NASHUA — Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, targeting individuals through phone calls, emails, texts and social media.

From IRS tax scams to fake utility bills, phishing schemes, and fraudulent investment opportunities, thousands of people fall victim every year–often losing significant amounts of money and personal information. To help residents stay informed and protected, United Way of Greater Nashua has launched a free Scam Alert Email List, providing timely updates on the latest fraud schemes affecting the community.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost more than $10 billion to scams in 2023 alone–the highest ever recorded. Common scams include:

-Imposter scams, where fraudsters pretend to be government officials, law enforcement, or family members in distress.

-Tech support scams, where callers claim your computer has a virus and demand remote access or payment.

-Medicare and healthcare scams, which target seniors with fake billing schemes.

-Online shopping fraud, where fake websites trick consumers into paying for products that never arrive.

“Scams don’t just take money–they steal identities, compromise security, and cause emotional distress,” said Sara Ceaser, the United Way’s director of Volunteer and Community Engagement. “Many victims never recover their losses, which is why awareness and prevention are critical. By signing up for our scam alert emails, community members can receive real-time warnings about new scams and learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Residents can sign up for free at https://tinyurl.com/ScamAlertsUWGN. Subscribers will receive alerts on trending scams, fraud prevention tips, and resources for reporting suspicious activity.

For additional information, contact the United Way of Greater Nashua at info@unitedwaynashua.org or at 603-882-4011.