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3 Amazon Scams to Avoid 08/23/2018 08:00pm • If you're an avid Amazon shopper, you may be leaving yourself vulnerable to cybercrime and scam artists. Why? Criminals go where the money is, and Amazon is an influential and popular retailer. Here's the reality: While you may think your personal information is safeguarded, con artists are more sop Scammers are posing as DC officials demanding money: police 07/26/2018 04:29pm • WASHINGTON ��� D.C. police are warning residents to be wary of callers posing as D.C. officials demanding money. D.C. police on Thursday said the scammers are calling people and threatening arrest or prosecution if money is not paid immediately. The fraudsters, often based overseas, are altering How Prospective International Students Can Avoid Scams 07/22/2018 08:00pm • As part of a U.S. college search, some prospective international students and their parents will research campus safety. While looking into safety statistics and resources, families may come across mentions of fraud schemes that target international students in the U.S. Scammers may contact a poten Va. police warn of phone scams targeting sex offenders, seniors 06/24/2018 11:19pm • RICHMOND, Va. (AP) ��� Virginia police say they've seen an alarming increase in phone scams targeting senior citizens and convicted sex offenders. State police say one popular scam features a caller saying a relative has been arrested and needs a substantial amount of money to be released. Pol Va. state police warn of scams targeting the elderly and sex offenders 06/21/2018 09:24pm • WASHINGTON ��� Reports of scammers targeting residents in Northern Virginia are on the rise. Virginia State Police said they are seeing an ���alarming increase��� in fraudsters using threats to motivate people to send them money or gift cards. In one case, a scammer tries to convince the perso How Do Money Orders Work? 06/21/2018 08:00pm • Money orders offer a safe alternative form of payment to a regular check. Think of it this way: Getting a money order is a little like using a check that has already cleared the bank. For example, if somebody gives you a money order worth $100, it's as good as cash once you deposit it at your bank DC Water warns customers of technician scam 06/21/2018 07:50am • WASHINGTON ��� A local utility company warns that a recent scam could be coming to your door if you live in the D.C. area. DC Water is warning customers that scammers claiming to represent the utility may be calling and asking for personal information or to send a technician to your home. Two How to fight robocalls, spam texts bombarding your phone 06/14/2018 10:11pm • Q: My cellphone is suddenly getting bombarded with spam calls. What can I do? Robocalls and spam text messages are among the top consumer complaint filed, according to the Federal Communications Commission, and it���s not likely to change anytime soon. The Federal Trade Commission is attemptin Tips for beach rentals through VRBO, Airbnb 06/13/2018 12:15am • EDITOR'S NOTE: The housing bubble before the recession drove prices up at the Delmarva beaches. Then prices sank. It's been nine years since the end of the recession. So have the beach communities recovered? In the series, Beach Real Estate Guide, WTOP's Colleen Kelleher brings you advice on buying, Everything You Need to Know About Alternative Mortgage Lenders 06/06/2018 08:00pm • The 21st century is an incredible time to be a homebuyer. In decades past, your mortgage options were likely limited to whatever your local bank was willing to offer you. But today's marketplace offers a refreshing array of options. With the rise of alternative lenders, homebuyers are able -- now m 10 Social Media Posts That Can Endanger Your Finances 05/23/2018 08:00pm • When oversharing costs you moneyPublishing the details of your personal life on social media may seem like a harmless pastime. But if you don't share wisely, your posts can have real financial consequences. "There's a tremendous connection between the kind of information you share on social media an Police: Scammers imitate priests via email to defraud area congregations 05/11/2018 08:56pm • WASHINGTON �����The Archdiocese of Washington and of Arlington are working with investigators to track down a phishing scam. In it, police said the scammers pose as priests and pastors to try and defraud the faithful. The scam was detected in the D.C. region a month ago, and continues to pop up. 10 Financial Scams to Avoid in Retirement 05/08/2018 08:00pm • Those who have saved consistently are likely to enter retirement with a large nest egg. While your accumulated savings can provide a comfortable living, this strategy also has certain risks. Predators know that many retirees have spent years saving, and thieves set up specific schemes geared toward How to Freeze Your Credit 05/06/2018 08:00pm • It's an awful feeling -- that dread in the pit of your stomach and the rising panic when you discover that someone else has tapped into your credit. The damage of identity theft can be significant, particularly if left unchecked. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself. A credit freeze, Jury duty scam hits Loudoun Co. 04/20/2018 11:20am • WASHINGTON ��� Loudoun County residents should beware of a scam phone call from someone claiming to be a sheriff's deputy. Loudoun Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary M. Clemens said the individual is using the name of an actual Loudoun County Sheriff deputy and is calling residents asking them to pa