Protect yourself by staying informed about the latest scams and fraud.
The recent emergency approval and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines have provided much-needed hope throughout the world. While drug companies, government, and healthcare organizations rush to get the masses vaccinated, unfortunately, but not surprisingly a new threat has developed – COVID-19 related scams.
The Criminal Investigation (CI) unit is a special criminal division of the IRS. The CI is tasked with investigating and uncovering tax-related crimes and prosecuting these cases. Each year the CI provides the IRS an annual report detailing the work of the CI and highlighting their successes and enforcements related to tax and financial crimes.
In today’s world it is more important than ever to focus on the things that we can control to better safeguard our financial future. It’s easy to get complacent, lulled into a false sense of security, when there are many other more urgent things to think about.
Sweetheart scams, also known as romance scams, are becoming increasingly common as people seek out connections online. The FTC reports that Americans lost over $209 million to sweetheart scams in 2019 — which is 40% more than reported the previous year.
The holidays are upon us, and so is the increase in risk for identity theft. Fictional characters are a big part of the season, but sadly they’ve also become a big part of identity thieves’ tool kits as well. According to a Federal Trade Commission Report, over the last five years, Synthetic Identity Fraud has become the fastest-growing type of financial crime in the United States and accounts for 20% of the credit-related losses.
The rise of online shopping during the pandemic has led to a proportional increase in online fraud and scams. As the Holiday season approaches, we want to make sure you are armed with the knowledge and the skills to protect yourself. With a little awareness, you can avoid online shopping fraud as the busiest time of the year for retail shopping is shifting into high gear.
Scammers are always looking for innovative ways to separate you from your money. Whether their goal is to gain access to your cash, or to gain control of your personal information so they can commit fraud, they frequently play on psychological manipulation to get you to comply. Here some common scams to be aware of:
Identity theft is the illegal use of another’s personal data, such as name, birth date and Social Security number. A casually discarded receipt, a personal document or checkbook kept in a desk drawer, mail theft, and dumpster diving are all very real threats.
SESLOC provides several methods to reduce the risk of fraud. Here are some additional steps you can take to keep from becoming a victim:
SESLOC is committed to safeguarding the physical and financial health of our members, staff and communities. During this vulnerable time, scammers and cyber criminals may try to take advantage of your concerns related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They may offer you fake products, medical advice, create fake charities, or compel you to click a fraudulent link to gain access to your device. Here are four common scams identified by authorities:
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We’re thrilled to introduce Jeannie Carpenter, a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity SLO County.
.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. In April, we were thrilled to meet Stephen Gonzales, from the SLO Children’s Museum
.
SESLOC employees saved 3.9 tons of carbon dioxide from entering our local air during the second quarter of 2023 by using alternative commute methods like riding a bike, taking the bus or carpooling, and telecommuting to cut a whopping 10,484.4 miles from their travel plans. Reducing our carbon footprint is an important part of preserving our community for generations to come.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. In April, we were thrilled to meet Mary Watt, from the SLO Food Bank.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. In April, we were thrilled to meet Mary Watt, from the SLO Food Bank.
