Category Archives: Scams

On March 5, 2026, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will lead National Slam the Scam Day. Take part by using tools from SSA and the Federal Trade … Continue reading →

A resident asked me to post a reminder about a recent scam attempt. If you receive an email from a friend asking if you shop at Amazon, lend some money–and saying they are sick (plus you can imagine other disorienting … Continue reading →

By Sara Jean Green Seattle Times staff reporter Scammers have managed to bilk more than $7 million from 46 victims across the state, nearly half of them in King County, by convincing them their bank accounts or computers have been compromised … Continue reading →

Thanks to Mary M.

Thanks to Mary M. for yet another scam alert SCAM ALERT: Good To Go! will not request payments on any websites but MyGoodToGo.com or send bills through texts. Do not click unknown links in emails or texts.

Thanks to ChatGPT! Ed note: To the below list from my inquiry to ChatGPT I’d add the following: don’t click on any link unless you know its a trusted source; check the email address of a sender which often shows … Continue reading →

Warning from a fellow resident.  The party invitation purporting to come from Maureen N. (via a business called “Punchbowl”) is a scam.  Individuals who received this email should NOT to click on the link.  According to the Punchbowl site — … Continue reading →

Ed note: It’s unfortunate but true that there are some bad actors out there trying to fool you, spy on you and scare you–all to get your money or identity. In addition to the below, consider the following: Use two … Continue reading →

Thanks to Ed M.

Have you received unsolicited mobile text messages with an unfamiliar or strange web link that indicates a USPS delivery requires a response from you? If you never signed up for a USPS tracking request for a specific package, then don’t … Continue reading →

Thanks to Jim Van Olst whose daughter is in charge of the King Co Senior Abuse Section. New reports show that scammers are reviving an old tactic to gain trust. Scammers are emailing and texting pictures of real and doctored … Continue reading →

Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft Wednesday, August 17, 2 – 3 PM An inside look at how scammers think, and how you can safeguard yourself against identity theft and fraud. Hear first-hand accounts from victims, and find out … Continue reading →

Thanks to Barb W. Senior Planet from AARP hosts two insightful webinars about why peoplebelieve false information and how to spot fake news. The Misinformation LandscapeWednesday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET Identify types of misleading, inaccurate and false information online and explore the different … Continue reading →

How can I tell an email is fishy The entity sending you the email is fishy. Two recent ones are from “bertleen@msn” and “mudflowman60@gmail.” Obviously these are computer generated email addresses. The English is weird The company does not communicate … Continue reading →

Thanks to Barb W. AARP launches fraud and scam support group for victims and family members The AARP Fraud Watch Network and Volunteers of America (VOA) created a new, free program to help you. It’s VOA | ReST, which stands … Continue reading →

Thanks to Barb W. After you get your COVID-19 vaccine, keep your vaccination card safe — scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal your personal information. Don’t share a photo of your COVID-19 vaccination card online or … Continue reading →

Thanks to Mary M. From: “AARP Fraud Watch Network” <AARP@email.aarp.org> Subject: First Came Phishing, Now There’s … Smishing A fraud alert from Doug Shadel, Washington State Director | View email online   First Came Phishing, Now There’s … Smishing   Dear Mary, Most of … Continue reading →