Archives - Scam Alert


Don’t ever give out your DoorDash password

DoorDash tells its customers, “No one from DoorDash will ever request your password or security code, nor will anyone from DoorDash ever give you a specific password you should use.” A scammer may try to steal your personal information by sending a text message or calling and pretending to be Support. They may even know […]

How to protect yourself from phishing scams related to COVID-19

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers to be wary of phishing scams related to COVID-19. With the vaccine rollout well underway, scammers have taken the opportunity to contact people claiming to have vaccine information or even miracle cures in an attempt to obtain sensitive information from them. Others go a different route, pretending […]

Watch out for charity scammers

Here’s how it works: Someone contacts you asking for a donation to their charity. It sounds like a group you’ve heard of, it seems real, and you want to help. How can you tell what charity is legitimate and what’s a scam? Scammers want your money quickly. Charity scammers often pressure you to donate right […]

Do your research for safe online job hunting

Looking for a new job can be a daunting process, and frequently involves the exchange of personal information with complete strangers–which is why job seekers are an enticing target for cyber criminals. Conduct a web search of the hiring company using the company name only. Results that return multiple websites for the same company (e.g. […]

Recognize charity scams

Charity scams are a predictable feature of any major disaster. Usually, these scams have tell-tale signs such as typos, odd return email addresses and aggressive marketing language. Just to be safe, check for guidance from bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission, and avoid opening any messages with senders you don’t recognize.

Don’t expect emails from the IRS

The IRS is the only source of official guidance on tax refunds and stimulus payments. The agency doesn’t directly email individuals and will instead reach out only via mail. For all other information, the IRS website is your best bet, as it includes lots of FAQs and some online tools for helping you calculate tax […]