Meta and Maryland logos with text stating Attorney General Brown Issues Warning on Investment Scams on Meta Platforms.
#scamalert Scammers are using social media platforms to promote fake investments using fake ads, “insider” tips, or videos that look real. Take your time, do your research, and be cautious before investing. If something feels off, it likely is.
Read more: oag.maryland.gov/News/Pages/C...
2/ It's important to Pause. Question. Protect your information and money.
Read the full report: www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport...
1/ The #FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows that Cyber-related crimes cost Americans nearly $21 billion in 2025. Last year, IC3 received more than 1 million complaints, with about 45% of those involving cyber-enabled fraud or scams, accounting for 85% of the reported losses.
It’s Day 5 of #AmericaSavesWeek 2026! Today’s theme, “Your Story, Your Future,” is all about building the future you want—one step, one decision, one goal at a time.
What’s one step you can take today to get closer to your goals? #ASW2026
We joined Fairfax County Consumer Affairs and many other local federal and county agencies from the DMV at #MWCOG to discuss a regional scam awareness campaign. Three simple words can serve as a powerful scam interruption tool: Pause. Question. Protect. #hocoscamsquad
For Day 4 of #AmericaSavesWeek, we’re focusing on rewriting the debt narrative. Debt is just one chapter in your financial story. As you work toward paying it down, remember: every dollar paid is progress & proof of your resilience. #ASW2026 #tacklingdebt #savings #financialconfidence
It’s Day 3 of #AmericaSavesWeek 2026: Dream Big, Plan with Purpose! Whether you’re saving for a new home, a degree, or a trip, the key is starting with one clear goal. Choose a milestone you want to save for and take one small step toward it today!
Head over to #AmericaSaves to learn more. #ASW2026
Our friends at @america.saves will send you resources, information, and nudges that help you stay on track with your savings goals. Consider them your savings accountability partner! Just visit americasaves.org/pledge to sign up! #ASW2026
It’s Day 1 of #AmericaSavesWeek! Today we're focused on building a strong foundation & the basics: planning, saving, and building habits you can count on. Take a small step that makes a BIG impact: set up or increase your automatic savings! #ASW2026 #savings #automaticsaving #financialconfidence
This April Fools’, criminals are trying to prank you harder than your friends. The Office of Consumer Protection is here to help avoid these cons, crimes and scams. We provide helpful tips, scam awareness, and are available by phone, email and in person. Visit us at www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer
The #IRS has issued its 2026 Dirty Dozen of common tax scams. Read up and stay protected! #hocoscamsquad #ScamAlert
www.irs.gov/newsroom/dir...
A new report from the Consumer Federation of America projects that Americans are losing an estimated $119 billion every year to online scams. This “true” cost of scams is estimated to be over seven times higher. See how the DMV compares to other areas in the report 👇
consumerfed.org/reports/true...
2/ Ask for their OCP solicitor ID, get their business card, but do NOT show them your bill no matter how aggressive they get or story they tell about getting fired. If they have your BGE account number, they can switch your supplier without you knowing it. That is "slamming." #hocoscamsquad
🚨#ScamAlert 1/ We've been tipped off that door-to-door scammers are in the County, pretending to be from BGE or a community solar provider, demanding to see your bill and taking a photo of it.
2/ Learn more at 👇www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer-protection/your...
1/ Whether a troop leader, teacher, librarian, parent or guardian, if you're looking for an easy way to teach kids about their digital footprints, Your CyberFeet is for you. This is an "off the shelf" module with video, lesson plan, and project to guide you through a 30-minute activity.
Q & A graphic
Our #AdvisoryBoardonConsumerProtection has created a mini quiz to help you test your internet safety skills. Here's the inaugural Scam Smart Howard: A Consumer Protection Quiz. Share your score below! 👇
www.canva.com/design/DAHEy...
The #FBI has a new Fraud Alert about red flags of common scams they see. Before handing off money or information, read this checklist of red flags:
www.ic3.gov/outreach/bro...
#scamalert from @MD_MVA: If you received a suspicious text, please delete it immediately! The MVA will never reach out via text asking for personal information or payment. #hocoscamsquad
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 👇
In April, we are hosting State & local experts for a landlord-tenant webinar series each Tuesday evening: Safe & Legal Housing; How the Tenant Bill of Rights Empowers Renters; Rental Assistance 101; Understanding Fair Housing Protections
Register for one or all: tinyurl.com/TenantTuesdays
2/ Not all online training programs are legitimate. Scammers promote fake courses and misleading certifications. #hocoscamsquad Read more 👇
scambusters.org/training-sca...
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.
3/ Our presenter is Mark Steinbach, retired attorney, consumer advocate and member of the DC Consumer Rights Coalition. During his 46 years of law practice Mark Steinbach represented hundreds of consumers tricked by car dealers into paying high prices for their vehicles.
2/ We’ll cover common car buying & financing mistakes. Registrants will receive valuable car buying and negotiating advice.
Registration Required: tinyurl.com/CarBuyingDec...
1/ Car Buying, Decoded: Basics to Advanced Tactics (Webinar). Thursday, April 9, 6:30-7:30pm
Buying a car can be confusing & difficult. This webinar will teach you how to buy or lease a new or used car for a fair price. Learn to spot & avoid dealer traps & tricks that enrich them but cost you $$.
For #NCPW2026, Federal Trade Commission 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:
www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
2/ 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.../con....
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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.