Archives - Scam Alert


Don’t engage with unsolicited tech support calls: How to spot the scam and protect your device

A random caller says your computer has a virus. A pop-up says your device is infected and tells you to call a support number. A “technician” offers to fix everything if you just grant remote access and pay a fee. That is the classic tech support scam — and it is still catching people off […]

Setting up student loan payments safely: How to make sure you’re using the right provider and not a scam site

Starting student loan repayment can feel stressful, especially when you’re asked to enter highly sensitive information like your Social Security number, date of birth, home address, bank details, and sometimes parent information. The safest move is simple: make sure you’re dealing with your actual loan servicer or the official federal student aid website before you […]

Don’t click “unsubscribe” in a spam email: How to avoid phishing, malware, and inbox-targeting scams

That “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of a shady email can look harmless, but in the wrong message, clicking it can make things worse instead of better. Cybersecurity experts generally recommend a simple rule: if the email looks suspicious, don’t click anything in it — including unsubscribe links. The safer move is usually to mark […]

Cybersecurity and July 4th: How to avoid travel scams, public Wi‑Fi risks, and phishing over the holiday weekend

July 4th is a time for road trips, cookouts, fireworks, and quick online bookings—but it also creates the kind of rushed, distracted moments scammers love. Federal agencies warn that travel, public Wi‑Fi, fake invitations, and oversharing on social media can all raise your cybersecurity risk when you’re away from home. The threat is not hypothetical. […]

Why are scam calls using your area code? How to spot neighbor spoofing before you answer

If a call comes in with your area code — or even the same first six digits as your own number — it’s easy to assume it might be local, urgent, or worth answering. That’s exactly what scammers want. The FTC calls this trick “neighbor spoofing,” a tactic where scammers fake caller ID to make […]

How to use Do Not Disturb to block scam calls before they reach you

Scam calls work because they catch you in the moment. Your phone rings, the number looks familiar, and the caller sounds urgent. Before you know it, you’re answering questions, confirming details, or listening to a fake warning about your bank account, package delivery, computer, or taxes. One simple way to lower that risk is to […]