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Data Doctors: What to do about random PayPal security messages 09/08/2022 11:03am • Q: I suddenly started getting security pass codes from PayPal even though I wasn���t using it. Does this mean someone has my password and is trying to get in? A: It can be quite disconcerting to get a random message from a service provider with a security code, but you're experiencing one of the WTOP's tech director offers tips for dodging onslaught of 'robotexts' 08/13/2022 05:50am • Did you receive texts last month from a mysterious 12-digit number offering you $5,000, or an onslaught of misspelled messages asking you to text 'STOP' back? If so, Robokiller says you got some of the estimated 12 billion "robotexts" sent to phones across the country. More Tech News The top 10 consumer complaints from 2021 08/08/2022 04:39pm • In 2021, state, local and federal agencies received millions of complaints from consumers, and again the top category for complaints is auto sales and repairs, according to the Consumer Federation of America. ���These complaints tend to rise to the top just because this subject affects so many pe How DC, Md., Va. are fighting illegal robocalls 08/02/2022 04:00pm • Virginia, Maryland and D.C. have joined a nationwide task force to fight the onslaught of robocalls coming from overseas. The newly formed anti-robocall task force intends to target telecommunication companies that are gateway providers ��� companies that bring foreign robocalls into the U.S. Venmo the wrong person? It���s actually pretty common 07/18/2022 08:30am • Peer-to-peer payment platforms, such as Venmo, Zelle and PayPal, have become hugely popular. A recent LendingTree survey found that 84% of consumers have used a "P2P" service, and 44% of those who do, use them at least once a week. More Business News More Local News The app Tips to help avoid falling victim to persistent robocall scammers 07/14/2022 06:57pm • Robocalls and con jobs are on the rise, and even smart people are falling for the scams. A D.C.- based consumers' group has advice for how to be just a little more cautious and less vulnerable. "You really do have to be on guard ��� it's just a game of whack-a-mole for the regulators to prevent t Prince William Co. police warn of phone call scammers impersonating officers 06/26/2022 10:29am • Scammers are calling Virginia residents and impersonating law enforcement, Prince William County police said. Police said residents reported the calls, in which the scammers told them that they had an active warrant for their arrest, and could resolve the matter by showing up for a Zoom appearanc McLean man offering fake computer tech support gets federal jail time 06/06/2022 05:11pm • When a computer locks up and a pop-up notification on the screen says to seek assistance to remove malware, people might not feel they have an option other than to comply. That is one of the scams Bruhaspaty Prasad, 33, of McLean, Virginia, pulled off while conspiring with several other people �� Loudoun Co. warns residents of jury duty phone scams 05/19/2022 05:55pm • Don't fall for a new scam: It involves jury duty. Loudoun County, Virginia, authorities are reminding residents to be aware of jury duty scams. People report receiving phone calls in which a caller claiming to be a local sheriff's deputy says an arrest warrant has been issued against them because FBI sounds alarm about scams targeting older Americans 05/11/2022 06:23pm • America as a country is growing older, and as more Americans get ready to put their life savings to work in retirement, more scam artists are trying to make sure there's no savings left to live on. Last year alone, Americans over the age of 60 were scammed out of almost $1.7 billion. It's a probl Got a new job offer from Inova Health System? It might be a scam 04/25/2022 08:23am • Scammers are pretending to be from a D.C. area hospital system to try to get personal information from people ��� and they aren���t targeting patients with fake overdue hospital bills. They're targeting people looking for a job. Inova Health System said fraudsters are pretending to be recruiters wi Questions to ask before paying any medical bill 04/09/2022 09:10am • A single stay in the hospital can result in a bewildering array of bills covering a number of services and providers. Some statements may provide scant details to justify charges while others could include descriptions or codes that make little sense to the average person. "There's a lot of mista Data Doctors: Is Facebook Protect a scam or legit? 03/11/2022 02:16pm • Q: I keep getting emails that say that I need to turn on Facebook Protect ��� is this a scam or is it legit? A: We���ve all been warned that phishing emails are one of the most common methods used by hackers to compromise our accounts, so it���s natural to suspect anything that looks like it���s ���Grandparent scam��� victim: Don���t fall for it like I did 02/23/2022 12:15pm • The so-called ���grandparent scam��� is making its rounds in the region, and one victim is now explaining exactly how it works, hoping to prevent others from getting swindled. Prince George's County police have released this photo of a suspect wanted in three recent "grandparent scams" (Courtesy Maryland State Police warn of unemployment scam 02/16/2022 02:35pm • Authorities in Maryland are warning of ���ongoing and evolving��� fraud scams targeting residents��� unemployment insurance benefits. State police and the Maryland Department of Labor Unemployment Division said the scammers have been reaching out via text, email or phone call. Their goal is to