Happy New Year

Happy New Year! The new year is a time for resolutions particularly surrounding behaviors we want to change or improve. I'd like you to consider adding one more resolution to your list: safeguard your online presence. There’s no such thing as perfect privacy or security, but there is a lot you can do to protect yourself online. January 24-28th is Data Privacy Week which creates awareness about the importance of online privacy. Read the article below to get tips on how to keep your online privacy, well private.
 
Our community continues to be heartbroken by the Marshall Fires that affected so many. Sadly, scammers swoop in during natural disasters often posing as 'support companies’ offering services or posing as charities helping those impacted by the disaster. Please do your research before giving money to a charity. Utilize the website Charity Navigator to do a quick name search and get details and ratings about the business. Additionally, make sure the charity is a legally-formed entity by checking if it is registered in Colorado. 

Beth
KEEP YOUR DATA PRIVATE
Many stores require that you provide personal information such as your email address, your age, your location, even your contacts list before interacting with their website. Every time you go online you generate data that businesses collect about you to use or sell. From what you buy to activities, behaviors, and interests, your personal information is a commodity to businesses. 
 
There are steps you can take to learn about the types of data you’re generating online and how your data is collected, shared and used. The tips in this article can help you make informed decisions to weigh whether the data being asked of you is worth the benefits you may receive in return. 
TWO NEW WARNINGS
ISSUES WITH AUTO RENEWALS?

Have you ever signed up for a service or subscription thinking it was a free offer only to be billed after the free trial period ends? As a consumer, you have the right to not be charged for a service or product you didn’t ask for.

BUYING COVID SUPPLIES?

As COVID continues to spread, more people are turning to the internet to purchase protective gear and rapid at-home COVID tests. 

Do NOT assume that all online sellers of these supplies are legitimate or that the at-home test kits are FDA approved.

Go to the FDA’s lists for antigen diagnostic tests and molecular diagnostic tests to make sure that the test you’re buying has been authorized by the FDA. If you can’t find the test’s name, then it hasn’t been authorized for use in the U.S.

  • Research the seller before you buy, especially if it’s a site you don’t know. Search online for the website, company or seller’s name along with words like “scam,” “complaint” or “review” and see if anything concerning pops up.
  • Compare online reviews from a variety of websites.
  • Pay by credit card. (If you’re charged for an order you never got, or for a product that’s not as advertised, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.)

This is a list of currently approved at-home COVID-19 tests available at U.S. stores: Abbott BinaxNOW, Quidel Quickvue, Acon FlowFlex, Ellume and Pixel by LabCorp.
Do you suspect you've been scammed or exploited? Report it to us by calling our Fraud Hotline.

Contact
The Denver DA's
FRAUD HOTLINE
720.913.9179

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM FRAUD AND SCAMS


We offer FREE virtual presentations on how to protect yourself from fraud and scams. Call to schedule "Stand Up Against Fraud" to learn about scams happening in our area.
Contact:
Maro Casparian| amc@denverda.org|
720-913-9036