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
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...
If you are a Howard County resident, please contact the Office of Consumer Protection if you have been a victim of "bandit" towing.
We are advising Marylanders to use caution after a vehicle accident or mechanical failure that requires towing assistance. Learn what precautions can help you avoid scams, save you money and protect your vehicle -- plus your stuff. https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/predatory-towing.aspx
November 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
If you are a Howard County resident, please contact the Office of Consumer Protection if you have been a victim of "bandit" towing.
1/ It’s Day 4 of #VeteranSavesWeek & today we’re focusing on housing. From renting to buying to finding stable housing, every step is easier with a savings plan in place. Take the Veteran Saves Pledge & set your housing goal today. veteransaves.org/pledge/ #VSW2025 #VeteranSaves
November 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
1/ It’s Day 4 of #VeteranSavesWeek & today we’re focusing on housing. From renting to buying to finding stable housing, every step is easier with a savings plan in place. Take the Veteran Saves Pledge & set your housing goal today. veteransaves.org/pledge/ #VSW2025 #VeteranSaves
Shopping for health insurance? Use caution and make sure you are shopping from official sources! We are concerned about misleading marketing by unlicensed companies, scammers, and those selling limited-benefit health plans. https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/Fake-health-insurance.aspx
November 6, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Transitioning to civilian life often comes with relocation expenses. Get tips on budgeting for your move and handling the financial challenges that come with it. veteransaves.org/resource-center/insights/what-you-need-to-know-about-transitioning-out-of-the-military #VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025
November 6, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Transitioning to civilian life often comes with relocation expenses. Get tips on budgeting for your move and handling the financial challenges that come with it. veteransaves.org/resource-center/insights/what-you-need-to-know-about-transitioning-out-of-the-military #VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025
#ScamAlert Transnational elder fraud scheme thwarted by the USDOJ & U.S. Attorney's Office for the Dist. of Mass. Do you want to see how the phone scam boiler rooms operate? The release linked below 👇 includes photos of workspaces, scripts and score cards tracking "success" by "staff." #ScamSquad
November 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
#ScamAlert Transnational elder fraud scheme thwarted by the USDOJ & U.S. Attorney's Office for the Dist. of Mass. Do you want to see how the phone scam boiler rooms operate? The release linked below 👇 includes photos of workspaces, scripts and score cards tracking "success" by "staff." #ScamSquad
Being banked means safety, access, and stability. Learn why it matters for Veterans and how programs like the @VBBPforVets connect you to trusted institutions from @VeteranSaves. Read More: veteransaves.org/resource-center/insights/why-being-banked-matters-for-veterans #VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025
November 5, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Being banked means safety, access, and stability. Learn why it matters for Veterans and how programs like the @VBBPforVets connect you to trusted institutions from @VeteranSaves. Read More: veteransaves.org/resource-center/insights/why-being-banked-matters-for-veterans #VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025
Being laid off is stressful; there are steps Veterans can take to protect their finances. Here are 7 practical actions to take after a layoff, from covering essentials to using available benefits. veteransaves.org/.../financia.... #VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025 #VeteranSaves
November 4, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Being laid off is stressful; there are steps Veterans can take to protect their finances. Here are 7 practical actions to take after a layoff, from covering essentials to using available benefits. veteransaves.org/.../financia.... #VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025 #VeteranSaves
Kicking off #VeteranSavesWeek by supporting this month's legal clinics. Come meet our staff and hear about how we can help veterans and active military members with their landlord, consumer and scam avoidance needs.
November 3, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Kicking off #VeteranSavesWeek by supporting this month's legal clinics. Come meet our staff and hear about how we can help veterans and active military members with their landlord, consumer and scam avoidance needs.
1/ This Halloween, we warn of Zombie Debt which means an old debt that has been revived, even if the debt is no longer legally enforceable. This can include debts you already paid off, are no longer on your credit report, were discharged in bankruptcy, or are beyond the statute of limitations.
October 31, 2025 at 2:55 PM
1/ This Halloween, we warn of Zombie Debt which means an old debt that has been revived, even if the debt is no longer legally enforceable. This can include debts you already paid off, are no longer on your credit report, were discharged in bankruptcy, or are beyond the statute of limitations.
Have you heard the term "shrinkflation"? Do you know how it works? Here's a @USGAO report that explains the impact on your grocery items.
www.gao.gov/blog/what-sh...
www.gao.gov/blog/what-sh...
October 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Have you heard the term "shrinkflation"? Do you know how it works? Here's a @USGAO report that explains the impact on your grocery items.
www.gao.gov/blog/what-sh...
www.gao.gov/blog/what-sh...
1/ ALERT: FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation warns of the "The Phantom Hacker" scam which impersonates tech companies, banks, and government officials to convince you that foreign hackers have infiltrated your accounts. The Phantom Hacker uses AI and follows three steps:👇👇👇
October 27, 2025 at 4:44 PM
1/ ALERT: FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation warns of the "The Phantom Hacker" scam which impersonates tech companies, banks, and government officials to convince you that foreign hackers have infiltrated your accounts. The Phantom Hacker uses AI and follows three steps:👇👇👇
1/ Gift/reloadable debit cards are a favorite of criminals calling with a fake emergency (missed jury duty, sick family member etc). Once you give the numbers on the back the money is drained and virtually untraceable. Hang up on anyone demanding these cards. Gift cards are for gifts! #ScamSquad
October 24, 2025 at 8:40 PM
1/ Gift/reloadable debit cards are a favorite of criminals calling with a fake emergency (missed jury duty, sick family member etc). Once you give the numbers on the back the money is drained and virtually untraceable. Hang up on anyone demanding these cards. Gift cards are for gifts! #ScamSquad
Get answers to common rental questions. Learn about what your rights under State and County law.
Monday, October 27, 6:00-7:00pm
Howard County Library System Central Branch
Register: howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/placeh...
Monday, October 27, 6:00-7:00pm
Howard County Library System Central Branch
Register: howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/placeh...
October 24, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Get answers to common rental questions. Learn about what your rights under State and County law.
Monday, October 27, 6:00-7:00pm
Howard County Library System Central Branch
Register: howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/placeh...
Monday, October 27, 6:00-7:00pm
Howard County Library System Central Branch
Register: howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/placeh...
#NationalCybersecurityAlliance advises that criminals spoof caller IDs, create fake websites, and even use AI voice clones. If you're suspicious that a scammer is targeting you, don’t respond immediately. Check out their online safety tips for older adults: www.staysafeonline.org/articles/onl...
Online Safety Tips For Older Adults - National Cybersecurity Alliance
Staying safe on the internet can be hard no matter what your age – here are some tips on how older adults can adopt cybersecurity behaviors.
www.staysafeonline.org
October 20, 2025 at 9:09 PM
#NationalCybersecurityAlliance advises that criminals spoof caller IDs, create fake websites, and even use AI voice clones. If you're suspicious that a scammer is targeting you, don’t respond immediately. Check out their online safety tips for older adults: www.staysafeonline.org/articles/onl...
ALERT: #FBI warns of an increase in gold bar & cash courier scams. FBI, Sheriff, or Police won't ask you to give them gold, cash, crypto, payment app, or gift cards for safe keeping or to pay a bill or citation. If anyone is demanding you pay this way HANG UP. 👇#ScamSquad
www.fbi.gov/contact-us/f...
www.fbi.gov/contact-us/f...
October 20, 2025 at 7:14 PM
ALERT: #FBI warns of an increase in gold bar & cash courier scams. FBI, Sheriff, or Police won't ask you to give them gold, cash, crypto, payment app, or gift cards for safe keeping or to pay a bill or citation. If anyone is demanding you pay this way HANG UP. 👇#ScamSquad
www.fbi.gov/contact-us/f...
www.fbi.gov/contact-us/f...
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
Take charge of your online safety. Cybersecurity insurance provides coverage for compromised security or privacy breaches. For cybersecurity tips, visit: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/cybersecurity.aspx #MDInsurance #Cybersecurity #BeCyberSmart #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
October 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Take charge of your online safety. Cybersecurity insurance provides coverage for compromised security or privacy breaches. For cybersecurity tips, visit: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/cybersecurity.aspx #MDInsurance #Cybersecurity #BeCyberSmart #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
If you must mail a check or gift card, please take it directly to the post office and drop it in the slot *inside* the building. Fraudsters gain access to legitimate checks and other sensitive information by intercepting mail in a variety of ways.
October 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
If you must mail a check or gift card, please take it directly to the post office and drop it in the slot *inside* the building. Fraudsters gain access to legitimate checks and other sensitive information by intercepting mail in a variety of ways.
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
The Maryland Insurance Administration warns of risks involved in crowd-funding healthcare payment platform CrowdHealth. Read more: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/publications/ConsumerAdvisory-MIA-warns-of-risks-involved-in-crowd-funding-healthcare-payment-platform-CrowdHealth.pdf
October 2, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The Maryland Insurance Administration warns of risks involved in crowd-funding healthcare payment platform CrowdHealth. Read more: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/publications/ConsumerAdvisory-MIA-warns-of-risks-involved-in-crowd-funding-healthcare-payment-platform-CrowdHealth.pdf
Are you paying more for the same product depending on which device you use? New Report Details How Companies Use Surveillance to Charge Different Prices for the Same Item consumerwatchdog.org/privacy/new-...
October 1, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Are you paying more for the same product depending on which device you use? New Report Details How Companies Use Surveillance to Charge Different Prices for the Same Item consumerwatchdog.org/privacy/new-...
Do you know just how much common apps track what you or your kids do throughout your day? Do you know what they do with all the data they gather on you? Here's a rundown on the most popular apps used by adults and kids. www.pcmag.com/explainers/w...
Warning: These 20 Popular Apps Are Tracking Everything You Do
You use them every day, but have no idea what they're collecting. Find out which apps are quietly harvesting your location, contacts, photos, and more—and what you can do about it.
www.pcmag.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Do you know just how much common apps track what you or your kids do throughout your day? Do you know what they do with all the data they gather on you? Here's a rundown on the most popular apps used by adults and kids. www.pcmag.com/explainers/w...
Scammers impersonate judges, FBI, sheriff etc with fake arrest warrants in your mail. They have fake case numbers, legalese, & a fake seal demanding money via crypto or mobile apps. Report these mailers to US Postal Inspection Service. Do not call the number on the fake warrant. #ScamSquad
September 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Scammers impersonate judges, FBI, sheriff etc with fake arrest warrants in your mail. They have fake case numbers, legalese, & a fake seal demanding money via crypto or mobile apps. Report these mailers to US Postal Inspection Service. Do not call the number on the fake warrant. #ScamSquad