With consumer fraud on the rise, how can you effectively protect yourself? The first step is to know the facts. We’ve compiled information about consumer fraud protection in Pennsylvania so that you can take that first step. Plus, find out how to avoid popular forms of fraud and get resources that are available to PA residents.
Compare these statistics to some of the national averages reported by the Consumer Sentinel Network.
It can be scary to receive a call that you owe money. While debt collection is a legitimate business, there are plenty of scam artists who resort to illegitimate schemes relating to debt collection. Watch out for these warning signs:
Read more about how to handle debt that reaches collection here.
These criminals use your identity information for a variety of unsavory reasons including, emptying your bank account, maxing out your credit cards, opening utility accounts, getting your tax refund, or getting medical treatment on your insurance.
IdentityTheft.Gov lists these clues as warning signs that you’ve been a victim of identity theft:
They also provide a list of what to do if specific identity information has been lost or stolen. We also have 6 more tips on how to protect your identity.
The basis of an imposter scam is that the scammer poses as someone you think you trust and convinces you to send them money. These scammers may pose as:
Be wary of any calls or emails that ask you to make a wire transfer or want you to send the money immediately without independently confirming their information.
You can submit consumer complaints to the attorney general and get access to dozens of resources about consumer safety. They also have multiple fraud-related helplines anyone can call. We’ll list those numbers below.
Senior Protection – 866-623-2137
Consumer Protection- 800-441-2555
Public Engagement – 800-525-7642
Health Care – 877-888-4877
Do Not Call – 888-777-3406
Military and Veterans Affairs – 717-783-1944
Home Improvement Consumer – 888-520-6680
You can also enroll in PA’s Do Not Call List here. This list will drastically reduce the number of calls you receive from telemarketers.
PA Department of Banking and Securities (DOB)
File complaints with the department here. In addition to consumer complaints, the DOB provides resources for how to properly investigate a financial service, product or company before doing business with them.
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
The NCUA has an entire office devoted to consumer financial protection. On their online consumer assistant center you can file a complaint, ask questions, and find valuable advice on how to avoid fraud.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Use this resource to file complaints, and find out the latest fraud schemes they’ve identified in the U.S.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
This site was created by the FBI to monitor white collar crimes that occur specifically online. You can file a complaint about the crime directly on the site.
If you have any specific fraud-related questions, please leave them in the comments below. Our experts will be happy to help you find the best course of action.
Our members can sign up for our exclusive Benefits Plus program that includes identity theft protection in addition to discounts. In the event your identity is stolen, you’ll have a team of licensed attorneys who specialize in identity theft recovery available through Benefits Plus to provide you comprehensive support to resolve your situation. If you’re a member of AmeriChoice, you can visit any of our locations to sign up. Get more details here.