/third-party-...
scambusters.org/third-party-...
December 17, 2025 at 7:19 PM
#ScamAlert 3P Billing Scams: Don't overlook those small dollar unfamiliar charges #ScamSquad
scambusters.org/third-party-...
scambusters.org/third-party-...
#ScamAlert #ScamSquad 👀👀 Listen to the @aarp.org Guide to avoiding holiday scams
www.aarp.org/podcasts/the...
www.aarp.org/podcasts/the...
Bonus: AARP’s Guide to Avoiding Holiday Scams
Amy Nofziger of the AARP Fraud Watch Network shares the latest research on holiday scams
www.aarp.org
December 16, 2025 at 7:22 PM
#ScamAlert #ScamSquad 👀👀 Listen to the @aarp.org Guide to avoiding holiday scams
www.aarp.org/podcasts/the...
www.aarp.org/podcasts/the...
December 16, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
⚠️ DC CONSUMER ALERT ⚠️
Sophisticated thieves are draining gift cards of their value before you even buy them at the store.
With the holiday season coming up, DC residents should be on the lookout for gift card scams and take steps to prevent them.
Protect yourself from gift card scams:
Sophisticated thieves are draining gift cards of their value before you even buy them at the store.
With the holiday season coming up, DC residents should be on the lookout for gift card scams and take steps to prevent them.
Protect yourself from gift card scams:
December 15, 2025 at 1:48 PM
⚠️ DC CONSUMER ALERT ⚠️
Sophisticated thieves are draining gift cards of their value before you even buy them at the store.
With the holiday season coming up, DC residents should be on the lookout for gift card scams and take steps to prevent them.
Protect yourself from gift card scams:
Sophisticated thieves are draining gift cards of their value before you even buy them at the store.
With the holiday season coming up, DC residents should be on the lookout for gift card scams and take steps to prevent them.
Protect yourself from gift card scams:
The MIA urges Marylanders to use caution when needing a tow after an accident or breakdown. Learn how to avoid scams, save money, and protect your vehicle and belongings. Read more here: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/predatory-towing.aspx #MDInsurance
December 15, 2025 at 9:04 PM
#ScamSquad member Federal Communications Commission is hosting a webinar on combatting robocalls and scam prevention. Registration link below 👇
events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ff8ba5...
events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ff8ba5...
December 10, 2025 at 8:36 PM
#ScamSquad member Federal Communications Commission is hosting a webinar on combatting robocalls and scam prevention. Registration link below 👇
events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ff8ba5...
events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ff8ba5...
Before you donate, do some research. Check ratings on websites like BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Watch to see how the charity spends donations. Learn more: bit.ly/4iP03fh. #StopCharityFraud
December 9, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Before you donate, do some research. Check ratings on websites like BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Watch to see how the charity spends donations. Learn more: bit.ly/4iP03fh. #StopCharityFraud
#ScamAlert Be aware of fake look-alike websites offering "amazing" deals this holiday season. Here's a sample:
🧴 The 1st picture is the real website.
🧴 The 2nd (w/ red button) is a fake site (w/ misspellings in the link)
🧴 The 3rd shows how they appear in search results
🧴 The 1st picture is the real website.
🧴 The 2nd (w/ red button) is a fake site (w/ misspellings in the link)
🧴 The 3rd shows how they appear in search results
December 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
#ScamAlert Be aware of fake look-alike websites offering "amazing" deals this holiday season. Here's a sample:
🧴 The 1st picture is the real website.
🧴 The 2nd (w/ red button) is a fake site (w/ misspellings in the link)
🧴 The 3rd shows how they appear in search results
🧴 The 1st picture is the real website.
🧴 The 2nd (w/ red button) is a fake site (w/ misspellings in the link)
🧴 The 3rd shows how they appear in search results
It's ID Theft Protection & Awareness Month. Show your customers you’ve got their backs:
🎣Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing
🔐Update Business Software
💪Require Strong Passwords
📱Require MFA
More tips: cisa.gov/securethesea...
🎣Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing
🔐Update Business Software
💪Require Strong Passwords
📱Require MFA
More tips: cisa.gov/securethesea...
December 1, 2025 at 3:12 PM
It's ID Theft Protection & Awareness Month. Show your customers you’ve got their backs:
🎣Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing
🔐Update Business Software
💪Require Strong Passwords
📱Require MFA
More tips: cisa.gov/securethesea...
🎣Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing
🔐Update Business Software
💪Require Strong Passwords
📱Require MFA
More tips: cisa.gov/securethesea...
1/ Over the coming weeks, consumers will be bombarded by "sales" and entreaties for charitable donations. Here are some tips to keep your money safe:
🛑 Shop around. The big box stores and e-tailers may not have the best price.
🛑 Shop around. The big box stores and e-tailers may not have the best price.
November 26, 2025 at 4:24 PM
1/ Over the coming weeks, consumers will be bombarded by "sales" and entreaties for charitable donations. Here are some tips to keep your money safe:
🛑 Shop around. The big box stores and e-tailers may not have the best price.
🛑 Shop around. The big box stores and e-tailers may not have the best price.
How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season:
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...
November 25, 2025 at 5:42 PM
How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season:
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...
‘Tis the season for gifts (& package deliveries!) If you’re waiting on a delivery, remember to stay alert & watch out for common fake package delivery texts/emails. @bbb-us.bsky.social offers tips for staying safe. www.bbb.org/article/scam...
BBB Scam Alert: Don’t be fooled by a fake package delivery scam
Scammers use fake package deliveries to fool consumers into giving out their personal information.
www.bbb.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
‘Tis the season for gifts (& package deliveries!) If you’re waiting on a delivery, remember to stay alert & watch out for common fake package delivery texts/emails. @bbb-us.bsky.social offers tips for staying safe. www.bbb.org/article/scam...
There is still time to register! Come with your questions about the laws that do (or do not) protect your transactions, how to safely use payment apps, and when.
November 21, 2025 at 7:38 PM
There is still time to register! Come with your questions about the laws that do (or do not) protect your transactions, how to safely use payment apps, and when.
1/ November is National Scholarship Month. Questions about scholarships and financial aid? Contact Maryland Higher Education Commission Here are common scams facing students and their families👇
November 20, 2025 at 7:33 PM
1/ November is National Scholarship Month. Questions about scholarships and financial aid? Contact Maryland Higher Education Commission Here are common scams facing students and their families👇
For International Fraud Awareness Week, we urge you to sign up for our monthly Newsletter to get the latest on how to avoid scams and fraud in the marketplace. Sign up 👇
lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/pfa5sDH/H...
lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/pfa5sDH/H...
November 19, 2025 at 2:31 PM
For International Fraud Awareness Week, we urge you to sign up for our monthly Newsletter to get the latest on how to avoid scams and fraud in the marketplace. Sign up 👇
lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/pfa5sDH/H...
lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/pfa5sDH/H...
专门针对中文使用者的电话诈骗又卷土重来了！骗子企图冒充医疗服务机构的人员、联邦执法人员或者是中国官方人士。阅读更多内容👇
Phone scam targeting Chinese speaking consumers are back. Criminals are pretending to be health-care providers, federal agents, or Chinese officials. Read more 👇
Phone scam targeting Chinese speaking consumers are back. Criminals are pretending to be health-care providers, federal agents, or Chinese officials. Read more 👇
November 14, 2025 at 5:59 PM
专门针对中文使用者的电话诈骗又卷土重来了！骗子企图冒充医疗服务机构的人员、联邦执法人员或者是中国官方人士。阅读更多内容👇
Phone scam targeting Chinese speaking consumers are back. Criminals are pretending to be health-care providers, federal agents, or Chinese officials. Read more 👇
Phone scam targeting Chinese speaking consumers are back. Criminals are pretending to be health-care providers, federal agents, or Chinese officials. Read more 👇
Public Charging Stations Are a Hacker's Playground: "Juice jacking" thru public charging stations at airports, malls, etc. could be used to steal data, install viruses, and compromise your security. Read more by #ScamBusters #ScamAlert #ScamSquad scambusters.org/charging-sta...
November 7, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Public Charging Stations Are a Hacker's Playground: "Juice jacking" thru public charging stations at airports, malls, etc. could be used to steal data, install viruses, and compromise your security. Read more by #ScamBusters #ScamAlert #ScamSquad scambusters.org/charging-sta...