Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
@HoCoConsumer
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Office of Consumer Protection helps protect Howard County consumers resolve disputes and enforces consumer laws. Links provided by OCP do not mean endorsements.
Columbia, MD
Joined January 2010
Public Charging Stations Are a Hacker's Playground: "Juice jacking" thru public charging stations at airports, malls, etc. could be used to steal data, install viruses, and compromise your security. Read more by #ScamBusters #ScamAlert #ScamSquad
https://t.co/To62d5dBA9
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If you are a Howard County resident, please contact the Office of Consumer Protection if you have been a victim of "bandit" towing.
We are advising Marylanders to use caution after a vehicle accident or mechanical failure that requires towing assistance. Learn what precautions can help you avoid scams, save you money and protect your vehicle -- plus your personal belongings. Read more: https://t.co/Cxege1LqlT
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3/ For more on how to build wealth, set money goals, and obtain loans see
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1/ It’s Day 4 of #VeteranSavesWeek & today we’re focusing on housing. From renting to buying to finding stable housing, every step is easier with a savings plan in place. Take the Veteran Saves Pledge & set your housing goal today. https://t.co/aQWvYURnYf
#VSW2025 @VeteranSaves
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2/ To learn about common moving scams and how to safely choose a mover watch https://t.co/t5GoCqgPEZ
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1/Transitioning to civilian life often comes with relocation expenses. Get tips from @VeteranSaves on budgeting for your move and handling the financial challenges that come with it. https://t.co/gYZYNoNOzd
#VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025
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#ScamAlert Transnational elder fraud scheme thwarted by The United States Department of Justice. Do you want to see how the phone scam boiler rooms operate? The press release👇 includes photos of workspaces, scripts and score cards tracking "success" by "staff." #ScamSquad
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Being banked means safety, access, and stability. Learn why it matters for Veterans and how programs like the @VBBPforVets connect you to trusted institutions from @VeteranSaves. Read More: https://t.co/MjNEFaSPIa
#VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025
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Being laid off is stressful; there are steps Veterans can take to protect their finances. Here are 7 practical actions to take after a layoff, from covering essentials to using available benefits. #VeteranSavesWeek #VSW2025 @VeteranSaves
https://t.co/EnfbzmAYMy
veteransaves.org
Learn what financial steps Veterans can take after a layoff, from covering essentials and using benefits to starting small with savings. Take the Veteran Saves Pledge for support and resources.
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Kicking off #VeteranSavesWeek by supporting this month's legal clinics. Come meet our staff and hear about how we can help veterans and active military members with their landlord, consumer and scam avoidance needs.
LIVE from @HoCoGovExec's press conference to kick off #VeteransandMilitaryFamiliesMonth by announcing the launch of programs & events to support #HoCoMD #veterans, active, & retired military personnel & their families; https://t.co/1IW7sDWgy2.
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2/ Making even a small payment can restart the clock on the statute of limitations and legally revive the debt. For more on time limits on debt see
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1/ This Halloween, we warn of Zombie Debt which means an old debt that has been revived, even if the debt is no longer legally enforceable. This includes debts already paid off, no longer on credit reports, discharged in bankruptcy, or are beyond the statute of limitations.
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Have you heard the term "shrinkflation"? Do you know how it works? Here's a @USGAO report that explains the impact on your grocery items. https://t.co/bD7RK5Q2VY
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2/ 1. Fake tech support contact you (phone/text/email/popup) to download software for fake virus scan & ask you to open bank accounts 2. Fake bank agent calls & tells you to move money for safety 3. Fake law enforcement calls to arrange for the transfer of money
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1/ ALERT: @FBI warns of the "The Phantom Hacker" scam which impersonates tech companies, banks, and government officials to convince you that foreign hackers have infiltrated your accounts. The Phantom Hacker uses AI and follows three steps:👇👇👇
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2/ For more on gift card scams see @FTC 's Consumer Advice at
consumer.ftc.gov
Only scammers will tell you to buy a gift card, like a Google Play or Apple Card, and give them the numbers off the back of the card. No matter what they say, that’s a scam. No real business or...
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Gift/reloadable debit cards are a favorite of criminals calling with a fake emergency (missed jury duty, sick family member etc). Once you give the numbers on the back the money is immediately drained. Hang up on anyone demanding these cards. Gift cards are for gifts! #ScamSquad
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