Idaho Office of the Attorney General

Beware of Jury Duty Scams! ???? As part of our mission to protect consumers, we're raising awareness about scams that prey on public fear. A common scam to watch out for involves false claims about missing jury duty, with threats of fines, court appearances, or even arrest. Scammers use these tactics to steal your money and personal information, so it's vital to stay informed. These scams often start with a phone call or email from someone pretending to be a court official or police officer. They may even spoof Caller ID to make the call look legitimate. The scammer will claim you missed jury duty and threaten you with arrest unless you pay a fine. In Idaho, jury duty notifications are sent through the mail—never by phone or email. If you receive a suspicious call or email about jury duty, it’s likely a scam. Here are some red flags: ?? Courts never demand immediate payment over the phone. ?? Requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or services like Western Union are sure signs of a scam. ?? Legitimate courts will not ask for your Social Security number or birthdate over the phone. ?? If you receive a suspicious call or email, hang up or don’t respond. Never provide personal information or payment. If you're unsure, contact your local court directly using a verified number. ?? By staying alert, we can help protect ourselves and others from these scams. For more information on government impersonation scams, visit www.reportfraud.gov #ConsumerProtection #ScamAwareness #JuryDutyScam #IdahoAttorneyGeneral #StayVigilant More Information: -?????????https://lnkd.in/gu5wuKeU -?????????https://lnkd.in/gNkth_fz -?????????https://lnkd.in/g2BCSWje -?????????https://lnkd.in/gBmx7pKg -?????????https://lnkd.in/gHYppZrU -?????????https://lnkd.in/eqeUUaBm

Has Your Email or Social Media Been Hacked? Here’s What to Do. Hackers target email and social media accounts to steal personal information—usernames, passwords, banking details, even Social Security numbers. They use this info for identity theft, spreading malware, or scamming others. ?? Signs Your Account May Be Hacked: ?? You receive a notification about password resets or contact info changes you didn’t make. ?? You get an alert about unrecognized login attempts. ?? You’re locked out of your account entirely. ?? How to Recover & Secure Your Account: ? Follow your account provider’s recovery steps (Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.). ? Change your password—make it unique & strong (12-15 characters or a passphrase). ? Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security. ? Update recovery information (correct email & phone number). ? Check for suspicious activity—auto-forwarding email rules, unrecognized messages, or new connections. If your personal information was stolen, report it and get a custom recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov. For more details, check out the FTC’s guide: https://lnkd.in/gNTJe2RQ Stay vigilant and secure your accounts before hackers can! ?? #Cybersecurity #AccountSecurity #IdentityTheft #StaySafeOnline #ConsumerProtection #IdahoAG

Got a new phone? What about the data on your old phone?

Understanding Returns, Exchanges, and More Making a purchase, whether it’s a new appliance, furniture, or any other item, should be an informed decision. Understanding your rights regarding returns, exchanges, and cancellations can help you navigate these processes smoothly. Here's a quick guide to keep you informed: ? Retail Store Policies: Know Before You Buy Every store has its own return and exchange policies, and they can vary widely. Some stores offer returns for any reason, while others may only offer exchanges or store credit. To avoid any surprises later, it’s important to always check the return policy before making your purchase. ? Buyer’s Remorse: What It Really Means Buyer’s remorse is a common feeling of regret after making a purchase. While you might wish you could return an item simply because you changed your mind, unfortunately, there’s no law that allows for returns based on remorse. However, if a store has a return policy that allows returns for any reason, you might still be able to return the item. Always review the return policy before buying, especially when shopping in Idaho, to avoid frustration later on. ? Tip: When buying gifts, don’t forget to ask about the return policy to ensure the recipient can exchange items if necessary. ? The 3-Day Right to Cancel: A Specific Rule for Certain Sales Did you know there’s a special rule that allows you to cancel certain purchases within three days? The 3-day right to cancel applies in these situations: Sales made outside of a regular business location (like door-to-door sales, temporary booths, or hotel seminars) Purchases over $25 You must receive a cancellation form, and the seller must explain your rights. ? It’s important to note that this rule does not apply to in-store purchases, so don’t rely on it for your regular shopping. ? Cancelling Contracts: Read Before You Sign Contracts aren’t always easy to cancel. Many contracts have specific terms, such as early termination fees or required notice periods (e.g., 30 days). Some agreements, like gym memberships or timeshare contracts, come with special rules. Always make sure to read the fine print before committing. ? Tip: Request a copy of the contract before signing and take the time to review the terms thoroughly. ? Restocking Fees: What to Expect When returning an item, some stores charge restocking fees, especially for electronics, appliances, and special orders. Restocking fees typically range from 10-25% of the item’s price. Make sure to check the store’s return policy in advance, as retailers are required to disclose restocking fees. ? Tip: If restocking fees weren’t disclosed at the time of purchase, you may have grounds to dispute them. ? By staying informed about store policies, buyer’s remorse, the 3-day right to cancel, contracts, and restocking fees, you can make smarter purchasing decisions and protect your rights. ? #ConsumerProtection #IdahoAttorneyGeneral #BuyerBeware #RestockingFees #KnowYourRights

?? Safer Internet Day is February 11! Did you know? ?? 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, but only 55% of parents regularly discuss online safety with their kids. ?? 64% of Americans have experienced a major data breach. The digital world is part of everyday life, but staying safe online requires awareness and action. The Idaho Office of the Attorney General is proud to support #SaferInternetDay. ?? Check out free resources, including a virtual parent program, to help families and schools promote digital safety: Safer.ConnectSafely.org Together, we can build a safer internet for everyone. #OnlineSafety #SID2025 #DigitalSafety #IdahoAG #ConsumerProtection

Credit Cards ?? Debit Cards: Which is Safter?

??? Are You Protecting Your Personal Information? ??? In today’s world of constant cyber threats and high-profile data breaches, keeping your personal information secure isn’t just smart—it’s essential. But are you doing enough? From shredding sensitive documents to using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. Why does it matter? Good data hygiene makes it harder for identity thieves to exploit your information, whether it's stored online or in physical form. ?? Curious to learn more? ?? Read the full article: Data Hygiene: A Simple Step to Help Prevent Identity Theft for actionable tips to safeguard your digital and physical data today!

Beware of Text Scams! Scammers are getting creative with casual messages like: ?? “I just landed, I’m at the airport.” ?? “Hi, how are you?” ?? “You missed a delivery.” These messages might seem harmless, but they’re designed to trick you into replying. Engaging even once tells scammers your number is active. Worse, your info could end up sold on the dark web, inviting even more scams. ?? How to protect yourself: 1?? Ignore and delete these texts. Don’t reply, even out of curiosity. 2?? Report spam by forwarding messages to 7726 (SPAM). 3?? Avoid links or attachments in unexpected texts—they may install malware or steal personal information. 4?? Think critically about unusual messages. Scammers often pressure you or play on your emotions to gain your trust. If you’ve been scammed, act quickly by reporting it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Stay vigilant and safeguard your identity! ??? ?? #TextScamAlert #ConsumerProtection #StaySafe #IdahoAG

Scammers in Disguise! Phishing scams are on the rise, and scammers love to trick you with a story. One day it’s a text about a missed delivery, the next it’s an issue with your Netflix account. Here's how to avoid falling for these scams: ? Don’t click links or download attachments from unexpected emails or texts, especially if they ask for personal information like your Social Security number, credit card, or bank account info. It could lead to identity theft or download harmful malware onto your device. ?? How to spot a phishing scam: - Does the email or text seem unusual or unexpected? - Do you recognize the company or person who contacted you? - Legitimate companies won’t send unsolicited emails or texts with links to update your payment or account information. If you’re ever unsure: ?? Contact the company using a phone number or website, you know is real. ?? Reach out to your friend directly to confirm if the invitation was genuine. Stay safe and protect your personal information! ??? #PhishingScams #ScamPrevention #ConsumerProtection #IdahoAG

New Year, New Year’s Resolutions! As we ring in 2025, the Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division reminds you to take a moment and review your personal finances and consumer habits to make sure you're staying safe and smart in the year ahead! Here are some resolutions to help keep you protected throughout the year: ? Review your contracts – Take a closer look at any agreements to avoid hidden fees or surprise charges. ? Set a budget – Keep track of your spending and avoid overspending during sales or promotions. ? Stay vigilant against scams – New year, new scams! Always verify before making purchases or sharing personal details. ? Check your credit – Start the year with a fresh look at your credit report to ensure it's accurate and secure. ? Shred outdated documents – Safeguard your identity by securely disposing of documents you no longer need. Let’s make 2025 a year of financial well-being and peace of mind! If you need assistance or want to file a complaint, the Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is here for you. ???? #NewYearsResolution #ConsumerProtection #ScamPrevention #IdahoAG #SmartChoices2025