Sign in

Howard County Office of Consumer Protection

@hococonsumer.bsky.social
109 followers 60 following 325 posts

Office of Consumer Protection helps protect Howard County MD consumers resolve disputes & enforces consumer laws. Links provided do not mean endorsements. Howard County Government's Social Media Comments Policy, at www.howardcountymd.gov/socialmediapolicy

PostsRepliesMedia
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
New toolkit from #FCC
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
@pastatepolice.bsky.social warns this perennial favorite of domestic criminals who know how our local law enforcement officers speak. Criminals use a victim’s personal data to make contact posing as police or sheriff, & demand payment. Police never ask for untraceable methods of payment for fines.
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
So excited to bring the @hocofec.bsky.social to Howard County. Now everyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Howard County MD can get free professional financial counseling. You can watch the ribbon cutting here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK39...
youtube.com
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Cuts Ribbon on the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) 9-21-2026
YouTube video by HowardCountyGov
010
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
#HoCoGov Dept. of Planning & Zoning (DPZ) is warning #HoCoMD residents of an email scam where scammer impersonates DPZ staff, even its Director Lynda Eisenberg, & demand payment for forms. THIS IS A SCAM! Governments will NEVER demand wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment, or cryptocurrency.
000
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
Consumers' Checkbook @checkbook.org · 08/09/2026
Moving this year? Read this first. Our Executive Editor Kevin Brasler talked to @aarp.org about the mistakes that turn a move into a disaster—the red flags people miss, the contract clauses, and the one question you should always ask before signing with a mover. www.aarp.org/money/person...
aarp.org
8 Costly Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Curb expenses and mitigate the risk of damage to your possessions with these tips
011
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
2/ Don't give info or money over the phone or in person even if they know your name, address, or other personal details. They could even provide a badge number, case number, or employee ID number. For more on how to spot and protect against government imposters see: scambusters.org/government-i...
scambusters.org
Government Imposters Are Stealing Our Data | Scambusters.org
Government imposters: They pretend to be from federal, state, county, or city agencies. Learn how these scams work before you become a victim.
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
1/ Always be wary of unexpected calls claiming to be the FBI, IRS, MVA, Police, or other government agency--especially if money is at issue. #hocoscamsquad
100
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#naturaldisastermonth Register today for this free program from @mdmema.bsky.social and @mdinsuranceadmin.bsky.social
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Scammers exploit new eligibility or process changes. Check in with #HowardCountyHealthDepartment for more information on what these Medicaid changes mean for you.
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
What to Know About Amazon’s New Scam Detection Tool: @aarp.org explains how the often impersonated company is using Alexa to help customers spot fraud www.aarp.org/money/scams-...
001
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Concert and sporting event tickets sell out fast but you find a good deal online for resale. Are they fake or real tickets? Is it a phishing scam? #ScamBusters tells you how to stay safer online when shopping for special event tickets. scambusters.org/ticket-event...
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
#ScamAlerts Unused or dormant accounts might seem safe, but they can be easy targets for scammers. Criminals often target inactive accounts because users do not check them regularly for unauthorized activity. Read more from #ScamBusters scambusters.org/dormant-acco...
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
2/ #scambusters has more on how to stay safe: scambusters.org/pop-up-ad-sa...
scambusters.org
Pop-Up Ad Safety: How to Recognize Legitimate Ads and Avoid Scams
Pop-Up Ad Safety Tips: Scambusters #1,234 Pop-up ads can show up quickly, but so can online scams. Many websites use pop-ups to promote newsletters, discounts, or other important messages. However,...
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
1/ Pop-up ads can be annoying or online scams. Websites use pop-ups for promotions and discounts but cybercriminals use them for fake websites and fake pop-up messages to trick people into clicking on harmful links, installing unwanted software, or sharing personal information.
Example of pop up ad
100
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Do you want to Stop Unwanted Calls, Mail, and More? #ConsumersCheckbook tells you how www.checkbook.org/washington-a...
Unknown call on cell phone with stop hand
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Maryland residents carrying student loan debt have until September 15 to apply for Maryland’s Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit for Tax Year 2026. #MDHigherEdComm has more 👇 onestop.md.gov/forms/studen...
Graphic with student, loan docs, laptop and financial imagery
010
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The #IRS warns of digital assets scam sending fake IRS letters directing you to enroll your cryptocurrency in a non-existent “Digital Asset Compliance Portal.” Do not scan the QR code or give personal/financial information. Stay alert and report these scams at www.irs.gov/scams
Image of fake IRS form with QR Code
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
If someone instructs you to use a #CryptoATM, gift cards, or an unfamiliar app to move money, pause before you pay. These unusual money transfer methods are major red flags for #fraud. Learn more from #CFTC at: www.cftc.gov/Learn.../Adv...
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
New law alert from #MarylandVolunteerLawyerService
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Your phone rings with a FaceTime call from an unknown email address or number. It may be a wrong number or a scam. Criminals will engage you, see your face or get info. These calls could potentially be part of a larger effort to manipulate, harass, scam, or get data. scambusters.org/facetime-cal...
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The #FBI warns that scammers are spoofing their main phone numbers and encouraging you to download an encrypted application to continue conversations. Report these calls to the #FBI at IC3.gov
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Unfortunately, older Americans are frequently targeted by scammers. This #SeniorCitizensDay, review the #AmericanBankersAssocation's 14 red flags for elder financial abuse: aba.social/47aMLTA
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The Howard County Landlord Tenant Publication is live and translatable in various languages using the website's translate feature. Need a direct hyperlink to a specific language? Just give us a call. www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer-pro...
000
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission @cpsc.gov · 10/08/2026
Videos shared online may depict squishy toys — including popular animal, food, and character-shaped squeeze toys — expanding, changing texture, or bursting when heated. These demonstrations are dangerous and should never be attempted or imitated. Learn more: www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/New...
"Warning: hot squishy toys can cause severe burns" with an image of a squishy toy inside a car.
420168
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
#hocoscamsquad
011
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
In light of last night's storms, please be on the lookout for "storm chasers" Here's more on some common post-storm scams. www.fcc.gov/consumers/gu...
fcc.gov
010
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Are ads on social media vetted or checked for scams? No and criminals are capitalizing. Here’s what to know by #federaltradecommission: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...
000
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
Maryland Insurance Administration @mdinsuranceadmin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Periodically check for unauthorized activity on any deed or title to your property! The MIA is encouraging consumers to understand the risk of deed fraud, also called title fraud. Read more: insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pag… #MDInsurance
A shield and warning symbol over a property deed document.
011
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection has moved! You can now find the office at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia. Questions: Reach us at Consumer@howardcountymd.gov, 410-313-6420 or 410-313-3820 (Chinese, Korean or Spanish voicemail).
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Good rule of thumb: tech support won’t reach out to you first, says #NationalCybersecurityAlliance. So be skeptical of every unsolicited call, email, text, and pop-up, especially if they claim your device has a problem. Read for more tips on tech support scams: hubs.la/Q04qmQdL0
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Blog: www.tuteladigitalis.com/blog/scammer...
tuteladigitalis.com
Scammer Tactics: The Sales Playbook Run on You | Tutela Digitalis
A scam is a sales pipeline run by trained closers. A sales professional maps all six stages — the list, the open, qualifying, the pitch, the objection graveyard, the close — with the tell at each one....
110
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"A scam is not a trick you failed to spot — it is a sales pipeline executed by trained people: a lead list, a scripted open, qualifying questions, an emotional pitch, rehearsed objection handling, and a hard close." Read a blogger's comparison of scam compounds to old school sales techniques👇
110
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
2/ BUT debit card fraud has a 60-day reporting deadline before you could be fully liable for the transaction. Read your statements and question unexpected charges. Read the survey results and report: 👇 www.frbservices.org/news/press-r...
frbservices.org
While specific fraud and scam patterns differ across payments channels, a clear theme emerged: financial institutions are seeing more fraud attempts and losses, with criminals increasingly using techniques such as impersonation, social engineering and credential compromises.
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
1/ The Federal Reserve Financial Services' fraud survey found that debit (not credit) card fraud was the type of payment fraud most reported by financial institutions, with 75% of institutions reporting attempts. It estimated it resulted in 40% of total payment fraud losses-up 4% year over year.
100
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
As a veteran, you know how important it is to have protections against cybercriminals for your business. Your best defense is an informed workforce, so here are some free resources from #FederalTradeCommission to help you start the conversation with your team. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...
consumer.ftc.gov
Veterans: Here’s help to protect your small business
As a veteran, you’ve worked hard to protect our country. And if you’re a veteran-run small business, you know how important it is to have protections against scammers and cybercriminals. Your best def...
010
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Online ads are annoying. Fake ones that spread malware are even worse. Learn more about malvertising (malicious advertising) from #NationalCybersecurityAlliance and how to avoid it: hubs.la/Q04ptNvd0
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
What if identity theft hits your credit card, your email, and your mortgage all at the same time? That could happen. Read #IDTheftResourceCenter 2026 Trends in Identity Report to learn how to protect yourself: idtheft.center/4oU2nok
000
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
NEW YouTube video: The results of Checkbook's investigation into outlet malls. We found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains on leftover or slightly damaged retail merchandise. bit.ly/4vzyMBX
011
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
2/But *72 activates call forwarding, giving control of your phone to the inmate -- who then makes long-distance phone calls or racks up fees on 900 numbers on your bill. If you get one of these calls, please report it to us or to the #FederalTradeCommission. #hocoscamsquad
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
1/A local consumer reported that the old Jailhouse Jingle or *72 Prison scam may be coming back. An inmate calls collect from jail and tricks you into dialing a number starting with *72.
100
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
False EOBs received or other Insurance Fraud matters can be referred to the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) through the following link: insurance.maryland.gov/.../pages/fi...
insurance.maryland.gov
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
2/ Report on medical device insurance scams by Bakarika Corp www.bbb.org/.../not.../b... Examples of scams reported about this scam can be found at www.bbb.org/scamtracker/... (search for "Bakarika")
bbb.org
100
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
1/ #hocoscamsquad discussed an increase in fake insurance claims by providers you have never met. Please review your EOBs and challenge any claims for services and devices you have not received. Read more below from #bbbgreaterMD & @mdinsuranceadmin.bsky.social 👇
100
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Pause. Question. Protect your money. #hocoscamsquad #ScamAlerts
000
Reposted by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
OUTLET MALLS: DO THEY OFFER REAL SAVINGS? Consumers’ Checkbook investigated 40 brands operating off-price stores and found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains. So, how can you tell what’s a real bargain and what’s not? bit.ly/4fkUTr2
021
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
2/ Wire transfer scams using digital apps are becoming more common, targeting users of popular platforms like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal. Learn more on protecting your money from #scambusters tips: scambusters.org/digital-wire...
scambusters.org
Digital App Wire Transfer Scams: How to Protect Your Money | Scambusters.org
Digital wire scams are quick ways where criminals trick people into sending money online. Once the money is sent, it is often hard to get back. Understanding
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
1/ Digital payment apps have changed how we send and receive money, making transactions faster and easier. However, this convenience has also opened the door for scammers to take advantage of people.
100
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
As streaming services become more popular, scammers trick users w/ fake login pages, phishing emails, & false subscription offers. They can lead to stolen information, unauthorized charges, or malware infections. #scambusters has more 👇 scambusters.org/streaming-se...
scambusters.org
Your Favorite Streaming Service is Being Hijacked | Scambusters.org
Scammers are using your favorite streaming platform to steal your money. Read on for more details!
000
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection @hococonsumer.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
2/ #scambusters covers top 5 scam tricks: scambusters.org/debt-collect...
scambusters.org
Don't Fall Victim: How to Spot and Avoid Debt Collection Scams | Scambusters.org
Debt collection scams are increasing. Scammers pretend to be real debt collectors to trick people into paying debts they do not owe. These scams can be
000