Earlier today, I attended an information session hosted by EPA and NJDEP regarding the clean up on the Passaic River. I spoke with the EPA’s administrator for New Jersey to stress that New Jersey taxpayers should not be on the hook to pay for the cleanup. We must hold companies responsible for polluting the Passaic […]
Archive | Consumer Tips
Consumer Tip: Netflix Phishing
Phishing is when someone uses fake emails or texts to get you to share valuable personal information – like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. Scammers use your information to steal your money, your identity, or both. They also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network. […]
Safety Tip: Ride Sharing Apps
Here are a few important safety tips provide the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for when using a ride-sharing app/service: Request your ride inside – avoid spending unnecessary time outside alone with your phone in hand. Instead, wait indoors until your ride has arrived.Be a backseat rider – if you are riding alone, sit in the […]
Consumer Alert: Office Depot Computer Scans Gave Fake Results
Most of us manage basic computer safety on our own. We keep security software and firewalls up to date, and ignore pesky pop-up ads about computer health. Many of us would gladly take advantage of a free computer tune-up from a big-name retailer. We wouldn’t suspect the tune-up might be a tech support scam. But […]
TIP: Protect yourself against Medicare scams
Still getting calls from people claiming to be from Medicare, asking for money or personal information? Here are a few important tips from the Federal Trade Commission: Hang up. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security number or bank information to get your new card or new benefits, that’s a […]
TIP: Facts you should know about fake “tech support” scams
If you need tech help with your computer, where do you go? Most of us probably search online. But your online search can lead you straight to scammers who scare you into thinking your computer is in dire need of repair…and then sell you costly security software that you don’t need. That’s just what happened […]
TIP: Social Security Scam
A growing scam in the area involves people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and try to get your Social Security number or your money. That scam is now growing exponentially. To compare: in 2017, we heard from 3,200 people about SSA imposter scams, and those people reported losing nearly $210,000. So […]
TIP: 10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud
Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine new technology with old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. Here are some practical tips to help you stay a step ahead. Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family […]
TIP: Cold Weather Reminders
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has provided these tips to keep in mind in the cold and during severe weather events: Be prepared! Visit ready.nj.gov for information on how to prepare for: home, work, and your vehicle. Have an emergency kit/go-bag for all three locations. Pets are family too! Remember to include them in your […]
TIP: Keep Electronics Warm In the Winter
Most people are aware of hot weather being a danger to consumer electronics, but they don’t realize that the colder times of year can be just as difficult to our electronic helpers. To make sure that your devices survive the cold this winter, here are some tips to keep them safe when the weather gets […]