@hococonsumer
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
For #NCPW2026, Federal Trade Commission is holding a webinar TODAY on how to spot and avoid job scams. If you're job hunting, you don't want to miss this:
www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
2/ 2/ Search for consumer guides, learn about tenant rights, or reach out directly to the office at 410-313-6420 with questions at howardcountymd.gov/consu.../con....
Follow @hococonsumer and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for regular updates.
1/ #NCPW2026 may be coming to an end, but our work doesn't stop there. We are here to help our county consumers year-round. Whether you are a tenant with a question about your lease, a homeowner hiring a contractor, or a resident buying a used car, OCP is here for you.
It’s Slam the Scam Day. SSA will NEVER demand payment or threaten arrest. Hang up and report scams: oig.ssa.gov/report #SlamTheScam
This #NCPW2026, defend against identity theft by using these smart habits:
• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Avoid oversharing personal info online
• Monitor your bank & credit activity
• Shred sensitive docs
Small steps can prevent big problems.
#NCPW2026
Our Advisory Board on Consumer Protection has this #scamalert for #NCPW2026
2/ Scammers rely on urgency and emotion. Slowing down is your strongest defense. Learn more at www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer-pro....
1/ This National Consumer Protection Week, the best way to interrupt scams is: Pause. Question. Protect.
Before you click, share or send money:
• Pause and take a breath
• Question unexpected calls, emails or texts
• Protect your personal and financial information
#NCPW! There's still time to register for this Lunch-n-Learn webinar. It will not be recorded so come hear from federal and national regulators about smarter investment strategies.
Happy National Consumer Protection Week, Howard County! This week, we are joining partners nationwide to educate & empower you to fight scams, identity theft, & fraud and to make safer financial decisions. Stay tuned all week for practical tips to keep you and your family safe.
Consumers have reported unfair financing practices by shady home improvement companies when it comes to high value renovations too. Always talk to a trusted financial institution before financing home repairs.
Scammers use data, algorithms, automated systems that analyze personal information & predict behavior. These systems help criminals target victims accurately. Knowing how this technology works is important for protecting yourself:
scambusters.org/algorithm-sc...
SCAM ALERT: Police are investigating multiple reports about a phone scam in which the caller pretends to be from the Sheriff’s Office, using the name of a REAL deputy threatening arrest for missed grand jury duty. Victims are told to pay a fine over the phone by GreenDot or ReLoadIt prepaid cards.
Fake Apps Hiding in Plain Sight: Red Flags that signals an app may not be safe by #scambusters
scambusters.org/fake-dangero...
Happy Government Communications Day when we recognize public communicators. We communicate through social media, newsletters, presentations & resource fairs. Share our posts & also register for our newsletters or request presentations or resource fairs at:
www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer-pro...
Sometimes scams are "low tech" see how parking tickets may be a scam. #ScamAlert #HoCoScamSquad See this alert by #bbb www.bbb.org/article/scam...
Love at first click? Romance scams are more sophisticated than ever, using fake profiles and AI to steal your heart and then your wallet. This goes for wrong number-turned friend and o ut-of-state clients with investment tips. Learn more ways to spot a romance scam at www.uspis.gov/news/scam-ar....
If a new online friend frequently messages but can never meet in person, something may be amiss. #CFTC warns never mix money with online relationships. Learn more at: www.cftc.gov/LearnAndProt... #DatingOrDefraduing #GlobalRISCampaign
The #AdvisoryBoardonConsumerProtection has a mini-crossword puzzle for you this month. Post your answers in the comments!
Today is Safer Internet Day, a worldwide initiative that educates people about issues from cyberbullying, human trafficking, and social networking to the risks associated with using digital devices and how to stay safe when browsing the internet, every day. See tips from #MDStatePolice
There's still time to register for this informative webinar!
#CISA says we should get a headstart on spring cleaning... that applies to our devices too! Outdated software & unused applications can create unnecessary risk. So do old data and files we don't need. Updating systems & reviewing configurations helps keep environments more secure. #SaferInternetDay
Get the latest on new scams, ways to save your money, and improve financial resiliency. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/pfa5sDH/H...
This WIRED video dives inside a crypto phone scam camp to show you how these operations run: scripts to build relationships, how to work around questions and objections, and punishments for failing to close the deal.
www.wired.com/video/watch/...
🤔Do they really want you, or do they just want your PIN? #NationalCybersecuirtyAlliance warns:
⚠️Be extra careful using dating apps as we approach Valentine's Day - they are often flooded with scammers!
🌐Learn how to spot romance scams and #StaySafeOnline this Valentine's Day.
hubs.la/Q041ZD1s0
We were one of 11 organizations honored with the distinction of 2025 Veteran Saves Week Savings Champion. Many thanks to #veteransaves for heading up this important effort.
Job and recruiter scams are everywhere. What you need to know if you're in the job market. Listen to #aarp The Perfect Scam 🎧 (transcript included) www.aarp.org/podcasts/the...
Join #NationalCybersecurityAlliance on February 11th at 1pm ET for an Ask Me Anything session all about how to protect yourself from relationship scams. Register now: hubs.ly/Q041x9J-0