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image of white keyboard with the word SCAM. text on image: Beware of Cyber Scams
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Beware of Cyber Scams

LaToya

March 9 was National Slam the Scam Day. Cyber scams are on the rise. Scammers try to steal your money and personal information. Protect yourself and avoid falling victim to phishing scams by looking out for the following red flags:   

  • Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like NYCHA, and use email addresses that look very similar to official email addresses. Check email addresses and website URLs carefully. 
  • Scammers will ask you for payment through third parties, such as a cash-transfer app or wire or money transfer. Government agency representatives will always provide you with a secure government site to make online payments. Never pay money in response to an email that looks like it came from a government agency but does not direct you to a secure government payment site. 
  • Scammers will try to get you to act immediately by pressuring you with arrest or legal action. 

Remember, before you act on an email, ask yourself: 

  • Is this person who they say they are? 
  • Is this person trying to get me to pay money or give personal information? 
  • Is this message accurate? 
  • Am I being directed to legitimate government websites containing “.gov” in the URL? 

If you suspect a housing scam, report it! Report it to the NYC Department of Investigation’s NYCHA Inspector General at ig@nycha.nyc.gov or 212-306-3355 or the HUD Office of Inspector General at 1-800-347-3735 or www.hudoig.gov/hotline.