Tag:

Financial Security

Saratoga Springs, NY
Business
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know It might look like a message from your bank. It might even sound urgent. But experts warn those texts could be nothing more than a scam designed to steal your money or personal information. Known as “smishing,” these fraudulent texts impersonate banks to trick people into handing over account details.  The scam often follows a pattern: a fake alert about a locked account or suspicious charge, followed by a link to a convincing but fraudulent website.  Entering information there can hand scammers access to your accounts, or worse, install malware on your phone. Your bank will nev…

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by Joe Lombardi
Worcester, MA
Business
MA Named Best State To Achieve 'New American Dream,' Study Says: Here's Why MA Named Best State To Achieve 'New American Dream,' Study Says: Here's Why
MA Named Best State To Achieve 'New American Dream,' Study Says: Here's Why Several Northeast states are among the best places to live the "new American dream," according to a new study. Neil Jesani Wealth Management released a ranking of the top states to achieve the "new American dream." The study compared all 50 states using a Prosperity Index, which includes cost of living, average salary, median net worth, life expectancy, and the share of households worth more than $100,000. CEO Neil Jesani said the findings show how the definition of success is changing.  "The modern American dream is less about a white picket fence and more about stability, balan…

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by Chris Spiker
Saratoga Springs, NY
News
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know The latest trick to drain your checking account doesn’t require your debit card. Just your bank and routing numbers.  Fraudsters posing as prize promoters or special-offer reps convince victims to “verify” account details, then use that information to pull money out—often again and again. Here’s what to know to spot these schemes and protect your money. What They Are These scams hinge on a criminal getting your bank account and routing numbers, often from a check image, a cold call, a mailed postcard, or a too-good-to-be-true email. The criminal then initiates unauthorized autom…

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by Joe Lombardi
Sterling, VA
News
Stacks Of Cash Stuffed In Suitcases Seized At Dulles, Traveler Loses Global Entry: CBP Stacks Of Cash Stuffed In Suitcases Seized At Dulles, Traveler Loses Global Entry: CBP
Stacks Of Cash Stuffed In Suitcases Seized At Dulles, Traveler Loses Global Entry: CBP Holiday travelers were reminded of federal cash reporting laws after more than $111,000 in unreported currency was seized at Dulles International Airport this month, officials said. During August, US Customs and Border Protection officers at the Sterling airport stopped multiple travelers carrying undeclared stacks of cash that far exceeded the $10,000 federal reporting threshold, CBP announced Friday, Aug. 29. The biggest bust came on Saturday, Aug. 2, when officers seized $77,135 from a Global Entry trusted traveler headed to Lome, Togo.  In that instance, the traveler’s Global Entr…

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by Zak Failla
Arlington, VA
Business
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy How much money does it take to feel financially content? A new national survey suggests Americans have a specific number in mind, and it comes with strings attached. The Talker Research survey, conducted for SurePayroll by Paychex, asked 2,000 adults what they would consider the perfect salary.  Respondents pointed to an average figure of $74,000, though nearly one in five said nothing less than six figures would cover their lifestyle. Even so, half of those surveyed said their current pay is not enough to support their needs, and one in four admitted they are unhappy with their incom…

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by Joe Lombardi
Ephrata, PA
Police & Fire
NY Man Who Posed As Fed To Steal Gold Bars From Ephrata Woman Waives Hearing: Police NY Man Who Posed As Fed To Steal Gold Bars From Ephrata Woman Waives Hearing: Police
NY Man Who Posed As Fed To Steal Gold Bars From Ephrata Woman Waives Hearing: Police A New York man charged with stealing more than half a million dollars in gold bars from a Lancaster County woman by posing as a federal agent has waived his preliminary hearing, authorities announced. Zhong Ren, 44, of Brooklyn, waived the hearing on Thursday, July 18 before Magisterial District Judge Torrey Landis, according to Ephrata Borough police and court records. Ren is accused of conspiring with others to steal $555,892 worth of gold bars from the home of an elderly woman on the 200 block of Linda Terrace in Ephrata. The theft happened on the afternoon of April 18, investigators sai…

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by Jillian Pikora
Simsbury, CT
Lifestyle
Future Forecast: Here's How Americans Expect Life To Look In 40 Years Future Forecast: Here's How Americans Expect Life To Look In 40 Years
Future Forecast: Here's How Americans Expect Life To Look In 40 Years Renting forever. Working less. Living with robots. That’s the vision many Americans have for the year 2065. A new survey asked 2,000 adults to imagine what life could look like four decades from now. The predictions suggest a future shaped more by practicality and technology than luxury or tradition. Among the most striking forecasts: Twenty-five percent of respondents said they expect to rent for life, and only 35 percent of non-homeowners believe they’ll ever own property.  As for the price tag? The average home is expected to cost more than $680,000 — about $270,000 higher than to…

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by Joe Lombardi
Alexandria, VA
Lifestyle
These Countries Rank As Most Popular For Americans In Search Of New Life These Countries Rank As Most Popular For Americans In Search Of New Life
These Countries Rank As Most Popular For Americans In Search Of New Life Is an international exodus on the horizon? A new survey finds that 17 percent of Americans would like to move abroad within the next five years, with Canada topping the list of preferred destinations. The Talker Research survey of 2,000 American adults, conducted online from Wednesday, Feb. 7, to Saturday, Feb. 10, also found that 5 percent plan to relocate overseas in the next few years, while 2 percent have already started the process of moving abroad. Where Americans Want To Go The study revealed that more millennials (25 percent) than any other generation are interested in making an in…

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by Joe Lombardi
Mount Vernon, NY
News
$400K In Fraudulent Transactions Found On Account Belonging To Mount Vernon: City Officials $400K In Fraudulent Transactions Found On Account Belonging To Mount Vernon: City Officials
$400K In Fraudulent Transactions Found On Account Belonging To Mount Vernon: City Officials Officials in Mount Vernon are working to recover $400,000 in unauthorized transactions after detecting fraudulent activity on a city account.  The City Comptroller's Office reported the unusual activity after receiving electronic notifications of suspicious transactions and fraudulent calls attempting to impersonate individuals related to the account, according to a statement released by the city on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Immediate action was taken to address the issue, and an investigation confirmed the fraudulent activity, officials said. The city soon notified the bank and was able to sto…

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by Ben Crnic
Atlantic City, NJ
Business
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …

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by Joe Lombardi
Albany, NY
Business
Minimum Wage To Increase In NY: Here's When, How Much Minimum Wage To Increase In NY: Here's When, How Much
Minimum Wage To Increase In NY: Here's When, How Much New Yorkers earning minimum wage will see an increase in their paychecks.  This change, which takes effective on Wednesday, Jan. 1, is part of a broader state initiative aimed at easing the financial burden of rising living costs. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the plan as part of a multi-year agreement with the state legislature.  In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, the hourly pay will increase from $16 to $16.50.  Meanwhile, the rest of the state will see a jump from $15 to $15.50.  Further annual adjustments linked to inflation will begin in 2027. …

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by Joe Lombardi
North Hunterdon, NJ
Police & Fire
Phone Scammer Stole $13K From Elderly Woman: NJSP Phone Scammer Stole $13K From Elderly Woman: NJSP
Phone Scammer Stole $13K From Elderly Woman: Njsp Police are attempting to identify and locate a phone scammer that took $13,000 from an elderly woman in Hunterdon County last month, authorities said. On Thursday, July 25, an elderly woman received a pop-up alert on her computer, falsely warning her of a virus and instructing her to contact Microsoft, the New Jersey State Police said.  The victim was told to contact the TD Bank Fraud Office at a phone number later determined to be fraudulent, police said. The individual posing as a bank representative convinced the victim that she needed to withdraw $13,000 from her account to protect…

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by Sam Barron
Fairfield, CT
Police & Fire
Skimming Device Found On ATM At Fairfield Gas Station Skimming Device Found On ATM At Fairfield Gas Station
Skimming Device Found On ATM At Fairfield Gas Station Police in Fairfield County are warning residents to check their bank statements after a skimming device was found on an ATM at a gas station. According to Sgt. Michael Stahl with the Fairfield Police Department said the device was found at the Mobil Gas Station at 1271 Stratfield Road on Monday, July 1.  An ATM repair technician discovered the device, but it is unknown when it was placed there, Stahl said.  Steps to Protect Yourself: Check your bank statements: If you have used this ATM, review your bank statements for any unauthorized withdrawals. Notify your bank: Consider co…

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by Kathy Reakes
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Police & Fire
Men Wanted For Putting ATM Skimmers In South Jersey Wawa Men Wanted For Putting ATM Skimmers In South Jersey Wawa
Men Wanted For Putting ATM Skimmers In South Jersey Wawa Police in an Atlantic County township have released pictures of suspects wanted for adding skimming devices to ATMs in a gas station's convenience store. Galloway police said two men entered the Wawa on West White Horse Pike in the Pomona section of the township at around 7:39 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27. They were in the store for a "short period of time" and installed the skimmers on two ATMs, according to the Friday, Mar. 1 Facebook post. The devices were found by an ATM mechanic while performing routine maintenance. Police received a report about the skimmers on Thursday, Feb. 29. …

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by Chris Spiker
Bowie, MD
News
Police Say This Man Attempted To Steal $130K From Fort Washington Bank Police Say This Man Attempted To Steal $130K From Fort Washington Bank
Police Say This Man Attempted To Steal $130K From Fort Washington Bank A mystery man posing as a customer at a Fort Washington bank is wanted after trying to steal a massive amount of cash from an account, police say. Prince George's County police officers released images of the man they say tried to steal $130,000 from an account at the bank located in the 10000 block of Indian Head Highway, on Nov. 22, 2022.  The man used a fake ID to convince an employee to transfer the amount from the victim's account to another account outside of the bank. Before the suspect was able to withdraw the money, the bank was able to flag the transaction as fraudulent and stopp…

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by Annie DeVoe
Fairfield, CT
News
Connecticut Minimum Wage Will Soon Increase To $14 Connecticut Minimum Wage Will Soon Increase To $14
Connecticut Minimum Wage Will Soon Increase To $14 Connecticut's minimum wage is set to increase in the coming days as part of the state's five-year plan to increase the minimum wage to $15 in 2023. Gov. Ned Lamont issued a reminder that beginning Friday, July 1, Connecticut's minimum wage will increase from $13 to $14. Lamont signed legislation three years ago that schedules increases in the minimum wage over the course of five years.  “For too long, while the nation’s economy grew, the income of the lowest-earning workers has stayed flat, making already existing pay disparities even worse and preventing hardworking families from obt…

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by Nicole Valinote
Pleasantville, NY
News
Don't Fall For Them: FBI Issues Alert For Online Shopping Scams Don't Fall For Them: FBI Issues Alert For Online Shopping Scams
Don't Fall For Them: FBI Issues Alert For Online Shopping Scams The FBI is warning the public of cybercriminals targeting shoppers hoping to take advantage of online bargains and hard-to-find gift items for the holidays. During the 2020 holiday shopping season, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 17,000 complaints regarding the non-delivery of goods, resulting in losses of over $53 million, the agency said.  It is anticipated this number could increase during the 2021 holiday season due to rumors of merchandise shortages and the ongoing pandemic. That's why criminals are busy finding ways to entice their victims in multiple …

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by Kathy Reakes
Fairfield, CT
News
Connecticut's Minimum Wage To Take Effect In Days Connecticut's Minimum Wage To Take Effect In Days
Connecticut's Minimum Wage To Take Effect In Days Connecticut's minimum wage is set to increase to $13 soon, as the state progresses toward a $15 minimum wage.  Beginning Sunday, Aug. 1, the minimum wage will increase from $12 per hour to $13 per hour.  The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont in 2019, requiring scheduled increases over a five-year period until the minimum wage will ultimately increase to $15 on June 1 of 2023. “Nobody working a full-time job should live in poverty,” Lamont said. “For too long, while the nation’s economy grew, the income of the lowest-earning workers has stayed flat, making already…

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by Nicole Valinote
Lewisboro, NY
News
Beware Of ID Theft, Unemployment Scams, Westchester DA Warns Beware Of ID Theft, Unemployment Scams, Westchester DA Warns
Beware Of ID Theft, Unemployment Scams, Westchester DA Warns There has been an uptick in opportunistic fraudsters attempting unemployment benefit and identity theft scams in Westchester since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic plagued the region. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office issued an alert warning of a surge in scams since the COVID-19 outbreak began in mid-March. According to District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr., “Anyone who has been working or has been laid off can become a victim of unscrupulous bad actors who seize identity, file a claim for unemployment benefits using personal identifying information, and obtain m…

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by Zak Failla