Scam Enforcement News Continued
Free Money Is Often Neither 'Free' online searches may produce little and often aren't free.
Going Out of Business Sales Not Always a Bargain Do your homework before putting cash down for clearance offers.
Scam Artists Target Missouri Citizens with "Grandparents" Scheme Con artists pose as grandkids to steal money.
Florida Sues Foreclosure Rescue Company for Deceptive Practices "Debt mitigation" firm falsely claimed it could solve mortgage problems.
Timeshare Promoters Face Deceptive Marketing Charges Companies used fake prizes to lure consumers into seminars.
Timeshare Promoters Face Deceptive Marketing Charges Companies used fake prizes to lure consumers into seminars.
Kevin Trudeau Banned from Infomercials--Again Must pay $5 million for falsely advertising his weight loss "cure."
West Virginia Sues CashCall Attorney General slams Internet lender for predatory interest rates.
Scams Sprout from Financial Crisis Consumers vulnerable to scams growing out of Wall Street meltdown.
FTC Bans Pre-Recorded Telemarketer Calls New rules said to protect consumer privacy.
Disappointment Awaits Men Seeking Foreign Brides Online Sites promising exotic Asian, Russian women are often scams ... or worse.
Airborne Health to Pay FTC $30 Million for False Claims Company settles charges that it falsely advertised its cold remedies.
Two Canadians Plead Guilty in Telemarketing Scheme Scheme raked in nearly $10.5 million from 37,000 Americans.
EPPICard Scam Pops Up In Indiana Payment system used to trick cardholders into revealing information.
Getting Top Dollar For Jewelry Requires Knowledge, Patience Sellers should appraise value objectively and protect their assets.
Fake Check Scams Rise in Falling Economy Secret shopper offers can lead to wire fraud and lost money.
Consumer Advocates Release Top 10 Consumer Gripes Auto sale misrepresentations top the list.
Canadian Gets 23 Years in Credit Card Scam Telemarketing scheme took $8.2 million from 40,000 Americans.
Love's Labor Looted: Internet Dating Scams Can Get Expensive Organized crime preys on the lonely; sites don't check backgrounds.
Craftmatic Denies Wrongdoing, Defends Sales Tactics Company's lawyer lashes out at TV show.
Trilegiant Settles Class Action for $25 Million Company agrees to change its business practices.
'Run Your Car On Water' Scheme Could Leave Consumers All Wet Scientists debunk 'scammish' gas-from-water claims.
Maryland Warns Of Extended Warranty Scheme Beware of telemarketers selling extended auto warranties.
Simple.Net Sued over Activation Checks Sent out small checks that were actually contracts.
Make Money at Home -- or Anywhere Else Offbeat Web site owner shares the tricks of the trade.
NY Car Dealer to Pay $150,000 for Fraudulent Practices Five Towns Mitsubishi lured customers with scratch-off cards.
Senator Prods FTC to Investigate Craftmatic Complaints Elderly consumers complain of pushy door-to-door salesmen.
Melted Gold Isn't Always Green New York Stops H&R Block's Deceptive Sweepstakes Ads Company will pay $245,000 penalty for not playing by the rules. Payday Loan Lead Generators Settle FTC Charges Ads didn't display annual percentage rate, as the law requires. California Sues Countrywide For Mortgage Deception Nation's largest mortgage lender used 'deceptive scheme,' state charges. Arizona Sues Great Expectations Dating service accused of fraud. J. K. Harris Settles Deceptive Ad Charges Company took consumers' money, did nothing, states charged. Missouri Sues 'Diabetic Partner Dog' Business Heaven Scent Paws misrepresented its dogs' abilities, suit charges. FTC Sues CompuCredit Lender charged with violating both credit and debt collection laws. AT&T Settles Cramming Suit Unauthorized charges plagued wireless subscribers. $7 Million Ponzi Scheme Nets Prison Term in California Scheme fleeced investors who thought they were buying mortgages. Choose Your Charities Wisely It's easier, and more necessary, than ever to check out charities before you give. Texas Sues Travel Clubs Clubs defrauded unsuspecting consumers, state charges. West Virginia AG Challenges Anti-Lawsuit Group 'Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse' may not be what it seems. Yahoo! Sues Fake Lottery Scammers But the actual defendants are still unknown. FTC Wraps Up Largest Fraud Crackdown in its History More than 180 actions filed against alleged scam artists. California Busts 'Land Grant' Foreclosure Scam Desperate homeowners were persuaded to transfer their deeds. Mortgage Fraud Up 176%, FBI Reports Economic woes provide fertile field for scam artists. Credit Card Processor Agrees To $26 Million FTC Settlement Marketers deceived small businesses nationwide. Maryland Shuts Down Investment Scam Con artist scammed his own grandmother, prosecutor charges. Connecticut Sues Alleged Discount Travel Scammers 'Free' and 'discounted' travel were anything but, state charges. Phishing Scammers Get More Creative Coulee Dam scammers try to leave no trace of their activities. Despite Warnings, More Consumers Fall Victim to Cyber Scams Law enforcement barely makes a dent in crooks' efforts. Retailers Gloss Over Diversions of Professional Hair Care Products Target doesn't cooperate with industry crackdown efforts. Wachovia Penalized $144 Million for Telemarketing Abuses Telemarketers preyed on thousands of senior citizens. North Carolina Stops Advance Fee Credit Card Scheme Premier Nationwide Corp. hit with restraining order. Debt Collectors Go After Expired Verizon Bills Consumers told refusing to pay will hurt their credit rating. No Need to Overpay for Property Deeds Companies charge big bucks for public documents. Texas Stops Driver's License Scam Targeting Undocumented Workers Texas company sells worthless 'licenses' for $225. Texas, Illinois Prosecute Mortgage 'Rescue' Firms Desperate homeowners lost their homes despite firms' promises. Florida Gets $1.3 Million Judgment against Debt Collector Ellis Crosby accused of deceptive practices. Watch Out for Scams Involving Wire Transfers Direct bank deposits also a warning sign. Losses From Cybercrime Nearly $240 Million in 2007 Agencies find new trends in Internet fraud. TJX To Pay Mastercard $24 Million For Data Breach Will set aside money to provide restitution for victims. 419 Scams Never Go Away Like cicadas, they come and go with the seasons. Some Old Debts Never Die Luebke Baker pursues old magazine subscription debts. Massive Securities Fraud Ring Exposed In New Jersey Investors lost at least $50 million, prosecutors charge. 'House Stealing' Scam Combines Identity Theft, Mortgage Fraud Thieves steal and sell your house, leaving you stuck with the mortgage. Report: Attorneys General Deserve More Credit State AGs are consumers' front-line defense. Washington Sues Alleged Spyware Spammer Arizona man bombarded consumers with ads for pornography, Viagra. Art Dealers Indicted in Alleged Global Scam Counterfeit prints sold to unsuspected art lovers. Bankrupt Kids Quarters Takes on a New Identity Online store gets a new name but customers still don't have their furniture. More Counterfeit Money Order Scams Reported Midwest has the latest infestation of the fast-spreading scam. Woman Indicted In Alleged Ebay Scam Buyer 'won' an auction but never got his Lexus. California Shuts Down Mortgage Scam Artists 'Utterly brazen' tactics used to fleece homeowners, state charges. Virginia Goes After Financing Alternatives Founder's Assets $7 million in consumer layaway payments may be missing. Watch for Scams in Vacation Packages, Travel Deals Secret fees, misleading ads, hard-sell tactics are common. Travel and Tour Operator Accused of Preying on Senior Citizens New York sues American Heritage Tours. Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts FTC trying to rein in massive 'cramming' operations. Phishing Scammers Turn To Text Messages Same scam, different medium. Look Out for Prison Phone Scam Inmates use idle time to dial for dollars. 'Girls Gone Wild' Producer Finishes Jail Term oe Francis gets sprung just in time for Spring Break. Unauthorized Charge? How To Fight It Dialing for dollars doesn't work; disputing the charge often does. FTC Warns Consumers About Tax Rebate Scams Crooks try to steal information over the phone. Avoid Tax Rebate Direct Deposit Scam Callers claim to be with the 'tax refund department'. 'Miracle Cold Buster' Settles Lawsuit Feds, states scrutinize supposed 'miracle' cold cure. Easy Money Scams On The Rise As Times Get Tough North Carolina cracks down on 'free grant' promoter Virginia Tightens Screws on Financing Alternatives Founder State seeks to hold George Christian personally liable for consumers' losses. FTC Takes On Mortgage 'Rescue' Operations Agency sues two businesses for fraud, charges others with false claims. Big Banks, Telcos Top Identity Theft List Bank of America, Sprint, AT&T biggest source of complaints. Blue Hippo Pays $5 Million To Settle FTC Charges Consumers complain computer layaway purchases went awry. Kimkins Diet Rolls On Despite Founder's Excess Poundage Don't believe everything you read in the supermarket mags. Avoid Tax Rebate Direct Deposit Scam Callers claim to be with the 'tax refund department'. Kevin Trudeau's 'Natural Cures' Agrees to Missouri Refunds Consumers complained they were billed for newsletters they didn't order. Scammer Targets Our Scam Reporter 'Money Transfer Scam' doesn't float Mark's boat. Ionic Breeze Suit Drives Sharper Image into Bankruptcy Ionic Breeze lawsuits foul the retailer's air. Colorado Sues For-Profit 'Legal Aid' Firm Consumers thought they were getting competent legal help. Kevin Trudeau Now Offering 'Debt Cures' Consumers find it hard to avoid buying more than just the book. Don't Take Mattress 'Blowouts' Lying Down Irate consumers lose sleep over problems with mattress discount chains. 'Swatting' Puts Police, Public at Risk Latest telephone scam involves bogus 'emergencies'. Regulators Warn of Securities Scams Stock market slide creates opportunity for con artists. Scam Artists Jump on Tax Rebate Plan Need Social Security number to issue check, callers tell victims. EdebitPay Agrees to $2.2 Million Settlement Unauthorized debit, deceptive marketing at issue. Florida Sues Internet Furniture Company Charges consumers received damaged goods or none at all. Seniors Should be Wary of Reverse Mortgage Scams Scams involving reverse mortgages becoming common. Florida Sues Two Website Marketers 'Business opportunities' promises were deceptive, suit charges. States Fight Foreclosure Rescue Scams 'Rescue' schemes often make matters worse for troubled homeowners. 'Slim Coffee' Promoters Settle False Advertising Charges Weight-loss claims bogus, feds charged. Social Security Scam Targets Seniors Callers try to get account numbers. Appeals Court Upholds Q-Ray Verdict Judge: Arthritis-cure claims were 'blather ... bunk.' PeoplePC Settles Deceptive Marketing Case Earthlink subsidiary will refund hidden charges. First National Card: Too Good to be True? Skipping the fine print can get expensive. Electric Mobility Settles Misrepresentation Charges Rascal Scooter sales practices challenged by Washington state. Hackers Lurk In Many Holiday Emails Your computer could take up a life of crime. The 12 Duds of Christmas 2007 No pipers piping, just the worst products of the year. California Shuts Down Annuity Sales Scam Salesmen posed as lawyers, preyed on vulnerable seniors. Nevada Leads In Foreclosures and Rescue Scams Beware of strangers offering help with mortgage lenders. Children Becoming Prime Identity Theft Targets Victims are often under six years old. Car Warranty Scams Target Seniors High-pressure tactics used to sign up unwary seniors. Connecticut Derails Title Insurance Kickback Scheme Companies agree to pay $700,000, customers to be reimbursed. A Bleak Holiday for Computer Layaway Victims Restitution for Financing Alternatives victims is in doubt. Top Ten Scams of 2007 Old reliables and nervy newcomers fleece rich and poor alike. Hannah Montana Fans Skip the Scalpers Same-day tickets save the day for Kansas City fans. Indiana Sues Timeshare Marketers Promoters allegedly failed to honor refunds, award prizes, deliver the goods. Latest Scam: Spoofed Credit Union E-Mails Brazen new scheme takes 'phishing' one step further. TJX Settles Visa Suit over Data Breach Nearly 100 million consumers may have been affected. Canadian Lottery Scam Resurfaces Victims get phony check, lose real money. Virginia Seeks Victims Of Computer Layaway Scam State hopes to get restitution for Financing Alternatives customers. Texas Sues Yellow Pages Directories Charges Ad Telamerica defrauds small businesses, charities nationwide. High-Fee, Low-Credit Charge Cards Prey Upon the Poor Feds override state consumer protection laws. Maryland Shutters 'Investment Firm' Amid Fraud Charges Victims lost more than $50 million in Ponzi scheme. California Gears Up For Fire Scammers Stings set up to nab crooked contractors, phony charities, other scam artists. Email Scam Spoofs FTC Bogus email claims to be from FTC's 'Fraud Department.' Weight-Loss Schemes Top Feds' Scam List 30 million U.S. fraud complaints last year. New York Women Sue It's Just Lunch Dates were duds, "they lie every step of the way," lawyer charges. New Hampshire Charges Ameriprise with Fraud Company faces penalties, restitution of $10 million. Travel Scam Hits Southern Arizona Scammers sell card that supposedly reaps big travel benefits. English Lesson Marketer Agrees To Refunds North Carolina charges company used deceptive marketing. Utility Bill Refund Email is a Scam Beware of email offering $480 home heating refund. Feds Sue Trudeau Marketers Weight-loss book is misrepresented in infomercials, FTC charges. Consumers Continue To Fall For Phony Lottery Scam Foreign scammers find U.S. consumers easy prey. Financing Alternatives Runs Out of Options Court freezes computer layaway scheme's assets. Postal Inspectors Seize Billions in Fake Checks International scams increasingly target U.S. citizens. Feds Shut Down Media Motor Spyware Scam More than 15 million computers infected. Minnesota Sues Sprint Nextel for 'Tricking' Customers Company extended contracts without permission, state charges. Searching For Foreclosure Bargains Can Be Costly Web sites automatically renewed 'free' subscriptions, Maryland charges. Working at Home: An Impossible Dream? Work-at-home jobs exist but finding them's not easy. Scammer Claims To Be 'Verified By Visa' Phishing emails try to trick consumers into revealing passwords. Hackers Steal Information On 6.3 Million Ameritrade Customers 'Unauthorized code' enabled thieves to breach database. Feds Sue Infomercial Maestro Kevin Trudeau Again 'Natural Cures' weight-loss book misleads consumers, agency charges. Online Camera Stores: Take a Close Look Rigged reviews, bait-and-switch tactics common. FTC Warns Many Mortgage Ads Are Deceptive Claims about 'incredibly low rates and payments' are often false. Phishing Scam Targets Xbox Live Users Email claims to be about changes in the target's account. Latest Spam Scam Targets Bank Of America Customers Bogus email warns of "invalid login attempts." eBay Ignores Scam Victim Arkansas Attorney General intervenes, prevents loss of $9,500. IRS Warns About New Email Scam Email says you're under investigation. New Jersey Man Cited For Exploiting Foreclosure Victims Scam allegedly targeted consumers who had just lost their homes. 'Work at Home' Scams Spreading What sounds like an easy way to make extra money usually is anything but that. Small Businesses Targeted by Yellow Pages Scams Whose fingers are doing the walking? FDA Warns Against Red Yeast Rice Products Dietary supplement promoted on the Internet contains dangerous substances. Online Job Postings May Lead To Phone Scam Job-seekers need to be careful when listing contact info. Corinthian Vocational School Settles California Charges School will pay $6.5 million to settle charges of false advertising, unlawful business practices. Virginia Sues Financing Alternatives Company allegedly took consumers' money but did not deliver the computers they ordered. Movie Extra Scam Ensnares St. Louis Man Man pays $600 for "ticket" that never arrived. Scammers Channeling Publishers Clearing House Scam artists try to persuade "winners" to pay $850 to collect supposed sweepstakes prizes. North Carolina Shutters We Buy Homes Scheme Supposed foreclosure "solution" actually made things worse, state charges. Verizon Signs Florida Anti-Cramming Agreement AT&T, Embarq earlier agreed to similar terms. Skepticism The Key To Avoiding Locksmith Scam Rip-off artists posing as reputable locksmiths victimize consumers coast-to-coast. Wal-Mart's Security Practices Questioned California woman loses $1,400 in check-cashing scheme.
Virus Lurks In Bogus E-Card Greeting It looks innocent enough but phony ecard can mean big trouble for the unwary. Inside The Mind Of A Spam Scammer Study examines the surprising success of spam scams. Privasafe, SurfSafe Settle Washington Charges Settlement may cost companies more than $1 million. Illinois Claims Iraqi Dinar Scam Investors paid for foreign currency but got nothing, state charges. Judge Stops $100 Million Mountain Real Estate Scheme Developers left would-be investors stuck with zero equity, prosecutors charge. Consumers Find It Hard To Leave Columbia House Consumers complain about billing discrepancies, difficulty canceling, bogus subscriptions. Fake Check Scam Targets Thrifty Nickel Advertisers Canadian buyer offers cashier's check and asks for "change." IRS Warns Of Virus Email Scam Nasty collection warning is even nastier than it looks. "Fountain of Youth" Purveyor Fined Promoters sold supposed human growth hormone. Image Spam On The Rise Unpleasant surprises await those who take the bait. Senate Bill Would Curb Abusive Credit Card Practices Measure takes aim at sky-high interest rates, tricky fees, hidden charges. BlueHippo Funding Settles $1 Million Case Company agrees to refund consumers' money, pay a penalty, clean up its act. North Carolina Slams Door on Magazine Peddler Trinity Public Relations told to go elsewhere with its door-to-door pitches. Feds Shut Down "Asset Protection" Scam Scam artist promised consumers could earn a "six-figure income." Only one did. African Puppy Scam Bites Victims Gullible consumers bite on "stranded puppy" bait. Tech School Swindled Students, California Charges State charges MicroSkills, took students' money but didn't deliver. Iowa AG Warns Residents About Publishers Clearing House Seniors buying lots of unnecessary merchandise in hopes of winning big. Property Deed Scheme Spreading Scheme soaks consumers for something they could get much cheaper, may expose them to identity theft. Massachusetts Warns Against Rising Mortgage Fraud Attorney general urges legislature to tighten regulations, require licensing of all loan originators. 419 Scammer Claims To Be U.S. Soldier He's trying to smuggle Saddam Hussein's fortune out of Iraq. So he says. Minnesota Sues Another Annuity Insurer American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company accused of permitting agents to sell inappropriate annuities to seniors. Survey Scam Uses Wal-Mart Logo It's the latest in a long series of bogus online, direct mail and telemarketing surveys. Consumers Warned of Oprah Scam Look out! Victims get a check and a letter telling them they're big winners. Pennsylvania Class Action Challenges Payday Lender Suit seeks millions in restitution from Utah company operating in Pennsylvania. Phony Fraud Settlement Scam Surfaces Targets are told they're "big winners" in a class action settlement. Online: The Worst Place to Buy a Car "Living room dealers" charge big bucks for flood cars, rust buckets and vehicles that don't even exist. FTC Stops 'Reduce Debt Now' Scheme Venture led consumers even more deeply into debt. Canadian Bogus Biller Settles FTC Charges Company falsely billed businesses, municipalities for advertising, feds charge. Singapore Woman Sentenced In Online Love Scam Indian man living in U.S. swindled out of $45,000. Advance Fee Scammers Move Into Real Estate Tried and true scam adapted to the for-sale-by-owner market. "Free Medicine" Marketer Settles FTC Charges My Free Medicine targeted low-income consumers, charged $199 for information they could have gotten for free. Don't Be Fooled By IRS Look-Alike Sites Scam artists use similar names to steal taxpayers' personal data. Minnesota Sues "Trust Mills" State charges firms preyed on senior citizens with living trusts and inappropriate annuities. Couple Sentenced In Cell Phone Charity Scam Donated phones were supposedly used to help elderly, disabled and battered women. Scams and Foreclosure On the Rise "Surplus funds scam" targets homeowners in trouble. Spam E-mail Increases Worldwide Russia, China, U.S. are major sources of spam. "Phishing" Scam Takes New Tack E-mails claim to be fraud alerts but are actually an identity theft scheme. Congress Fails to Curb Magazine Sales Abuses Twenty years after Senate hearings, Congress has done nothing to regulate abusive industry that preys on young people. Parents Warned about Modeling Scams Most promises are too good to be true. Complaint of the Day: Phony Magazine Subscription Renewals IRS Warns of Common Income Tax Scams Inflated telephone excise tax refund claims lead the list this year. Hackers Map Phishing Expeditions with Google Maps Scammers can identify their victims' physical location in latest twist on an old idea. The Amphetamine Connection How meth is driving the identity theft pandemic and what you can do to protect yourself. Missouri Sues 27 Direct Mail Companies State goes after direct mail scam artists nationwide. Mortgage Crisis? Act Now to Avoid Foreclosure Steps you can take to avoid losing your home and ruining your credit. FTC Findings Undercut Industry Claims that Identity Theft Is Declining More than one-third of all complaints to FTC last year concerned identity theft. Priestly Misdeeds Rock Congregations Priests in Louisiana and Virginia allegedly led double lives, embezzled church funds. Identity Theft Tops FTC Complaints for 2006 For the seventh year in a row, identity theft is No. 1 source of complaints to the feds. Washington State Sues "Net Send" Internet Advertisers Messages warned of "critical errors" in victims' computers. Feds Stop Credit Card Rate Reduction Scam Canadian scam claimed it could save consumers thousands in credit card interest, FTC charges. Romance Scams Heating Up Broken heart, empty wallet just a mouse click away. Coke, Nestle Sued Over Enviga Claims Weight-loss, energy-burning claims are nonsense, suit argues. Super Bowl Attracts Super Scams Tickets and travel scams blossom as fans hustle for a seat. Sunday Times Reports Widespread Shill Bidding on eBay Investigation finds individuals and companies use shills to drive up bids. Illinois Sues Text-Message Spammers Federal lawsuit seeks nationwide injunction against time-share resellers accused of flooding cell phones with spam. Minnesota Charges Allianz Life Sold Unsuitable Annuities to Seniors Lawsuit claims company's agents exploited elderly clients. LeanRx.Net Lightens Consumers Wallets Consumers complain they're being charged for weight-loss pills they didn't order. Dial 9 For Scam Old scam makes a reappearance, tricking businesses into running up huge long-distance bills. Feds Warn Consumers About Counterfeit Check Scams Consumers can lose big if check turns out to be bogus. Despite Reforms, Tax Refund Loans Gouge Taxpayers Interest rates exceed 1,000% on loans that victimize low-income taxpayers. BlueHippo Has Many Clones Watch out for layaway schemes promising no credit check. Zombie Computers Clog the Web with Spam Wonder where all that spam comes from? It may be coming from you. Scammers Target Rental Property Owners Online scammers send large check or money order and ask for "change." FTC Charges Express Consolidation Misleads Consumers Company misleads consumers about costs of its program, uses illegal telemarketing, feds charge. BlueHippo Funding: An Extreme Layaway Plan Poor Americans pay top dollar for cheap merchandise, which many never even receive. Illinois Sues Debt Collector Leading Edge Recovery used illegal tactics, state charges. Worst Diets of 2006 Ear staples, detoxification progams among the "winners" in annual compilation of most useless weight-loss schemes. Gift Cards Becoming Currency For Criminals The cards are a handy way for crooks to launder money. YP Corp. Agrees to Pay Refunds Company tricked businesses, organizations into signing up for Internet ads. Lease Your Phone ... Lose Your Money Many consumers, especially seniors, wasting money to lease their telephone. DirecTV Settles Do Not Call Charges Telemarketers called consumers listed on the do-not-call registry. Company Charged in Allergy Testing Scam Illinois company drew blood, charged big fees at health fairs but didn't deliver the results. Lawsuit Alleges Fraud in UBS Brokerage Accounts New York charges UBS defrauded thousands of customers through its "InsightOne" account. AOL Settles Florida Fraud Charges Usual litany of consumer complaints -- double-billing, cancellation difficulties, disputed charges. Chase Bank, Triligent, Settle Negative Option Fraud Charges Companies must pay restitution, provide renewal notices to consumers. Fake Lottery Scam Tops ConsumerAffairs.com's Top 10 Scams of 2006 Phishing-vishing, fake job scams close behind as larceny scores big in 2006. Bogus Government Grant Tops Phone Scam List Online scams may be gaining but the telephone remains the con artist's best friend. Washington State Hits Secure Computer with $1 Million Penalty Popup Padlock, Spyware Cleaner didn't do the job, state charges. Payday Lenders Fleece Consumers for $4.2 Billion A Year Average borrower pays back $793 for a $325 loan. Feds Slam "Height-Enhancing" Pills Promoters of Chitosan hit with $375,000 penalty. Michigan Credit Card Mystery Deepens Is it the next "worst hack ever?" Consumers Warned About Oprah Scam E-mails offering free tickets to Oprah's show are a scam, Illinois attorney general warns. ATM, Bank Card Security Getting Worse Vulnerabilities identified, but fixes aren't so easy. Stealing customers' PIN numbers getting easier, more common. Heinz Warns Customers Of Lottery Scam Check from H.J. Heinz to "lottery winners" is fraudulent, company warns. Seniors Targeted On Behalf Of "Notch Fairness Act" Fund-raising appeals aren't technically illegal, but they're definitely misleading. Payday Lenders Move Online, Try to Bypass State Laws West Virginia files suit to block 14 Internet lenders from doing business in the Mountain State. Rent-A-Center Pays $7 Million to Settle California Complaints Nation's largest rent-to-own business promises to reform its business practices. Hedge Fund Managers Sued for Fraud in Mutual Fund Timing Defendants piggy-backed trades to avoid detection, New York charges. Chicago Scammer Dupes Cell Phone Buyers But how did he get an 800 number listed in Nextel's name? "Grandparents Scam" Exposed "Inside Edition" finds grandparents being ripped off by con artists who impersonate their grandchildren. Zango Will Pay $3 Million to Settle Fraud Charges Company placed pop-up ads, adware on consumers' computers without permission. Author Finds Sport In Tricking Scammers British author scams the scammers, robbing them of time and energy. Court Pulls Blinds On See Clearly Method Promoters can't demonstrate expensive eye exercises are effective. Scammers Dust Off The Old "Pump & Dump" Stock touters run up price of stock, then dump a large block, leaving investors bereft. Charity Scams Increase As Holidays Approach Legitimate charities struggle as scams proliferate. Charity Scams Increase As Holidays Approach Many supposed charities are bogus, others squander money on fund-raising activities. North Carolina Shuts Down Living Trust Scheme Seniors bilked out of their life savings, state charges. Soldiers Pinned Down by Predatory Payday Loans New law limits payday loan annual interest rate to 36 percent for military families. FBI Warns Online Jobseekers Of Identity Theft Making too much information available too early is risky, feds warn. Lottery Scam Victim: "No One Cares" Kansas woman's father lost $300,000 in lottery scam. New Scam Targets MySpace Users Supposed "free music" link leads to bogus site seeking to mine personal data. Hotel Key Cards: Identity Theft Risk or Not? Despite debunkings, the fact remains: the cards are a potential problem and travelers should not treat them carelessly. Payback: Web Site Turns Tables On Scammers Tongue-in-cheek site recommends engaging scammers in time-wasting palaver. Craftmatic Settles WV Fraud Charges Company agrees to make restitution, lets consumers keep their beds. Court Shuts Down Qchex Con artists used company's service to raid consumers' checking accounts, fed charge. Florida Files "Cramming" Suit Unauthorized charges placed on consumers' phone bills, state alleges. Minnesota Companies Charged with Securities Fraud Firms defrauded Minnesotans out of millions, state charges. Plaza Resorts Settles Florida Charges Company makes over $200,000 in restitution payments. Certified Dangerous: Airbags and Used Cars A five-month ConsumerAffairs.com investigation finds widespread fraud by unscrupulous scam artists who rebuild wrecked cars and sell them as "certified." Identity Thieves Exploit Voter Registration Process Arkansas warns of solicitors seeking Social Security and health insurance information. Student Travel Service Still Misleading Parents Study-abroad program falsely claims students have been "recommended." Girls Gone Wild Fined $2 Million for Sexually Exploiting Children Soft porn producers had earlier paid $1 million fine for exploiting its customers. Webloyalty Named in Federal Lawsuit "Reservation Rewards" and other "affinity" programs charge consumers' credit cards without their knowledge, suit charges. Pennsylvania Sues Hearing Aid Firm For Elder Abuse First complaint filed by the state's new Elder Abuse Unit. Magnetic Bedding Attracts Lawsuits, Complaints Instead of relief from ailments, consumers get expense and aggravation. Judge Throws the Book at Magazine Peddler Direct Sales International to pay $7 million. Consumers Falling For Lottery Scams In Increasing Numbers Most victims are elderly but some younger consumers are also being taken in. Scamster Ran Identity Theft Scheme From Prison Four-time felon proves telecommuting isn't just for legitimate businesses. Police Fund-Raisers Accused of Fraud Money allegedly lines pockets of organization's officers, not cops on the beat. Illinois Sues Annuity Salesmen for Using Deceptive Mailers Mailings to seniors intended to extract personal financial data, state charges. Pennsylvania Sues Great Expectations Dating service misrepresented selection, services and costs, state charges. Fake Check Scammers Move Onto craigslist Consumers offering homes or apartments for rent targeted by scam artists. Oregon Hearing Aid Fitters Settle State Charges Salesmen claimed to be "audioprosthologist," when in fact they are not. Counterfeit Travelers Checks Look Like Real Thing West Virginia woman loses thousands in counterfeit scam. Beware Of Second-Chance Auction Scams Scam targets bidders who "just missed" winning eBay auctions. DirecTV Telemarketers To Pay $75,000 Penalty Feds charged telemarketers with Do Not Call violations. Vicente Fox Wants Your Pension! Or Does He? Fund-raisers use scare tactics to shake down America's seniors. GlaxoSmithKline Settles Illegal Pricing Scheme Company agrees to establish $40 million restitution fund. FTC Stops Sales Of Chinese Herbal Supplements Promoters of Dia-Cope violated earlier court order. Email Scam Has JFK Conspiracy Twist Scammer claims to be a dying KGB agent with never-before-published info about Kennedy assassination. Consumers Lose $8 Billion to Online Fraud Risk of using the Internet remain high, Consumers Union finds. Illinois Shuts Down Mortgage "Rescue" Scam Scheme preyed on homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Gov. Blagojevich orders aggressive enforcement. Texas Insurance Firm Defrauded 57,000 Military Personnel Promises of big investment gains didn't materialize. Pennsylvania Busts eBay Scam Rings Scammers allegedly stole merchandise from stores, sold it online. Atlantic Lottery Warns Consumers Of Scam Lottery tickets are sold only in Canada retail outlets. California Sues Payday Loan Business Suit against Fash Cash seeks $2 million in damages and reimbursement. PayPal Offers Advice On Spotting A Spoof Consumers warned to be cautious of emails seeking personal data. FDA Warns Against Using High-Strength Hydrogen Peroxide As Medicine Texas Web sites warned against promoting the chemical as a medicine. "Vishing" Is Latest Twist In Identity Theft Scam Consumers get phone calls claiming to be from their financial institutions. Senior Investment Fraud Increases as Population Ages Annuities and unregistered securities the most common financial products involved in senior scams. FDA Warns of Dangerous Ingredients in "Sexual Enhancement" Supplements "Dietary supplements" contain dangerous, illegal compounds, agency warns. Ohio Sues "Credit Counselor" For Deceiving, Threatening Consumers Debt Freedom Foundation took consumers' money but provided no services, state charges. Jobs Scam May Be Operating From Arkansas Scammers' goal is to get victims to wire money overseas. Aspire Visa to Pay $11 Million to New York Consumers State faults its marketing and billing practices. Brooklyn Camera Store Generates Complaints Nationwide WawaDigital uses bare-knuckle "bait and hook" tactics to upsell customers seeking bargain-basement prices. Nigeria 419: The Road to Ruin Nothing new about 419 scams but email has made them much more prevalent. AOL's Problems Worsen as Consumer Complaints Mount "Retention consultants" still try to browbeat customers into withdrawing their cancellations. New York Obtains Judgment Against Internet Scam Brixdale.com promised consumers they could quickly pay off their mortgage. Girls Gone Wild Still Going Wild Despite FTC and private lawsuits, consumers still report difficulty canceling their subscriptions. FTC Settles NorVergence Case Company defrauded small businesses, non-profits with promise of big savings on phone, Internet bills. Florida Sues Water Extraction Company for Deceiving Seniors Company allegedly increased prices more than 300 percent after last season's hurricanes. Public Citizen Disputes Low-Power Laser Stop-Smoking Claims Organization wants FDA to put a stop to unproven claims. Puppy e-Mills Churn Out Sick Dogs, Big Profits What's next? Buying babies on eBay? Oklahoma Settles with Consumer Benefits Group Company claims to sell identity theft protection devices. AOL Embarrassed by CNBC Report On Its Business Practices Cable channel airs report on problems consumers have known about for years. Starting (and Staying) On the Ground Floor Pyramids and Multilevel Marketing Schemes Siphon Your Money to Those Above Debt Management Telemarketers Settle FTC Charges Credit Foundation of America will pay nearly $1 million in penalties and consumer redress. Consumers Don't Make Thousands Stuffing Envelopes FTC bars one set of pitchmen from future misrepresentations. Washington Shuts Down Bogus Long-Term Care Scheme High-pressure sales used to push plan that sounded like long-term care insurance. FTC Shuts Down Another "Credit Repair" Scheme Promoters claimed they could improve clients' credit ratings. Congress, Feds Sleep While Cramming Charges Afflict Thousands Congress scrambles to protect lobbyist-protected businesses, while consumers are left to fend for themselves. Connecticut Nabs 115 Home Improvement Contractors Unlicensed contractors targeted by enforcement blitz. New Jersey Sues Five Health Club Operators Clubs worked over consumers seeking work-outs, state charges. "The Check Has Cleared" Doesn't Mean The Check Is Good Scam artists using deception to clean out your checking account. West Virginia Settles With Cambridge Credit Counseling Company will refund $250,000 to consumers who were overcharged. Iowa Sues Vertrue For Consumer Fraud Negative-option tactics violate state law, suit charges. Scam Targets Job Hunters on Careerbuilder.com Bogus ads offer "Donation Handler" positions. Texas Drains Fake Fuel Pill Scheme BioPerformance pills may actually decrease gas mileage, state charges. Pennsylvania Prosecutes Home Alarm Company Company deceptively marketed and sold electronic in-home alarms the elderly and disabled, state charges. Illinois Bars Police Association "Charity" Vet-Pol Advertising, Inc. solicits contributions on behalf of a questionable police association. California Police Make Arrests In Alleged Ponzi Scheme Defendants allegedly took in more than $68 million in "insurance pool" scam. Florida Opens "Cramming" Probe Charges placed by Axcess Internet Solutions through ILD Teleservices called into question. Oregon Shutters "Unclaimed Asset Recovery" Business Many fees collected, few assets recovered. Homeowners Insurance Rates Unfair, Massachusetts Charges Raising rates in anticipation of hurricanes isn't justified, state argues. Vertrue's "Negative Option" Sales Attract Scrutiny Fast-growing company lures consumers into buying services without realizing it. Fired DirecTV Contractors Say They Refused To Lie To Customers Installers say they were told to "say anything" to get customers to upgrade. FTC Asked to Crack Down on Videos Aimed at Infants No scientific evidence supports claims the video are educational, consumer group charges. Credit Counseling Agency Pays $2.4 Million to Settle Federal Charges Lighthouse Credit misrepresented itself, FTC alleged. Scam Artists Get Into Garbage Hauling Be wary of low-priced haulers. You may be responsible for their actions. Arizona Settles with Internet Work-At-Home Promoter Smart Advertising Solutions promoted its scheme nationwide. Pennsylvania Asks Court to Shut Down "Living Trust" Sales Scheme Elderly consumers deceived into buying inappropriate investment products, state charges. Home Depot, Monogram Credit Card Bank To Pay Connecticut $672,000 "No interest, no payment" offers weren't what they seemed. Marketing Firm Prohibited From Baiting Consumers With "Live Checks" Consumers who cashed small checks found they'd signed up for a Yellow Pages listing. West Virginia Sues To Stop Collection Efforts For Bogus Magazine Sales Company violated state law by refusing to accept cancellations, state charges. New Jersey Sues Mattress Company Over Internet Ads Comfort Direct allegedly used unauthorized and fabricated testimonials. Overdraft Loan Survey Finds Problems For Consumers Americans paying more than $10 billion in overdraft loans and fees annually. H&R Block Settles Tax Refund Loan Suit Company will pay $39 million to settle claims it gouged taxpayers for tax refund loans. Court Halts Bogus Invention Promotion Claims Perpetrators ordered to pya $26 million in consumer redress. Street Gangs Cashing In On ID Theft: Postal Inspector Technology makes life better for gang members. Online Fraud Rates Drop to Near In-Person Rates Survey finds online merchants making progress in preventing fraud. Feds Propose Tougher Controls On Work At Home Schemes Consumers being taken in by schemes at an alarming rate. Rebates: Discount or Lotto Ticket Consumers are being robbed of millions of dollars in rebate scams. Does anyone care? Missouri Mobile Home Dealer Hit With $564,000 Penalty Amega Sales improperly kept customers' down payments, made false promises. SoftwareOnline.com Settles Suit Washington State chaged that company misrepresented InternetShield and Registry Cleaner. Ohio Sues Firm For Helping Telemarketing Fraud Canadian telemarketers used Ohio company to process payments from victims' bank accounts, suit charges. New Phone Scam Plays on Victims' Emotions Victim is asked to wire money to help a family member in trouble. Investment Firm Sold Millions in Unregistered Securities Missouri charges Global Power Global Wealth Enterprises skimmed $3.8 million from its victims. Outbreak of DirecTV Porn Charges Hits Philadelphia Rogue subcontractors suspected of setting up bogus accounts to collect big commissions. "Mortgage Stripping" Scams on the Rise Illinois Sues Another Mortgage Foreclosure "Rescuer" Scammers Targeting Investors With "Cheap Government Land" Swindle It's not the Wild West. The Homestead Act is long gone, and so's the cheap land. Class Actions Target Blue Hippo "Funding company" sells over-priced goods at usurious rates, suit charges. "$299 Scam" Exploits Medicare Drug Plan Confusion Scammers try to extract $299 to enroll seniors in non-existence Medicare drug plan. FTC Sues "Debt Eliminzation" Programs Programs charge high fees, accomplish little and violate do-not-call law, feds allege. Florida Investigates Fake Caller IDs Companies allegedly sell calling cards with fake caller IDs. Identity Theft Victims Getting Younger It's like, well, stealing candy from babies. Microsoft Email Hoax Making The Rounds Again Bill Gates won't pay you for forwarding emails. Title Insurance Fraud on the Upswing Several states probing rising tide of fraud and inflated charges. ACORN Names Money Mart "Loan Shark of the Year" Payday lender also lost a bid for dismissal of a Canadian consumer lawsuit. IRS Warns of Fast-Spreading Tax Scams Supposed IRS inquiry may be identity theft in disguise. "Smiling Bob" Not Smiling Anymore Erectile dysfunction "cure" hit with $2.5 million settlement. Travelers Check Scam Targets Nannies Perpetrators may be in England or Nigeria. Californians Arrested for Recycling Fraud State alleges defendants "imported" bottles and cans from Arizona and New Mexico. Ohio Sues 'Cashable Voucher' Promoters Scheme defrauds both consumers and merchants, state charges. Arkansas AG Warns Of Mystery Shopper Scams Combined with cashier's-check ploy, "job opportunity" can be very expensive. California Condo Buyers Say They Were Scammed Arrests of mayor and real estate agent confirm buyers' suspicions. New Identity Theft Scam Hits Email In-Boxes Email warns that your identity has been stolen, asks for personal information to "verify" your account. CardSystems Solutions Settles Federal Charges Millions of consumer records stolen in largest data theft to date. Fraudulent Mailings Try to Pry Personal Info Out of Seniors Texas sues three companies that bombard seniors nationwide. Florida Arrests Suspects in Securities Fraud Case Duo allegedly defrauded elderly investors out of more than $9.1 million. "Verification" Phishing Scam Hits Indiana Scammers claim target's account has been "compromised" and ask for verification information. Victim Of Charity Check-Cashing Scam Fights Back Scammers target victims on established job-listing sites. California Sues H&R Block Tax giant snares low-income consumers with "instant refunds" that are really loans, state charges. Autosurf Sites the Latest Scam Sensation Consumers told they can make 12% daily returns from sites like 12dailypro.com. It's Just Lunch -- Or Is It? Consumers often dissatisfied with expensive dating services that claim to carefully screen candidates. New Scam Combines Phony Checks With Secret Shopping Victims told they are "monitoring" moneygram services. Iowa Sues To Reclaim Rebate Money Consumers should get their rebates no matter what, state charges. Affinity Scam Rocks Louisville Church Church member claimed to be a qualified financial planner. Bogus Houston Immigration Consultant Fined $10 Million Yolanda Perez misrepresented her qualifications and authority, state charged. MoneyGram Scam Pops Up In Midwest Phony cashier's check used in variation on "mystery shopper" scam. FTC: Dietary Supplements Don't Deliver "Free Trials" of Avlimil, Rogisen aren't free, complaint charges. FTC Shuts Down Smut Spamming Operation Judge orders Net Everyone and its owners to stop sending unsolicited pornographic e-mails. ID Theft at The Pump The price of gas pales in comparison. Illinois Launches Offensive Against Foreclosure "Rescuers" Attorney General files suits, proposes legislation to stop "cancer on our community." Gero Vita Promoter Settles FTC Charges Dietary supplements marketed through allegedly fraudulent direct mail promotions. New York Fines Cross Country Bank $9 Million Latest penalty against subprime credit-card issuer. Arrests Made in South Florida Foreclosure Scams At least 20 homeowners victimized, prosecutors charge. Post Office Job Ads Often Bogus Blizzard of classified ads victimizes job-seekers. Internet, Telemarketing Scams Over the Top in 2005 Nigerian scams, sweepstakes, government grants top the list. Texas Sues Tax Service Twin Tax Services allegedly misrepresented its capabilities. Consumers Cautioned About Flood-Damaged Vehicles Flooded cars pouring out of Florida and the Gulf Coast region. New York Talent Agency Agrees to Refunds Teens were told they had been "selected" for lucrative modeling, acting roles. FTC Fines Tooth-Whitener, Weight-Loss Patch Telemarketers Telemarketers violated do-not-call rules, among others. Scammers Posing As Marines Offer Mountains of Cash It's the latest variant on the Nigerian prince scam. "Evil Twin" Attacks Reported at Wireless Hotspots Wireless computer users beware! Public places aren't the safest. FDA Warns Brazilian Diet Pills May Be Dangerous Dietary supplements sold on the Internet may contain amphetamines, other dangerous compounds. Avoiding Work-at-Home Scams There are jobs available but there are also plenty of scams. Australia Picks Year's Top Scams Princess Diana scam promises big inheritance, delivers nothing. Three Ways To Avoid Credit Card Fraud Online scams get a lot of attention but old-fashioned methods work too. Phishing Fraudsters Prey on Identity Theft Fears Email warns account has been violated, asks for confirming information. Michigan Financial Advisors Plead Guilty to Chiseling Seniors Restitution of more than $900,000 ordered. Taking the Mystery Out of Mystery Shopping It sounds too good to be true -- getting paid to go shopping. There's a reason for that. Senator Warns Consumers Of Rebate Traps Schumer wants FTC to standardize rebate procedures. Two Anti-Spyware Promoters Settle FTC Charges Companies sold phony spyware removal software. Gero Vita Promoter Fined $4.5 Million Made false claims about supposed health potions, feds charge. Magazine Telemarketer Still Haunting Consumers Consolidated Media Services trying to collect money that consumers say is the result of phony billing. Top 10 Phone Scams of 2005 Government grants lead the list of most common -- and most blatant -- scams. Washington Reaches Settlements with LA Weight Loss Program Company allegedly pushed expensive nutrition bars after persuading consumers to enroll. Florida Sues Spammer Touting Bogus Fuel Saver Federal Trade Commission filed similar suit last year. Trek Alliance, Ex-Equinox Distributors Settle FTC Charges Defendants were operating a pyramid scheme, feds alleged. T-Mobile Pays $135,000 Fine to NYC City charged consumers were misled through deceptive cell phone advertisements. Iowa Legislature Urged To Cap Car Title Loans Title loans drive consumers deeper into debt and may cause them to lose their car. Colorado Claims Genealogy Book Is Bogus Everyone gets the same content, state charges. "Preacher" Bilked Investors Out of Millions God didn't really guide James Upshaw's investment decisions, Illinois charges. Millennium Partners Admits Mutual Fund Timing Scam Firm will pay back $121 million in ill-gotten gains. Six "Shadow Crew" Members Plead Guilty Internet site trafficked in stolen credit card and bank account numbers. Car Title Loans the Latest Predatory Lending Tactic Cash-pressed consumers wind up paying interest rates of 300 percent or more. Stewart Finance Agrees to Shut Down Georgia company allegedly vitimized elderly consumers with predatory lending practices. Weight Loss from a Cactus? Look on the Internet and youll find dozens of ads peddling pills which supposedly contain an African cactus substance. But do they really? Arizona Settles Fraud Case with O Premium Waters Company misled consumers into signing long-term service contracts. Payment Processor AmeriNet Settles with Five States Company processed fraudulent and unlawful payments for telemarketers, states charged. Cambridge Credit Counseling Fined $4.2 Million Non-profit agency funneled millions to for-profit affiliates, Massachusetts alleged. States Sue Peoples Benefit Services First major prosecution of allegedly fraudulent Medicare Part D offering. Pennsylvania Sues Hearing Aid Dealers Firms allegedly refused refunds to elderly consumers whose hearing aids were defective or unsatisfactory. Kevin Trudeau Sells Customer Names to Junk Mailers Trudeau "should be ashamed," New York Consumer Protection Board says. NY Court Shuts Down Fake GED Course Long Island operation awarded worthless "certificates," stated charged. Promoters of "Inflatable Motorcycle Vests" Sentenced Investors misled by promises of big earnings on self-inflating vests. NY Nails Internet CEO On Spyware Charges Intermix Media founder will pay $750,000 for deceptively placing spyware on consumers' computers. Circuit City Settles Advertising Complaints with New Jersey "Zero percent interest" and other claims challenged. Royal Prestige Cookware: A Royal Rip-Off? Three-month investigation documents consumer complaints, raises questions about company's resolution claims. Massachusetts Charges "Government Grant" Scammers Telemarketers promised government grants that never arrived. "Freedom Tower" and "American Mint" Coin Scams Halted Promoters must pay civil penalties to New York and Pennsylvania, in addition to consumer refunds. "Spam Charges" Hit Thousands of Credit Cards Tiny charges on thousands of accounts add up fast. "Cramming" Hits Consumers When They Least Expect It Your telephone can double as a pick-pocket. Hard to Escape from Negative Option Marketing Simple Escapes morphs into Vertrue, enrolling millions in programs many claim they never heard of. Credit Cards "Treacherous" For Consumers "Cozy relationship" between card issuers, politicans and regulators puts consumers at severe disadvantage. Texas Shuts Down Debt Elimination Scheme Targeting Hurricane Evacuees $5,000 upfront payment supposedly "reserved" a consumer's right to participate. Cortislim Promoters Forfeit $4.5 Million in FTC Settlement Infomercials promised weight loss in a bottle. Texas Shuts Down "Alternative Medicine" Companies Two Dallas-area businesses offered illegal miracle cure drugs and herbal remedies. Illinois Sues Chicago Auto Auction City Auto Auction allegedly deceived consumers through advertisements and sales tactics, suit charges. Free Lance Fund Raisers Hamper Charitable Efforts Bungling charity collectors slow transfer of funds to relief organizations. Texas Stops Sale of Mislabeled Infant Formula Company was shipping adulterated formula into Mexico. Texas Stops Improper Sales Of Therapeutic Massage Devices Ceragem claims its products cure cancer, other ailments. Judge OKs Class Action Against Girls Gone Wild Video promoters charged consumers for tapes and DVDs they didn't order, suit charges. Online Payment Processor Settles FTC Charges Company processed millions of dollars worth of unauthorized charges. Iowa Sues Door-To-Door Vacuum Sales Firm Deception and fraud charged in case involving $2,000 vacuum cleaners. Title-Washing Scams Follow Katrina Used car market may be flooded with "title-scrubbed" storm-damaged vehicles. Texas Halts Foreclosure Rescue Scam Scam artists preying on troubled homeowners, many of them elderly, state charges. Judge Refuses to Gag Trudeau Critics Consumer group asks television stations to withdraw ads for best-seller. XPress Pharmacy Spammer Jailed In Minnesota Christopher Smith regarded as "public nuisance number one" for his alleged spamming exploits. Feds Snuff Smoke Away Claims with $1.3 Million Penalty Smoking cessation kits don't work and "experts" misrepresented their experience, FTC charges. Connecticut Blasts Sale Of Fake Air Bag Covers Consumers may not know there's no air bag behind the cover. Jamster Can Jam Up Your Cell Phone Bill Downloading "free" ring tones can get expensive. There's No Escaping Simple Escapes Consumers find themselves charged for services they didn't order from a company they've never heard of. Alert Consumer Foils Car Sale Scam It pays to look carefully at online escrow services you've never heard of. Marketer of "Free Credit Reports" Settles FTC Charges Consumerinfo.com advertised "free" credit reports that cost $79 or more. Connecticut Digs Up Driveway Paving Scam Bogus pavers take homeowners' money but do a poor job, or none at all. North Carolina Stops Cash Grant Scam Injunction against Grant Quest stops scam pending trial. Iowa Sues Vision Improvement Technologies Exercise kit doesn't improve vision, free trial misrepresented, state charges. Surveys Often Not What They Seem By mail, phone, Internet and in person, consumers victimized by phony surveys promising free gifts and cash rewards. Consumer Agency Trashes Trudeau's "Natural Cures" Book False claims, false endorsements, fake cures, New York Consumer Protection Board charges. Ameriquest Faces Blizzard of Suits and $325 Million Settlement with States Bush nominates its founder to be ambassador to the Netherlands. Your Social Security Number - Vulnerable But Inflexible Identity theft victims find changing their Social Security number all but impossible. Older Americans Hit Hard by Consumer fraud, ID Theft $152 million scammed form seniors in 2004, FTC tells Congress. Ohio Settles With Craftmatic BedsFor $425,000 Craftmatic agrees to clean up advertising and sales practices. NYC Sues Wireless Phone Companies for Deceptive Advertising Suit against Nextel Communications Inc., Sprint Spectrum L.P., and T-Mobile USA seeks maximum fines. Inside Trilegiant's Marketing Machine Interlocking web of "clubs" and schemes may be starting to unravel. Florida Probes Gas Price Spike at RaceTrac Stations Consumers complained of sudden price hikes as hurricane approached. IRS Revokes Tax-Exempt Status of Four Credit Counseling Agencies Agency is continuing its investigation of several others accused of abusing their tax-exempt status. FTC Sues Promoters of Top-Selling Xenadrine EFX Promoters made false claims for supposed weight-loss supplement, agency charges. California Sues Chase, Trilegiant Companies deceived consumers into paying for membership programs, suit charges. Florida Sues "Debt Termination" Company New Leaf Associates, LLC, ran phony debt elimination scheme, state charges. Pennsylvania Fines Illinois Debt Collectors Firm used illegal and deceptive means to collect old debts. Florida "Business Opportunity" Promoters Sentenced to Prison Point-of-sale terminals didn't produce the results investors were promised. 9/11 Silver Dollar Suit Gets Class Action Status Coins were fraudulently marketed to exploit national tragedy, suit charges. Arizona Sues Over Vehicle Sublease Scheme Subleases illegal in Arizona, attorney general alleges. Florida Warns of Pay-to-Claim Sweepstakes Scams Seniors lured into paying "processing" fees on non-existent winnings. Import/Export Scam Circulating via E-Mail Latest variant of Nigeria scam seeks "business representative" to clear overseas checks. Global Healings Ordered to Pay Restitution to Florida Consumers Company claimed its "bonds" eliminated the need for insurance. North Carolina Shuts Down Modeling Scam, Wins Refunds for Consumers Nearly every applicant was told they had "the look." Gero Vita Settles Federal Charges Supplement manufacturer claimed to cure conditions ranging from Alzheimer's to old age. WV Sues "Labor Law Poster Service" Company sold workplace posters available free from the state, suit charges. Fake Money Orders Circulated In Arkansas Many involve variations on the "Nigeria" scam. Arizona Sues Alleged Foreclosure Scam Operators Virtual Realty falsely promised to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, suit charges. Illinois Sues Envelope-Stuffing Promoter Consumers didn't make the big bucks they were promised, state charges. Business Interests Target "Activist" Attorney Generals U.S. Chamber of Commerce wants to rein in state law enforcement officers who are too zealous in protecting consumers and small business. Massachusetts Sues Home Improvement Contractor Company took the money but didn't do the work, state chargse. Nationwide Insurance To Make Restitution Company deceived consumers into buying policies beyond their financial means, Massachusetts charged. New York Takes On Predatory Real Estate Scams Scam artists posing as "foreclosure rescue agents" defraud homeowners. Court Decision Shutting Down NY Payday Loan Operations Upheld by Appeals Court It's the first time a state court has found a payday loan violates New Yorks usury law. Fuel MAX Settles Federal Charges Bogus fuel-saving product's e-mail and Web sites violated federal laws.
Texas Sues Sweepstakes Operator Sweepstakes gambit was mostly a ruse to gather consumers' personal identity data, state charges.
Pennsylvania Charges Home Improvement Fraud Money collected but work not done, state charges.
Parents: Be Wary of Supposed Model Searches Most advance-fee model searches do nothing but drain parents' money, NY Consumer Protection Board warns.
Health Discount Card Plan Makes Fraudulent Claims, Illinois Charges Consumers thought they were buying health insurance.
Virginia Sentences Spammer to 9 Years Defendant remains free on bond pending appeal of nation's harshest anti-spam law.
Cell Phone Charity A Scam, Oklahoma Charges Used cell phones supposedly were used to help battered women.
First Case Filed Under Florida Anti-Spam Law Span was used to sell fraudulent or illegal business activities, including pharmaceutical and cigarette sales.
New York Wins Cramming Concessions from Verizon Company agrees to protect customers from unauthorized third-party charges on their phone bills.
Reader's Digest Settles Sweepstakes Suit The Reader's Digest Association has agreed to a $196,000 settlement with the state of Connecticut for deceptive marketing of its sweepstakes contests.
Ponzi Artist Blamed for $150 Million in Losses California man sold bogus investments in accounts receivable factoring.
Payday Lenders Prey on African-American Neighborhoods Payday lending a civil rights issue, report says.
Colorado Mortgage Broker Barred from Making Deceptive Claims PWR Processing, Inc. promised consumers "no-fee," low-interest home mortgages following a process of multiple refinances.
Home Medical Test Kits May Not Be Reliable Globus kits imported from Canada not approved for use in U.S.
Inmate Phone Scam Warning Consumers warned against accepting unexpected collect calls from jail or prison inmagse.
Kentucky Slams Book On Yellow Pages Scam Small businesses billed for service they didn't order.
Trilegiant Settles with Florida Travel marketers signed customers up for affiliate programs without their consent.
Travel Scam Artist Gets 10-Year Prison Term Connecticut woman swindled more than 100 people, prosecutors charged.
Bogus California High School to Pay $500,000 Unaccredited school bilked Latino immigrants and others seeking a high-school certificate, state charged in lawsuit.
Diploma Mill Operators Hit With Court Judgments Trinity Southern awarded degrees with no tests, no attendance.
Missouri Sues Consumers Trust Company offers rebates that are almost impossible to redeem, state charges.
California Sues "Living Trust Mill" Seniors allegedly tricked into investing their retirement savings in inappropriate annuities and living trusts.
Ocular Nutrition Promoter Settles FTC Charges Company claimed its nutrition supplement could reverse macular degeneration.
Feds, States Crackdown on Work-At-Home Schemes Consumers warned against "guaranteed" home business "opportunities."
Call Forward Scam Spreading Consumers duped into paying for expensive long-distance and collect calls.
College Funding Scam Faces $1.4 Million Penalty College Funding Center bilked family seeking financial assistance for education.
Telemarketer Gets Three Years For Scamming Elderly Woman Scam involved supposed "winnings" in the Canadian lottery.
Illinois Charges Storm Chaser with Home Repair Fraud Company collected more than $225,000 for repairs that were never completed.
Beware of Payday Loans Barrage of post-holiday ads aimed at cash-short consumers.
New Version Of Old Pyramid Scheme Elite Activity claims to be a "gifting" organization but is really just a pyramid scheme, prosecutors claim.
Free Money? Don't Think So New York Consumer Protection Board finds government grant scams victimizing thousands.
Settlement Reached in NY Pay Phone Scam Seniors tricked into "investing" in pay phone leasing scam will get settlements of up to $20,000.
Texas Ices Tax Freeze Scam Aimed At Seniors Promoters were selling free information about homestead exemption to seniors.
Iowa Gas Station Owner Caught In Shell Game Davenport station put regular in all three pumps.
PA Charges Online University with Fraud Pennsylvania investigators purchased an MBA for their cat from Trinity Southern University.
Feds Weigh In Against Thermalean Promoters FTC charges promoters of weight-loss nostrum and Lipodrene, a supposed erectile dysfunction remedy.
Travel Promoters Scammed Seniors, Illinois Charges Promoters took Midwest seniors for a ride, attorney general charges.
Texas Charges Mortgage Company with Fraud City Mortgage told Latino homeowners it would reduce their mortgage payments.
Cashback Payday Loans Banned In New York Company charges excessive interest rates, state charges.
Iowa Cracks Down on "Firefighter" Solicitations Fundraisers keep 76% of proceeds, state charges.
Feds Allege Debt Negotiation Service Is a Scam Better Budget Financial Services fails to help clients clear up bills; keeps their money instead.
Florida Sues Consumer Grants USA Tricked consumers into paying hundreds of dollars for information about grants they did not receive, suit charges.
Iowa Sues American Deputy Sheriffs Association Fund-raising practices are deceptive and very little money actually goes to law enforcement, suit charges.
Illinois Sues Diet Patch Promoters "Magic" weight loss claims are false, state charges.
Shill Bidding Exposed in E-Bay Auctions New York investigation finds accomplices bid up auction items, soaking buyers.
Arizona Bars California Alternative High School School claims to provide a high school diploma to participants in a 10-week program.
Feds Sue Bogus Fuel Saver FTC charges FuelMAX and SuperFuelMAX do nothing to save gas.
Missouri Sues Towing Operator for Charging Exorbitant Fees Attorney general received 88 complaints from St. Louis area consumers.
Pennsylvania Sues Living Trust Scheme Older Pennsylvanians deceived into buying Revocable Living Trusts, long term annuities or charitable gift annuities that were costly, not in their best interest or unnecessary, suit charges.
Government Grant Scam Steams On No end to sight to the "free money from the government" scam.
Work-At-Home Scheme Sued Illinois charges Hill Associates "jobs" don't exist.
Balance Bracelet Settles Lawsuits Company will pay $400,000 and agree to stop making unproven pain-relief claims.
Body Solutions Founder Faces $155 Million Judgment Promoter falsified financial statements to hide assets from court.
NY Halts Sale of 9/11 Coins Freedom Tower Silver Dollar" is neither silver nor a dollar, state charges.
NY Furniture Store Abused Military Customers Retailer used illegal tactics, garnished pay of soldiers serving in Iraq.
135 Arrested in Telemarketing Scams Justice Department announces scores of arrests worldwide in "Operation Roaming Charge."
FTC Continues Crackdown on Scams Aimed at Hispanic Consumers Announces prosecution of several companies.
Firm Allegedly Sold Bogus Identity Theft Protection Oklahoma sues Consumer Benefits Group.
California Dentists Charged in Fraud Scheme 20 dentists charged with fraud, conspiracy, grand theft, child abuse, elder abuse, assault and intentional infliction of great bodily injury.
Judge Bars Misleading Ab Force Claims Ruling upholds Federal Trade Commission complaint.
Phony Cashier's Check Scammers Getting Bolder Phony check sent to Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon.
Grant Scams Defraud Thousands Individuals, small businesses fall for "free money" promise.
Citibank Phishing Scam Making the Rounds Identity theft scammers keep busy with phishing expeditions.
Kevin Trudeau Banned from Infomercials Coral Calcium, Biotape promoter surrenders house, car and $500,000 cash to settle federal claims.
Iowa Busts Sweepstakes Scheme State charges Canadian scammers deceived seniors and built lists of future targets.
Consumers Recover $7.9 Million from Equifax Equifax charged consumers $20 bad check fees not authorized by law.
Missouri Sues Accused eBay Scammer Consumers paid big bucks for retail gift cards that were never delivered.
Government Grant Scam Still Active Latest outbreak in West Virginia.
Ultra Carb, Chito-Trim Promoters Face $1 Million Settlement Federal Trade Commission charged that advertising was deceptive and misleading.
Cyberrebate Was Too Good to be True Company settles charges it bilked consumers with promises of "100 percent" rebates.
Debt Solutions Inc. Settles Washington Suit Debt reduction firm accused of scamming consumers.
Illinois Targets Pre-Paid Calling Cards New law requires more complete rate disclosure, gives state more power to go after offenders.
Iowa Finds Nothing Redeeming About Coupon Connection Consumers lose time, money and hope in work-at-home scam.
Caution: Windshield Replacement Scams Ahead Scam artists lure consumers into insurance fraud.
Growing Menace: Fake Check Scams Consumers lose an average of $5,000 each in phony check rip-offs.
"Gifting Club" Scams Sweep Midwest Arkansas hard hit by "The Last Program" and other illegal pyramid schemes.
Drugmaker Admits Claritin Kickback Scheme Pacificare and CIGNA got discounts at taxpayers' expense.
Judge Orders Canadian Lottery Scam Artists to Pay $19 Million Two other lottery scams also run afoul of the law.
Metabolife Founder Indicted Federal grand jury charges company and founder with lying to investigators about ephedra supplements.
Iowa Bars California "Alternative" High School School is unaccredited and diplomas are of little use, state charges.
Scams Target Online Job Seekers Scam artists use legitimate job sites to find victims.
Herbal Breast Enhancement Claims Challenged Washington State sues Herbal Breast Advantage inventor and promoter.
Do-Not-Call Scam Shut Down "Solicitation Guard" did nothing to stop unwanted calls, FTC charges.
Door-to-Door Meat Seller Fined Iowa charges All American Foods with consumer fraud.
Biotape Pain Relief Claims Disputed FTC says no evidence to support promoters' claims.
Pennsylvania Sues Cross Country Bank State charges Cross Country preyed on low-income consumers with tarnished credit.
New Scam Uses Counterfeit Checks Online sellers often victimized.
Arizona Sues Kirby Vacuum Distributors Sales teams preyed on elderly consumers, state charges.
Experian, ConsumerInfo.Com Named in Class Action Suit San Francisco suit charges that consumers are duped into spending $79.99 for "free" credit reports.
Investment, Real Estate Scams Target Seniors Imaginary tax liens, inappropriate long-term investments used to defraud seniors, authorities allege.
Water Purification Company Faces Fraud Charges Pittsburgh company made unsubstantiated claims, Attorney General charges
Supreme Greens, Coral Calcium Daily Give FTC Indigestion Advertising claims can't be substantiated, feds charge.
"Balance Bracelet" Claims Challenged Federal Trade Commission charges pain-relief claims are false.
Skybiz Victims to Share $20 Million Pyramid scheme operators settle with federal prosecutors.
New York Closes BeaverHome.com Online home furniture store took money but didn't deliver.
Court Closes National Consumer Council Supposed non-profit claimed to establish "trust funds" for debt-ridden consumers.
Feds Nab Two Big Spammers Scam artists were pushing diet patches and human growth hormone.
FTC Admits Altering Affidavit in Alyon Case Alteration made it appear consumers did not have to pay bills from Alyon.
IRS Warns Stock Losses Can't Be Taken As Theft "Dirty Dozen" tax scams can land you in big trouble.
FDIC Warns of E-Mail Scam Phony e-mails come from "security@fdic.com."
Florida Insurance Scam Hits Seniors Five arrested in fraud ring that allegedly netted more than $2 million in phony sales commissions.
Feds Charge QVC over Weight-Loss Claims Home-shopping channel had agreed in 2000 not to make unsubstantiated for false claims.
Credit Counseling Riddled With Fast-Buck Promoters, Congress Finds IRS may revoke non-profit designation of some agencies; criminal prosecution possible.
Seniors Warned About Phony Rx Discount Card Scams Door-to-door scam artists reported in 11 states.
"Peel Away the Pounds" Promoters Fined $1 Million Supposed weight-loss product actually does nothing, prosecutors charged.
Focus Factor, V-Factor Promoters to Pay $1 Million for False Claims No scientific evidence that either supplement is safe or effective, feds charge.
Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Salesman Arrested Allegedly victimized seniors in central Illinois towns.
Feds Say Debt Negotiators Bogus Briggs & Baker and Debt Resolution Specialists charged with bilking consumers.
Mobsters Charged in Cramming Scam Millions of consumers bilked in Gambino family operation, FBI charges.
"Privacy Protectors" Charged with Bilking Consumers Vector Marketing charged nearly $400 for protection that seldom materialized.
FTC Hits "Business Opportunity" Scams Internet Treasure Chest, Vendco, North American Vending agree to settle federal charges.
FTC Opens Hotline for Epixtar Victims Company "crammed" consumers' phone bills.
CMS Settles Federal Charges for $23 Million Firm provided merchants with credit-card payment services
Envelope-Stuffing Schemes Targeted Feds, states charge work-at-home promoters.
Consumers Warned About Spanish Lottery Scam Latest foreign lottery scam can mean fat losses.
Credit "Repair" Promoters Face $1 Million Penalty Claims of a "one-of-a-kind computer disk" untrue.
Court Halts Trek Alliance Pyramid Scheme Feds charged Trek lured job seekers into losing sales scheme.
Bio Lab Settles Federal Charges "Fat Blocker" and "Cellu-Fight" ineffective, government charged.
"Fast Abs" Promoters to Pay $5 Million Fast Abs & Abtronic are "ABsurd," feds charge.
Bloussant Breast Enhancement Promoters Must Pay $3 Million FTC charges claims for breast enhancement, increased sexual potency and snore cure unsupported.
FTC Charges Internet Mall Is a Pyramid Scam Earnings promises were overstated, suit charges.
Feds Sue Australian Lottery Scam Operator Canadian scam artists targeted elderly Americans.
FDA Warns Against Using STAMINA Rx Over-the-counter drug contains potentially dangerous ingredients, agency says.
Court Seizes Internet Treasure Chest Get-rich-quick scheme worked only for its promoter, feds charge.
Envelope Stuffers Snuffed Work-at-home scheme shut down, one principal faces jail term.
Ephedra Promoters Charged Feds charge promoters with making false advertising claims.
UrbanQ Settles "Q-Bate and Switch" Charges Company failed to pay rebates, FTC charges.
Magazine Solicitors Fined $1 Million Consumers wound up paying much more than expected and were unable to cancel.
Ephedra Pushers Feeling the Heat "Fat-burning" drugs facing a new wave of consumer lawsuits and legislative action in wake of pitcher Steve Bechler's death.
Leasecomm Settles Fraud Charges, Cancels $24 Million in Judgments Boston company preyed on would-be entrepreneurs.
Gero Vita, Theraceuticals Use Deceptive Advertising, FTC Charges Agency goes to federal court to seek permanent ban.
Bad-Check Chasers Charged with Fraudently Collecting Millions New Jersey firms threatened consumers to collect debts they did not owe.
Court Order Snags Cell Phone "Radiation Protection Patches" Patches not shown to be effective, feds charge.
ShopNBC Fined $215,000 For Quackery Disobeyed earlier FTC order to stop making unsubstantiated health claims.
Medical Billing Scam Settles Charges Med Data's operators banned from future work-at-home promotions.
Court Order Closes MedPlan Canadian scheme targets Americans with phony health discount, credit protection, FTC charges.
"Coral Calcium" Claims Debunked Substance has "no unique health properties," medical authorities say.
Breast Cream Developer Settles Federal Charges Promoter agrees to stop making undocumented claims.
Telemarketers Sold Bogus Advance-Fee Credit Cards, FTC Charges Low-income victims lost hundreds of dollars each.
"International Driving Permits" A Scam, Feds Charge Spammers selling useless "permits" for hundreds each.
