Residents are being warned to be cautious of a new surge in text message scams falsely claiming to be from the Illinois Secretary of State or the DMV, which threaten vehicle registration suspension, license penalties or other enforcement actions if an individual does not click a link or pay an alleged fine.
scammers
Posted inNews
Joliet and surrounding area residents are urged to stay warm, stay safe, and watch out for utility scams
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning consumers to beware of scammers pretending to be from a utility company and threatening to shut off heat if they do not receive a payment.
Posted inNews
Raoul cautions residents to be on alert for storm-related repair scams
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul warned residents to be aware of scammers who may be taking advantage of homeowners and business owners affected by recent storms, and provided tips to help avoid dishonest contractors.
Posted inLatest News
Text message scam involving the Illinois Tollway
I-PASS customers are being warned about a scam involving unsolicited text messages intended to trick consumers into sharing personal and financial information, and are encouraged to report such messages to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
Posted inBusiness, Business, Uncategorized
Zelle fraud is rising, and banks aren’t coming to the rescue
“Authorized” vs “Unauthorized:” Under a federal rule known as Regulation E, banks are technically only liable to cover fraudulent activity when it involves “unauthorized” transactions. Say, when someone steals your credit card and makes purchases without your permission. But if someone persuades you to send them $500 through a phishing scam, banks consider that “authorized” and won’t reimburse those funds.
Posted inBusiness
Homeowners struggling to make housing-related payments due to the pandemic, help is on the way
If you are a homeowner and COVID-19 has made it difficult for you to pay your mortgage, utilities, property taxes, or other home expenses, financial assistance may already be available for you. The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) was established by the American Rescue Plan Act to help homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 with housing-related costs. This federal assistance program provides money to states, Tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia to assist homeowners with housing-related costs.
HAF can provide financial assistance for mortgage payments (including past due payments), and, depending on the program, may also be used for homeowners’ insurance, utility bills, property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, certain home repairs, and other specified housing costs. The amount of funds available per household will depend on your situation and where you live. Some locations have started accepting applications, and more are on the way. In total, approximately $10 billion will be disbursed to programs across the country.
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PRESS ROOM: NeighborWorks America Launches StopHomeScams.org to Empower Homeowners and Renters
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “We believe this effort to prevent housing scams is particularly important during a time when far too many families, including people of color impacted by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, are facing financial challenges,” said Eileen Fitzgerald, head of housing affordability philanthropy with the Wells Fargo Foundation.
