Westchester Consumer Protection

Educate consumers, enforce consumer protection laws, inspect scales/gas stations/stores & license contractors.
914-995-2155 or [email protected]

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Protect Your Mail:
Thieves actively target residential mailboxes with the red flag up - treating it as open invitation to steal your outgoing mail. The best practice is to drop mail into slot inside the Post Office. Collect incoming mail daily & use USPS Hold Mail if going away.

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Sweepstakes Scams! -You're asked to pay something to get your prize - a fee or tax - but real Sweepstakes don't do this. -They ask you to pay by wiring money or sending gift card info (harder to track/can't get money back). -Don't give them bank or credit card info. Be careful!

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Fake/scam texts & emails are going around pretending to be from US Postal Service, UPS, E-Z Pass or DMV - they're phishing attacks - fraudsters make these texts & emails appear to be coming from legitimate entity - if you get one - DELETE IT - don't click on link!

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Stay Safe Online – Be Safe – Always Do This:
1) Lock down your login with strong passwords, a password manager & multi-factor authentication.
2) Back up your data regularly to the cloud or an external drive.
3) Antivirus software is worth it.
4) Update your software regularly.

[IRStaxsecurity @IRStaxsecurity]

Many scams use fake #IRS social media pages to steal your information and money. For your #TaxSecurity, learn to spot a fake: https://t.co/NGR6ZVkAnB

[Social Security OIG @TheSSAOIG]

🚨 Scam Smart Tip
Stay one step ahead of scammers.
#ScamSmart #FraudPrevention #SocialSecurity

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Secure Records at Home:
Don’t leave checkbooks, financial statements or IDs in plain view of visitors. Lock sensitive documents in desk or fireproof safe to prevent guests from photographing them with cell phone. Don’t make it easy for people to see your personal information.

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

RECEIVE LETTER ON DATA BREACH?
-Change passwords & enable multi-factor authentication!
-Review Account Statements & Credit Reports w/ Equifax, Experian & TransUnion!
-Sign up for fraud alert or credit freeze on Credit Reports!
-Accept free identity theft protection if offered

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Be Careful When Setting Passwords:
-Create complex/unique passwords
-Change passwords routinely
-Use two-factor authentication
-Enable facial or fingerprint authentication
-Consider password manager
-Always have antivirus software
PROTECT YOURSELF: create hack-proof passwords!

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

ADVICE TO AVOID SCAMS: Scammers try to pressure you into making quick/rash decisions. Stay calm! Refuse to be rushed! Don't respond to threats! If it's robocall from alleged Gov or Utility, usually it's best to HANG UP! Then you call the proper number & check if there is an issue

[Social Security OIG @TheSSAOIG]

Scammers target everyone - students, parents, teachers. Real agencies never threaten you or ask for personal info. Protect yourself: https://t.co/y5DVFpKYR5 #HallPassToSafety #ScamAwareness #BackToSchool

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Shred Sensitive Documents:
Criminals "dumpster dive" for bank, credit card or tax records – your garbage is a prime target for fraud. Always use a shredder for personal & confidential documents. Westchester Residents: Use our County’s Mobile Shredder at recycling events.

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

More advice when setting online passwords:
- At a minimum, you MUST use 8 characters mixed with upper & lower case letters + numbers.
- If you use 12 characters with mixture of upper & lower case letters, numbers & symbols (! or ?), it'll take hackers thousands of years to break!

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Religious Group Scam in Area!
Scam uses fraudulent emails or texts asking parishioners to donate to local houses of worship - asking for cash or gift cards!
Don't respond - call house of worship to verify - don't click links - don't be rushed - always deliver donations directly!

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Be Careful: WiFi hotspots aren't safe!
-Not safe like Home WiFi w/ passwords & encryption
- Hackers target free WiFi spots & see what you're doing on computer
- Only surf websites, don't enter any Login Info like Passwords
- Never check bank/financial sites
- Consider VPN

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Watch for Shoulder Surfers:
When using an ATM or filling out forms in public, cover the keypad or shield your paperwork. Be aware of anyone nearby who may be eavesdropping - modern phone cameras can capture sensitive data. They may be stealing your confidential information!

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Scammers Tricks on Donations:
-Try to rush you to make donation
-Thank you for donation you never made
-Alter caller ID to look like local phone #
-Use similar names of real charities
-Make vague/sentimental claims without specifics on how donation is used.
PROTECT YOURSELF!

[Westchester Consumer Protection @WestConPro]

Some consumers use online services to get referrals for home improvement contractors, landscapers, plumbers & electricians, but be careful, they don't always refer LICENSED contractors - please use our website to ensure the contractor you hire is LICENSED. https://t.co/bez1jgUsPV

[Westchester Parks @WestchesterPark]

We are hiring! Find further job information and apply now at https://t.co/dYNP8vxER8.

Current Positions
- Recreation Attendant: Perform routine cleaning, maintenance, event setup, and operational duties.

[IDTheftCenter @IDTheftCenter]

Did you know identity criminals only need you to reply once? Swipe to see some of the most common scam text openers and what you can do instead.