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
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...
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
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...
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...
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.
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-...
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
Hidden Dangers in Your Website Cookies. #Scambusters describes how scammers use website cookies to steal your personal information.
scambusters.org/websitecooki...
scambusters.org/websitecooki...
September 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Hidden Dangers in Your Website Cookies. #Scambusters describes how scammers use website cookies to steal your personal information.
scambusters.org/websitecooki...
scambusters.org/websitecooki...
1/ ALERT: The Social Security Administration isn't suggesting to "Download Your Updated Social Security Statement Now" It isn't going to call/text/email about criminal activity. With checks phased out, scams may offer to "help" you go digital or keep checks coming. 👇👇#ScamSquad
September 24, 2025 at 5:20 PM
1/ ALERT: The Social Security Administration isn't suggesting to "Download Your Updated Social Security Statement Now" It isn't going to call/text/email about criminal activity. With checks phased out, scams may offer to "help" you go digital or keep checks coming. 👇👇#ScamSquad
Investigators wanted to craft a perfect phishing scam. AI bots were happy to help. The bots’ persuasive performance shows how AI is arming criminals for industrial-scale fraud.
www.reuters.com/investigates...
www.reuters.com/investigates...
September 22, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Investigators wanted to craft a perfect phishing scam. AI bots were happy to help. The bots’ persuasive performance shows how AI is arming criminals for industrial-scale fraud.
www.reuters.com/investigates...
www.reuters.com/investigates...
September 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The #FCC warns about calls & texts offering 50% off of your Comcast, Spectrum, or Prime bills. The calls urge consumers to "call the number displayed on your caller ID immediately." Listen to the recording at www.fcc.gov/consumers/sc...
September 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM
The #FCC warns about calls & texts offering 50% off of your Comcast, Spectrum, or Prime bills. The calls urge consumers to "call the number displayed on your caller ID immediately." Listen to the recording at www.fcc.gov/consumers/sc...
Never Stop Learning: Investing Basics and Fraud Prevention from the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Investing basics, including how to monitor accounts, how fees impact investments, how to research investments & professionals, and steps you can take to plan for the future. Details below.
September 3, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Never Stop Learning: Investing Basics and Fraud Prevention from the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Investing basics, including how to monitor accounts, how fees impact investments, how to research investments & professionals, and steps you can take to plan for the future. Details below.
PRESENTATION: Financial Crimes & Other Scams with Howard County Police & OCP. Scammers steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. Learn how to identify scams and protect yourself. Hosted by North Laurel 50+ Center, Sept 10, 2025, 10:30-11:30AM, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
Free
Free
August 28, 2025 at 3:06 PM
PRESENTATION: Financial Crimes & Other Scams with Howard County Police & OCP. Scammers steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. Learn how to identify scams and protect yourself. Hosted by North Laurel 50+ Center, Sept 10, 2025, 10:30-11:30AM, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
Free
Free