Fairfax County Consumer Affairs

09/02/2026

“Can you vote for my friend?” That simple WhatsApp message could be a scam.

Cybercriminals are using fake online contests to trick users into clicking links that secretly connect the scammer’s device to your WhatsApp account, leading to account takeovers. The message may even appear to come from someone you know whose account is already compromised.

✅ Review your linked devices
✅ Turn on two-step verification
✅ Confirm unexpected requests through another app or a phone call

Learn how this “vote for my friend” scam works—and how to keep your WhatsApp secure.

A WhatsApp scam asks users to vote for a friend or relative in a fake online contest.The link can trick victims into connecting a criminal’s device to thei

09/02/2026

Apple’s newest iPhone feature is designed to catch scammers before they catch you.

With iOS 27, Trust Insights can spot signs that you’re being pressured into sending money or sharing sensitive information, then step in with warnings, extra verification, or brief delays on risky actions.

Scammers rely on urgency and manipulation—not just obvious phishing emails. Stay cautious, verify unexpected requests, and keep your iPhone updated to get the latest protections.

Learn how this new feature can help stop scams before your money leaves your account.

New scam protection: iOS 27's Trust Insights can detect signs you're being manipulated into sending money or sharing sensitive information.Built-

09/02/2026

NEW: FCC Proposes Robocall Scorecard to Better Inform Consumers 📵

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-robocall-scorecard-better-inform-consumers

09/02/2026

Robocalls aren’t just annoying—they’re one of fraudsters’ favorite tools.

Stopping illegal robocalls is the FCC’s top consumer protection priority. To restore trust in phone networks, the FCC is:

• Empowering carriers to block more illegal calls
• Giving consumers better tools to spot scams
• Stepping up enforcement
• Disrupting scam calls that start outside the U.S.

Learn what’s being done—and how you can protect yourself from illegal robocalls

Unwanted calls – including illegal and spoofed robocalls - are the FCC's top consumer complaint and a top consumer protection priority.

09/02/2026

“I can recommend fake companies just as confidently as real ones.”

New research shows that AI tools can suggest completely fictional businesses—sometimes in 100% of test runs—and still sound absolutely sure about it.

AI recommendations can also change from one search to the next, so shoppers shouldn’t assume an AI‑generated suggestion has been vetted.

Use AI as a starting point, not the final word: always check a company’s website, reviews, and independent sources before you buy.

AI models recommended a completely fictional company in up to 100% of test runs, showing that confident recommendations don’t necessarily mean a business h

09/02/2026

Labor Day sales are heating up—and so are the scams.

From fake retail websites and “too good to be true” discounts to phony security alerts and urgent texts, scammers are looking to turn your holiday shopping into a costly mistake.

⚠️ Be wary of:
• Unfamiliar sites with huge markdowns
• Requests for unusual payment methods
• Texts or emails asking you to click links or share verification codes

Shop through trusted retailers and use secure payment methods like credit cards to protect your money. Learn what to watch for this Labor Day.

Watch for fake retail websites, steep discounts, and unusual payment requests that can signal a Labor Day shopping scam.Be skeptical of urgent texts and ac

09/02/2026

A Montgomery County romance scammer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after stealing more than $400,000 from a man she met on a dating app.

Janey Sears, 72, was convicted of theft scheme over $100,000, securities fraud, and misappropriation of funds by a fiduciary—after the jury deliberated just 75 minutes. She was ordered to pay nearly $407,000 in restitution following her release.

Online, she claimed to be a D.C. consulting CEO with a prestigious background—showing how convincing scammers can appear.

If you’re dating online, be cautious about sharing personal or financial information.
Learn how to spot and avoid romance scams.

A Montgomery County man was told by a woman he met on an app that she would invest his money with big returns. Instead, she spent it.

09/02/2026

This September, Fairfax Stands Ready with three simple ways to prepare:

🧰 Prepare: Make a plan and build an emergency kit.
📱 Stay Informed: Sign up for Fairfax Alerts.
🤝 Connect: Community organizations support disasters

09/02/2026

“There's a warrant for your arrest because you missed jury duty. Pay now or else.”

Many Americans are getting this heart‑racing call—and it’s a scam.

Scammers are spoofing caller ID to look like the county sheriff’s department, using real judges’ or officers’ names, and even threatening a “gag order” to keep you quiet.

🚫 Real courts and law enforcement do not demand payment over the phone for missed jury duty.

Learn how to spot this jury duty scam and protect yourself.

This is the biggest red flag that an “officer” is actually a scammer.

09/02/2026

Did a platform ignore your request to take down an intimate image shared without your consent?

You can report the platform to the FTC under the Take It Down Act.

This video walks you through every step of how to report platforms that violate the law and what information you’ll need.

You have rights. If a platform won’t remove intimate images, don’t stop at “no”—report it.

The official website of the Federal Trade Commission, protecting America’s consumers for over 100 years.