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‘Brushing’ scam indicates serious problem for victims

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Free box loads of merchandise from Amazon or other companies right on your doorstep? What could be bad about getting the Santa treatment all year long?

(Kindel Media/Pexels)

While free merchandise might sound nice, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers this recent scam has a scary downside, according to a news release.

This scam is called brushing, and it has recently been popping up nationwide. Suddenly, boxes of unordered (by the recipient) merchandise from Amazon or other online sellers begin arriving. There is no return address, or sometimes it just appears to come from Amazon or another retailer, and the receiver has yet to learn who ordered the items. The items are varied. For example, in one case, a humidifier, a hand warmer, a flashlight, a Bluetooth speaker and a computer vacuum cleaner arrived unordered. Often, the items received are lightweight and inexpensive to ship, such as ping pong balls, face masks or seeds from China.

Why would such merchandise be sent to you if you didn’t request it? The companies, usually foreign third-party sellers that are sending the items, are simply using your address they discovered online. They intend to make it appear that you wrote a glowing online review of their merchandise and that you are a verified buyer of that merchandise. They then post a fake, positive review to improve their products’ ratings, which means more sales. The payoff is highly profitable from their perspective.

In a recent BBB Scam Tracker Report, one consumer shared, “A mysterious package was delivered to my home from a person I do not know, without me ordering any such package. When I tried to look up the return address, the search returned “brushing scam” hits.”

Why it’s bad news for you

The fact that someone could have the items sent to you as if you purchased them indicates they have some of your personal information, such as your name, address and possibly phone number. Once the information is online, it could be used for numerous crooked enterprises.

The fake online review angle is only one way they benefit. By using the brushing scam, they also are increasing their sales numbers. After all, they aren’t purchasing the items since the payment goes right back to them. Increased sales numbers, even though padded with fake purchases, look good for the company and help lead to more sales.

Then there is the “porch pirate” angle. There are instances where thieves use other people’s mailing addresses and accounts, then watch for the delivery of the package so they can steal it from the door before the resident gets it.

What can you do?

  • Notify the retailer. Brushing and fake reviews are against Amazon’s policies, so contact Amazon Customer Service if this happens to you and the product appears to come from Amazon. They will investigate and take action against the bad actor. Amazon also takes security seriously and encourages customers to report fraudulent purchases or other security issues. If the package appears to come through another established business, go directly to their website to get their contact information. If you prefer to contact the business by phone, be cautious about searching for support phone numbers.
  • Attempt to identify the sender. If you can identify the sender of unordered packages, consider checking for potential false reviews in your name and ask for the reviews to be removed.
  • Check your account for recent orders. Some targets of brushing scams can be deluged with unordered packages, creating a serious problem. If this happens, consider whether to refuse package delivery at your home address and temporarily direct items that you did order to a package acceptance service.
  • Change your account passwords. This may be a sign that personal information has been compromised, and to improve account security, keep a close eye on credit reports and credit card bills.
  • You are allowed to keep the merchandise. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says you have a legal right to keep unordered merchandise.
  • Protect your identity. The BBB advises to take all necessary precautions to prevent identity theft. Be careful when entering personal information online and ensure you use a secure site.

 

Published August 28, 2024.

Trainor kicks off tour with Hollywood, Tampa dates

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It’s been 10 years since Meghan Trainor debuted on top of the charts with the single “All About That Bass.” (Lauren Dunn/Live Nation)

Meghan Trainor is hitting the road next month to promote her sixth full-length album, “Timeless.” Florida residents will be among the first to see the Grammy winner on stage, according to a news release.

This comes as Trainor announced an expansion of “Timeless” with a new Deluxe Edition. The expansion includes three new songs. 

“I’ve been saving these songs for a minute now,” Trainor said of her new music, in the release. “The deluxe album is the perfect way to get the recognition that they deserved. I can’t wait to sing them with everybody on the road next month!” Trainor will embark on her first tour in seven years, the Timeless Tour, which kicks off on Sept. 1 at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. 

She’ll also perform at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa on Sept. 2. 

“Lil Boo Thing” crooner Paul Russell and older brother Ryan Trainor are scheduled to accompany the singer on both dates. Natasha Bedingfield will join Trainor on some of the 26 shows as well.

Another approach considered to control invasive species

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The Pasco County Planning Commission found a proposed amendment to Pasco County’s Land Development Code (LDC) pertaining to controlling invasive species to be consistent with the Pasco County Comprehensive Plan during its Aug. 8 meeting in Dade City.

The proposed amendment to the LDC is one sentence that says: “Invasive species located within the area of the project proposed to be developed are required to be removed (and) ongoing maintenance to prevent the establishment of prohibited, invasive species is required.”

This recommended change to the LDC came after county staff withdrew from consideration a proposed new ordinance, which was several pages long, specifically addressing the control and eradication of invasive species. 

This occurred after the July 11 planning commission meeting in which answers were not available regarding how and by whom the proposed ordinance would be enforced if it was adopted.

Jennifer Seney, a Wesley Chapel resident and longtime environmental advocate, told planning commissioners on Aug. 8 she was disappointed that the original proposed ordinance had been withdrawn. Some neighboring counties, including Hillsborough, have ordinances specifically addressing invasive species, Seney said. 

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold its first reading of this proposed amendment to the LDC on Aug. 21, and it will be scheduled for possible adoption on Sept. 3. This is because the BCC has the final authority on whether to adopt the proposed amendment since the planning commission only acts in an advisory capacity regarding such matters.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended that all applications for car washes be conditional use requests, similar to those required for cell telephone towers. (Pascal Preti/Getty)

It was also recommended to the BCC that all applications for car washes should be considered as conditional use requests, similar to those required for cell telephone towers. 

This recommendation was made following a lengthy presentation and discussion regarding whether proposed amendments to an ordinance addressing car washes were consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Their recommendation specifically stated that car wash conditional use requests should be required to meet design standards as currently presented by staff, and that a special set of conditions, similar to those used for cell towers, be created for car washes.   

Planning commission members agreed this would make it simpler for both the public and car wash applicants to understand what was going to be required for such applications to be approved. Also, county staff would be granted flexibility in determining what conditional use conditions would pertain to each car wash applicant. 

The BCC will hold its first reading of this proposed ordinance on Sept. 3 and it will be scheduled for possible adoption on Sept. 17.

In other business, planning commission members:

  • Recommended that the BCC approve with conditions a rezoning request made by Kokolakis West MPUD – SR 52 Limited Partnership and Jen Holdco LLC on approximately 177.48 acres located in central Pasco County. 

The property is currently zoned A-C Agricultural District and it’s being requested that the zoning be changed to a Master Planned Unit Development District (MPUD) to allow for the maximum development of 155 single-family detached dwelling units, 67 single-family attached dwelling units, 168,799-square-feet of Support Commercial, and 125,000-square-feet of Corporate Business Park/Target Industry/Light Industry and Associated Infrastructure. 

  • Recommended that the BCC approve with conditions a rezoning request made by Fletcher MPUD, et al, for approximately 100.6 acres near the Pilot Country Airport in north central Pasco County. The applicant wants to be allowed to develop 350 Multi-family Dwelling Units, 160 Town Home Dwelling Units, and 100,000-square-feet of Commercial and Associated Infrastructure there. 

The current zoning of the property is A-C Agricultural District and R-1MH Single-Family/Mobile Home District and the applicant wants it to be changed to a Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD). The Pilot Country Airport didn’t oppose the request that the BCC will consider at its Aug 21 meeting in New Port Richey.

  • Continued a decision until Oct. 17 on whether a special exception and a zoning change requested by Lakeshore Blvd LLC should be recommended for approval by the BCC. 

The applicant wants to be allowed to use approximately 3.62 acres of property located at 13939 Lakeshore Blvd., in Hudson, for freestanding commercial and recreational vehicle and boat storage purposes. The property is currently zoned PO-2 Professional Office and MF-2 Multifamily Medium Density District and it is requested that it be changed to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District. The property is approximately 233 feet southwest of Fivay Road. 

The applicant would be required to repave the portion of Lakeshore Boulevard to where it connects with Fivay Road. A separate entrance would have to be incorporated into the project design, complete with a gate and a fire truck turn-around for emergency access. 

The possible expense of repaving the appropriate portion of Lakeshore that is necessary so it would meet county standards was one of the reasons for continuing a decision. This occurred after Lakeshore Blvd LLC’s representative indicated the applicant wanted to see if other people who would benefit from improvements would be willing to share the costs. Planning commission member Jon Moody said he didn’t think neighbors would be willing to chip in on the cost to repave that portion of the road.

Planning commission members also wondered why the property couldn’t be used instead for professional offices that could be occupied by medical doctors, due to its close proximity to Bayonet Point Hospital. 

Published August 21, 2024

Florida’s combined sales tax rate is mid-pack compared to other states

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(The Center Square) – According to data from a national tax policy group, Florida’s combined sales tax rate ranks 24th.

The Washington D.C.-based Tax Foundation ranked Florida as the 24th highest combined state/local sales tax rate at 7%. The state sales tax is 6% and the average county levy is 1.02%. Groceries and prescription medicines are exempt from sales tax. 

(PhotoAlto/James Hardy/Getty)

The Sunshine State is one of 38 states that allows local sales taxes and 45 out of the state’s 67 counties add one, with the lowest being Citrus County with a combined rate of 6.5%. The maximum local surcharge is 1.5%. 

According to data from the Florida Department of Revenue, sales tax revenues added up to $35.8 billion of the state’s $47.33 billion in total collections or 75.6%. 

Florida has lower sales tax rates than its neighboring states. Alabama is fifth highest with a combined rate of 7.06%. Georgia (19th) has a rate of 7.38%.

Regionally, only Mississippi (7.06% combined rate, 22nd) and South Carolina (7.5% for 19th) are lower than Florida’s rate.

Nationally, Louisiana was highest with a combined rate of 9.56%, followed by Tennessee a tick behind at 9.55%, Washington was fourth (9.38%) and rounding out the top five was Alabama (9.29%).

Alaska has the lowest combined sales, as cities levy an average of 1.82%, but the state doesn’t charge sales tax. Five states – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon – don’t collect sales taxes. 

The Tax Foundation says sales taxes are responsible for 32% of state tax receipts and 13% of local tax collections, adding up to 24% of combined revenue.

Published August 21, 2024

Florida regulators to consider TECO rate hike

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(The Center Square) – Florida regulators are a step closer to coming to a final decision over a proposed rate hike by one of the Sunshine State’s largest electricity providers.

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) held a prehearing conference on Aug. 8 on a petition filed by Tampa Electric Company (TECO) to increase its base rates for over 810,000 commercial, residential and industrial customers in Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Tampa Electric Co smokestacks. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

If approved, the proposed rate hikes would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025 and will add $17.46 to a residential customer’s monthly bill if they use around 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. In January 2026, the average monthly bill for 1,000 kWh will increase again from $153.90 to $160.73.

During the prehearing, the Florida Office of the Public Counsel’s Patty Christensen stated that the witnesses needed more time to summarize their testimonies and asked if they could have their time extended past five minutes.

“These are extensive, large, complicated testimonies that we would like to have at least sufficient time for witnesses to summarize and we’ve been able to do that in five minutes and it has not dragged the proceedings down,” Christensen said.

The final hearing on the rate increase will be held on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22. More than 30 witnesses will testify in front of the commission.

Duke Energy Florida had its final storm restoration recovery costs approved by the commission, totaling $431.4 million. According to a news release from PSC, the recovery costs will cover several tropical storms and hurricanes, including Ian and Nicole in 2022.

The commission previously approved an interim storm restoration recovery charge of $5.09 per customer using 1,000 kWh per month. Duke currently has over 2 million customers spread throughout a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. This charge will continue until Dec. 2024.

The PSC also announced that it had approved demand side management goals for TECO, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, the Orlando Utilities Commission, and the JEA utilities company in Jacksonville.

Demand Side Management (DSM) aims to manage consumer demand for energy while conserving it. It includes a series of activities and programs implemented by utilities and government agencies to ensure customers get the best rates possible. Energy conservation goals begin in 2025 and run through 2034. The last time DSM goals were approved was in 2019.

Published August 21, 2024

Women business owners lead with passion and optimism for success

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Passion, collaboration and community are keys to running a successful business. That’s according to a recent survey of women business leaders as part of the biannual Economic Outlook Survey from PNC, a financial services company.

Passion and personal satisfaction for their business or industry is a top factor women business leaders cited for starting and staying in business, with 43% of respondents choosing that over financial success (35%) — the next most common factor. This passion was one key differentiator between women and men business leaders, with only 28% of men reporting personal satisfaction as a primary driver of staying in business.

(MoMo Productions/Getty)

“For many women business owners, starting and running a business is born out of a personal interest or an opportunity to make a difference in the community,” said Shana Peterson-Sheptak, head of business banking at PNC. “That’s not at the expense of profitability, but it shows the power of being passionate or satisfied with what you do.”

Positive outlook
Respondents noted more than just passion for their businesses, though, they also reported optimism about the next six months, both for the economy and the success of their ventures. Women leaders were more likely than men to expect increases in demand (51% to 49%), sales (51% to 49%), prices of their goods and services (49% to 40%), and profits (52% to 43%) in the coming months. They also were more likely to expect their own compensation and retirement savings to increase — a significant change since PNC’s fall 2022 survey when women leaders were less likely than men to expect increases in those two metrics.

While both women and men leaders were highly optimistic about their near-term prospects for their business, women were significantly more likely to express confidence in the national and local economies than men, 64% to 51% and 72% to 60%, respectively. Of those who expressed greater optimism for their business prospects than the national economy as a whole, nearly 80% of women leaders attributed their optimism to confidence in their own abilities.

“Better than expected economic performance in the first part of 2024 is creating optimism for many business leaders as a whole,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “But women are especially confident that both their businesses will be successful in the coming months and their abilities as leaders will help make them so.”

Providing support
There are significant differences between men and women in terms of what they feel they need to succeed and how they prefer to receive support, according to the latest survey results. While peers in the field are the most popular form of support for both women and men business leaders (64% to 69%, respectively), women indicate they are more likely than men to consider support from community, friends and family vital to their business success (62% to 41%).

That support extends to banking relationships. PNC survey feedback has shown that women financial decision-makers seek out relationships that extend beyond banking products and services to include financial education and community connections.

“Women entrepreneurs are leading with passion for their business, confidence and optimism for the future,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “We need to make sure we have the resources and people to support their success.”

-StatePoint

Published August 21, 2024

UnBinged: Watching the Detectives — Reviews of ‘Bad Monkey,’ ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ & ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’

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Evildoers beware. A brand new wave of sleuths has set forth to solve the onslaught of fictional crimes that flooded streaming services as of late. From teen investigators looking for extra credit to classic comic characters in new adventures, these self-appointed detectives are part of a new wave of vigilante do-gooders looking to make streaming a safer place to wander. But are they worth watching? Parent’s take note — “Bad Monkey” and “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” are rated TV-MA and intended for mature audiences, and “Batman: Caped Crusader” is rated TV-14.

(Apple TV+)

‘Bad Monkey’ (AppleTV+)
Mostly known for its tourist-filled beaches, intrusive gator population, mugshots of colorful locals, and large assortment of family friendly theme parks, Florida is also a veritable hotbed for seedy criminal activity, at least according to primetime and cable. In the ’80s, the Sunshine State boasted popular fictional and fashionable vice squads while more modern series offered vigilante serial killers and forensics shows. And now Apple TV+’s new dark comedy offers its take on Florida and those who dwell there. Based on Carl Hiaasen’s cult favorite tome, “Bad Monkey” spotlights greed, corruption and a mystery of missing limbs.

Vince Vaughn steps into the (gum)shoes of curmudgeon Andrew Yancy, a former homicide detective forced to work as a health inspector in the Keys, but hasn’t quite embraced his new role as he still investigates a previous case. After a severed arm is fished out of the harbor, Yancy’s fate becomes a chain reaction of events, one more ludicrous than the next, as each oddball character in his life steps up to the plate for a moment to shine in a bizarre mystery surrounding the detached arm, which may or may not involve a homicide. 

Among the kooks who occupy a spot on Yancy’s short list of possible suspects are Eve Stripling (Meredith Hagner), the arm’s widow who isn’t too bent out of shape about the overall condition of her deceased husband Nick, and Caitlin (Charlotte Lawrence), Nick’s daughter who despises both her father and his choice in wives. Mix in his kinda-sorta girlfriend with a hidden backstory (Michelle Monaghan), a sarcastic coroner (Natalie Martinez), a vexed Bahamian local displaced by Eve and her new beau (Ronald Peet), a real estate bro with no moral compass (Alex Moffat), a voodoo queen (Jodie Turner-Smith), and the titular bad monkey, and the series offers a veritable crockpot of oddballs, eccentrics and outsiders to keep audiences on their toes. 

Though the mystery of the arm quickly unravels with few surprises, the curious collection of deviants who populate this little corner of Florida, as well as Vaughn’s trademark snark — a skill he’s been perfecting since his “Swingers” days — is what makes the series so engrossing. The result is an easy-breezy, well-written jaunt filled with enough off-the-wall moments to hold the attention of even the most persnickety viewer. “Bad Monkey” emphasizes Vaughn’s comedy chops and what he can do with fun material as the series places him firmly back to leading man status.

(Prime Video)

‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ (Prime Video)
Before he became the scowl with a growl in a cowl on the prowl for Gotham’s foul, Batman was a vigilante crime fighter who was viewed as a menace to both law enforcement and lawbreakers. The terror of the night, Batman was an enigma before Gotham City Police Commissioner Jim Gordon learned to trust him as the “World’s Greatest Detective.” And in “Batman: Caped Crusader,” the Dark Knight gets a cultural reset to the golden age as the animated period piece embraces its noir roots to give the bat a proper playground. 

Executive produced by titans of geekdom Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves, “Caped Crusader” continues the long tradition of allowing the toon versions of the Dark Knight to out-gloom his live-action counterparts. Boasting a retro look that harkens back to Bob Kane’s original aesthetic from the Detective Comics era and Max Fleischer’s “Superman” series from the ‘40s, “Caped Crusader” attempts to follow in the large footprints of the much beloved “Batman: The Animated Series” by giving audiences that they want: A brooding Bat with a lively Rogues Gallery, but with a few new twists to keep things intriguing. 

Overhauling classic characters gives the series the ability to explore and create new aspects of their personality and lore. Barbara Gordon is reborn as a headstrong defense attorney while Dr. Harleen Quinzel has kept her medical degree and uses it to her crooked advantage. Oswalda Cobblepot is now a maniacal mama and mob boss, and attorney Harvey Dent is, well, still a jerk. Some things never change.

Hamish Linklater is the latest voice actor to slip on the cape, bringing a proper amount of gravitas to both the Caped Crusader and the man whose millions fund his nighttime proclivities, Bruce Wayne. But the show spares no expense with the rest of the spirited voice cast, including Christina Ricci as Selina Kyle, Diedrich Bader as Dent and Minnie Driver as the Penguin.

“Caped Crusader” digs deep into the shadows of Batman’s history to create fastidiously crafted, slightly macabre stories that both lean into its heritage while retconning the mythology. And while not every episode is a grand slam — there are a few misses here and there — the core stories should appeal to longtime fans looking for new Batman adventures.

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ (Netflix)
Five years ago, the small village of Little Kilton, Buckinghamshire, was rocked to its core by the murder of Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies), a popular high school student who was killed by her boyfriend Sal (Rahul Pattni), who then took his own life due to the guilt. But thanks to a meddling kid with an ambitious school project, Andie’s case isn’t quite as open and shut as it once was. 

(Netflix)

Welcome to “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” based on the book series by Holly Jackson. The “Good Girl” in question is 17-year-old Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers), a true crime enthusiast with a soft spot for Andie’s ex, and thus a reason to prove him innocent. Pip means to solve Andie’s case and find her true killer, regardless of the fact that few others want her to investigate.

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” combines teen drama with crime procedurals to create a riveting series made endearing by solid performances from its young cast. Though not the most complex character to ever emerge in the teen gumshoe space, Pip is definitely charming. Compelled to always tell the truth no matter what and curious to the point of self-peril, Pip makes an admirable Nancy Drew 2.0 for the Gen Z sect. Part Encyclopedia Brown, part modern-day Velma without the horrific revision from Kelly Kapoor, Myers carries the series and manages to stay amiable despite her constant prying.   

The mystery series is perfect for the young at heart who love a good teen whodunit, but a bit juvenile for those looking to feed their need for the usual foreboding murder show. Myers and her cohorts share an authentic chemistry while she pesters her way through Andie’s former friend group to find the answers she requires, making them equally annoyed and angry, and perhaps even dangerous. The series is overall a bit too sugary-sweet to truly scratch the itch for any true crime junkie looking for a fix. But for fans of teen dramas who like their saccharine entertainment with a hint of darkness, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” can satisfy that sweet tooth.

Published August 21, 2024

Florida officials work to divest from Chinese government-owned companies

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(The Center Square) — The Florida State Board of Administration Audit (SBA) Committee met the week of Aug. 12 to discuss the Sunshine State’s investment performance and some changes that will impact foreign investment from certain countries.

Chris Spencer, the SBA executive director, was tasked by Gov. Ron DeSantis to analyze the state budget upon his appointment. Spencer said during the committee meeting that they have seen a 9.3% increase year-over-year and credited the state’s recruitment and retention efforts, as well as a major focus on Florida’s IT overhauls.

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers passed House Bill 7071, which limits the investments the SBA can hold on behalf of the Florida Retirement System which invests in companies owned by the Chinese government.

(Sutthipong Kongtrakool/Getty)

The bill prohibits the SBA from investing further in these Chinese companies. Furthermore, the SBA must identify any current holdings and divest from these interests by Sept. 1, 2025.

In the bill’s summary, it states that preliminary data from November 2023 showed approximately $277.1 million worth of holdings in 211 Chinese companies.

Spencer’s two main focuses in his analysis were overseeing the implementation of the bill and updating the state board on its current status. He found that the number of Chinese companies was much higher than initially thought.

“We fully implemented that when the governor signed this bill into law in June, we identified initially 547 publicly traded entities in China that would fall under that criteria and we’ve initiated contact now with our fund managers to implement divestment from that,” Spencer said at the audit meeting on Monday

Florida lawmakers previously enacted HB5C in 2023, which expands the criteria for prohibited investments and “scrutinized companies” related to Iran. This includes companies with assets linked to Iran and involved in the financial, manufacturing, petrochemical, energy, mining and shipbuilding sectors.

Spencer said that as of June 2023, 13 companies had been added to a continued examination list related to the enactment of the legislation.

“The corporate governance team is going to continue to monitor those companies over the remainder of this year to determine what further action will be required as it relates to those companies,” Spencer said.

The Actuarial Assumptions Conference will be held in October and the SBA will make recommendations to the conference, which will include keeping the current assumed rate-of-return unchanged and increasing contributions to the Defined Benefit Plan.

Published August 21, 2024

How to protect yourself from internet scams

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In today’s digital age, internet scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals across the globe. These scams can lead to financial loss, identity theft and emotional distress. However, by staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes. Here’s how:

1. Be skeptical of unsolicited communications
One of the most common tactics used by scammers is to send unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls that appear to be from legitimate sources like banks, government agencies or well-known companies. These communications often ask for personal information, payment details or direct you to click on a link.

Action tip: Always verify the sender before responding. If you’re unsure, contact the organization directly using official channels rather than the contact information provided in the message.

Avoid accessing sensitive information or making purchases when using public Wi-Fi, like in a coffee shop. (SOPA Images/Getty)

2. Look out for phishing attempts
Phishing scams involve emails or websites that mimic legitimate entities to steal your data. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these scams often prompt you to enter sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, into a fake website that looks real.

Action tip: Check the URL carefully for any discrepancies. Legitimate websites will often have a secure “https” connection and a lock icon in the address bar. If something seems off, don’t enter any personal information.

3. Use strong, unique passwords
Weak or reused passwords can make it easier for scammers to access your accounts. Many scams involve brute-force attacks where hackers use automated tools to guess your passwords.

Action tip: According to Norton, an antivirus and internet security company, a good practice is to use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Include a mix of letters, numbers and special characters in your passwords to increase their strength.

4. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only your password but also a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.

Action tip: Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer it. Even if your password is compromised, 2FA can prevent unauthorized access.

5. Stay informed about common scams
Scammers frequently evolve their tactics, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest types of scams. Common scams include fake job offers, tech support scams, online shopping fraud and romance scams.

Action tip: Regularly visit trusted sources like the FTC or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency for updates on new scams and how to avoid them.

6. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure, making it easier for scammers to intercept your data. According to the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre, using these networks without precautions can expose you to “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where attackers can monitor and manipulate the information you send and receive.

Action tip: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making online purchases on public Wi-Fi. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.

7. Monitor your accounts regularly
Regularly monitoring your bank statements, credit card accounts and credit reports can help you quickly spot any unauthorized transactions or new accounts opened in your name.

Action tip: Set up alerts with your bank and credit card providers to notify you of any unusual activity. If you notice something suspicious, report it immediately.

8. Educate yourself and others
One of the best defenses against internet scams is education. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid becoming a victim, and you can also help protect others by sharing your knowledge.

Action tip: Participate in cybersecurity awareness training and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Share information about common scams and how to avoid them.

While internet scams can be daunting, taking these proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk. Stay vigilant, protect your personal information and always be cautious when interacting online.

Published August 21, 2024

Understanding your credit score and how to improve it

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Your credit score is a crucial financial tool that impacts your ability to borrow money, secure favorable interest rates, and even rent an apartment. Understanding what affects your credit score and how to improve it can help you make better financial decisions and achieve your financial goals. Here’s what you need to know:

The Fair Isaac Corporation created the FICO score. (SOPA Images/Getty)

What is a credit score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness, or how likely you are to repay borrowed money. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better credit health. Lenders, landlords and even some employers use your credit score to assess your financial reliability.

There are several models for calculating credit scores, but the most common is the FICO score, created by the data analytics company officially known as the Fair Isaac Corporation. This score is calculated based on five key factors: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix.

Factors that affect your credit score

  1. Payment history: Your payment history accounts for about 35% of your FICO score. This includes whether you pay your bills on time, as late payments can significantly lower your score. According to an article by MyFICO, the official consumer division of FICO, missed or delinquent payments remain on your credit report for up to seven years.
  2. Amounts owed: The amount of debt you owe relative to your credit limits, also known as your credit utilization ratio, makes up about 30% of your credit score. According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, a high credit utilization ratio can indicate that you are overextended, which may negatively impact your score.
  3. Length of credit history: The length of time your accounts have been open contributes to 15% of your credit score. According to Equifax, another one of the three major credit bureaus, a longer credit history provides more data for lenders to assess your risk, often resulting in a higher score.
  4. New credit: Opening multiple new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as risky behavior and accounts for 10% of your credit score. TransUnion, the third major credit bureau, notes that each time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry is placed on your report, which can lower your score temporarily.
  5. Credit mix: Having a variety of credit accounts, such as credit cards, mortgages and auto loans, makes up 10% of your score. MyFICO points out that a healthy mix of credit types demonstrates that you can manage different types of credit responsibly.
Opening multiple new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as risky behavior and accounts for 10% of your credit score.
(Matt Cardy/Getty)

How to improve your credit score

  1. Pay your bills on time: Since payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score, consistently paying your bills on time is crucial. Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to avoid missing due dates.
  2. Reduce your debt: Work on paying down your outstanding balances to lower your credit utilization ratio. Experian suggests aiming to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your total credit limit, as this can improve your score over time.
  3. Limit new credit applications: Each hard inquiry can lower your score slightly, so apply for new credit only when necessary. TransUnion advises that if you’re shopping for a loan, try to keep your applications within a short period, as multiple inquiries for the same type of loan within a short time frame are often counted as one inquiry.
  4. Keep old accounts open: The length of your credit history affects your score, so it’s often better to keep older accounts open, even if you’re not using them regularly. Closing old accounts can shorten your credit history and negatively impact your score.
  5. Check your credit report regularly: Errors on your credit report can drag down your score. Regularly reviewing your credit report allows you to spot and dispute any inaccuracies. Equifax reminds consumers that you’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Understanding your credit score is essential for managing your financial health. By knowing what factors influence your score and taking steps to improve it, you can achieve better credit and access more favorable financial opportunities.

Published August 21, 2024