Howard County Office of Consumer Protection

Fake tickets are blanketing the US. They look real, have names of real court systems and judges with real-looking case numbers. If you're not sure it's a fake, check the court docket online at casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch

Here's the latest crossword from our #AdvisoryBoardonConsumerProtection Drop your answers in the comments 👇

Buying a car can be confusing and difficult. This webinar will teach you how to buy or lease a new or used car or truck for a fair price, spot and avoid dealer traps and tricks and cover common car buying and financing mistakes. Registration Required: tinyurl.com/CarBuyingDecod…

2/ Not all online training programs are legitimate. Scammers promote fake courses and misleading certifications. #hocoscamsquad Read more 👇 scambusters.org/training-scams…

1/🚨#ScamAlert If scrolling through social media, you may see ads for easy certifications, guaranteed income, or government-funded training. These ads look professional & often include testimonials, claiming limited spots.

🚨Be aware of this phone scam in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officers in an effort to steal personal information. Remember, law enforcement agencies will never call or text individuals and request money. Always verify who you're speaking with. #ScamAlert

For #NCPW2026, @FTC is holding a webinar TODAY on how to spot and avoid job scams. If you're job hunting, you don't want to miss this: ftc.gov/news-events/ev…

2/ Search for consumer guides, learn about tenant rights, or reach out directly to the office at 410-313-6420 with questions at howardcountymd.gov/consu.../consu…. Follow @hococonsumer and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for regular updates.

1/ #NCPW2026 may be coming to an end, but our work doesn't stop there. We are here to help our county consumers year-round. Whether you are a tenant with a question about your lease, a homeowner hiring a contractor, or a resident buying a used car, OCP is here for you.

#ScamAlert #HoCoScamSquad

🎶 You're the next contestant on... Spot the Bot! When it comes to an AI-enhanced scam, can you spot the fake?

A credit freeze is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft. When your credit is frozen, criminals can't open new accounts in your name. Credit freezes are free. A simple step. Powerful protection. #NCPW2026

Our Advisory Board on Consumer Protection has this #scamalert for #NCPW2026

Happy National Consumer Protection Week, Howard County! This week, we are joining partners nationwide to educate & empower you to fight scams, identity theft, & fraud and to make safer financial decisions. Stay tuned all week for practical tips to keep you and your family safe.

Consumers have reported unfair financing practices by shady home improvement companies when it comes to high value renovations too. Always talk to a trusted financial institution before financing home repairs.

Scammers now use data, algorithms, automated systems that analyze personal information & predict behavior. This helps criminals target victims accurately. Knowing how this works is important for protecting yourself. Read on for this week's #ScamBusters scambusters.org/algorithm-scam…

4/ If you believe you may have been a victim of a phone scam, call @HCPDNews at 410-313-2200 or file an online police report at hcpd.org. You can also call #HoCoScamSquad at 410-313-6420

3/ Don't feel pressured to make a decision on the spot, and never give out personal or financial information over the phone.” Similar scams involve impostors claiming to be w/the IRS, FBI & BGE.

1/ #SCAMALERT by @HCSOnews warning residents that scammers call & pretend to be from the Sheriff’s Office, using the name of a REAL deputy on a warrant for missed jury duty. Victims are told they must pay a fine over the phone.