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As the holiday season approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting consumers, prompting agencies and lawmakers to take action to protect the public. Ed Bartholme, chief of the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, said scammers “adapt their messaging and their pitches to what is out there in the news to make it seem more real.” The Federal Communications Commission proposed new rules in October to provide consumers with more information about incoming calls. Bartholme explained, “I think we’re all familiar with caller ID on our phone. We know that sometimes those numbers are spoofed. We, for the past couple of years, we’ve been working to make sure spoofing doesn’t happen.”Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire is investigating the rising rate of scams, especially during the holidays. “I’ve talked to lots of people in New Hampshire who have been victims of scams, some of them have lost their life savings,” Hassan said. Hassan emphasized the vulnerability of consumers during this time, stating, “I really just want people to be aware that they’re targeting you this time of year because they know people have saved up money and they know they’re shopping, and people are really vulnerable right now.”According to the Joint Economic Committee, scam activity surged last year. It reports phishing emails mimicking major U.S. retail brands like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy increased by more than 2,000% during the peak holiday shopping period. Black Friday and Cyber Monday phishing scams rose by nearly 700%. Hassan warned, “We want people to know some of the websites that may pop up on your screen are scam websites. They’re designed to make you think you’re buying from a legitimate retailer.”Bartholme advised consumers to be cautious, saying, “Once you start to feel that pressure, that’s a sure sign that it’s likely a scam call and the first thing to do is to just disconnect.” If you suspect you are being scammed, you can report fraud to the FTC on its website or contact your local police department. Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
As the holiday season approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting consumers, prompting agencies and lawmakers to take action to protect the public.
Ed Bartholme, chief of the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, said scammers “adapt their messaging and their pitches to what is out there in the news to make it seem more real.”
The Federal Communications Commission proposed new rules in October to provide consumers with more information about incoming calls. Bartholme explained, “I think we’re all familiar with caller ID on our phone. We know that sometimes those numbers are spoofed. We, for the past couple of years, we’ve been working to make sure spoofing doesn’t happen.”
Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire is investigating the rising rate of scams, especially during the holidays. “I’ve talked to lots of people in New Hampshire who have been victims of scams, some of them have lost their life savings,” Hassan said.
Hassan emphasized the vulnerability of consumers during this time, stating, “I really just want people to be aware that they’re targeting you this time of year because they know people have saved up money and they know they’re shopping, and people are really vulnerable right now.”
According to the Joint Economic Committee, scam activity surged last year. It reports phishing emails mimicking major U.S. retail brands like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy increased by more than 2,000% during the peak holiday shopping period. Black Friday and Cyber Monday phishing scams rose by nearly 700%.
Hassan warned, “We want people to know some of the websites that may pop up on your screen are scam websites. They’re designed to make you think you’re buying from a legitimate retailer.”
Bartholme advised consumers to be cautious, saying, “Once you start to feel that pressure, that’s a sure sign that it’s likely a scam call and the first thing to do is to just disconnect.”
If you suspect you are being scammed, you can report fraud to the FTC on its website or contact your local police department.
Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
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