Montgomery County, Md – The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is sharing important tips to help furloughed federal workers avoid scams during the government shutdown.
Although federal employees may be temporarily out of work, scammers remain active and ready to exploit current events, officials warn. Eric Friedman, Director of the OCP, told WTOP that fraudsters often use crises — such as natural disasters or government shutdowns — to deceive vulnerable individuals.
“Whether it’s a hurricane or even a federal government shutdown, scammers will take advantage of whatever happens in the news,” Friedman said.
While the OCP has not yet received any direct complaints from furloughed federal workers, Friedman emphasized the need for vigilance. “We want consumers to be alert,” he added, noting that financial stress can make employees more susceptible to fraudulent offers.
The agency cautions consumers to be wary of predatory loan offers that promise quick approval but come with high-interest rates or hidden fees. Additionally, workers should watch for work-from-home scams, which often request upfront financial information under the guise of easy employment opportunities.
Friedman also advised that anyone contacted through text, email, or phone should verify the sender’s identity before sharing personal information. “You shouldn’t be giving out financial information unless you initiated the call,” he warned.
For furloughed employees struggling to meet expenses, the OCP recommends contacting creditors or utility providers to inquire about deferred payments or flexible payment plans.
In a statement, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich urged residents to “rely on trusted resources and stay alert to scams.” The OCP also encourages anyone facing housing or utility concerns to call 3-1-1 for information on available support services.
