SCAMS AND FRAUD
To report scams or find out if something could be a scam, call the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline 410-528-8662 or toll-free 1-888-743-0023.
For identity theft information and assistance, contact Maryland Attorney General’s Identity Theft Unit at 1-410-576-6491.
To stop receiving pre-approved credit card offers, call 1-888-567-8688 or go online to optoutprescreen.com.
To register your phone number on the Do Not Call List, call the FTC at 1-888-382-1222 or go to donotcall.gov.
Report IRS scams to the following:
US Treasury Department 1-800-366-4484
Federal Trade Commission 1-877-FTC-HELP
FOR MORE INFORMATION on scams, fraud, identity theft etc. and how to protect yourself or get help:
Consumer Guide for Marylanders is a 35-page booklet from the MD Attorney General's Office. To request a free print copy, call 410-576-6500 or toll-free 1-888-743-0023.
Next Avenue is a nonprofit, digital journalism publication for issues affecting older adults.
Two examples of their scam coverage (but check for more):
New Scams Target People Trying to Avoid Scams
Older Adults Victimized By a Record Number of Scams
FINRA Investor Education Foundation has some helpful publications including:
It's Not Your Fault: Empowerment After Financial Fraud
Fighting Fraud 101: Smart Tips for Investors
ROBOCALLS AND SPAM CALLS
To block robocalls on some landlines, for free, register on nomorobo.com. Also available on cells for a monthly fee.
To activate “anonymous call rejection service,” dial *77 on your phone. Check with your phone provider to confirm they offer this feature.
To list your phones on the National Do Not Call Registry - donotcall.gov/
TIPS for dealing with spam calls and robocalls:
•If you answer a robocall that invites you to press a number to opt out, don’t do it! That will verify that yours is a working number and can leave you vulnerable to receiving more calls.
•If a caller asks, “Can you hear me?”, do NOT answer “Yes.” The caller can record your voice signature and use it to authorize fraudulent charges by telephone.
•If a caller claims to be from the IRS or Social Security and says you owe money, do NOT respond.
For more info see:
“Robocalls Flooding Your Cellphone? Here’s How to Stop Them” by Christopher Mele, New York Times, May 11, 2017.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/smarter-living/stop-robocalls.html
How to stop those annoying spam calls you get every day