Scam Alerts
It's impossible to catalog all the perpetrators but most scams are the same old song, slightly different verse. Scam Alerts editor Mark Huffman says it's trite but true -- if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For a complete tour of Scamland, check the scam news below, then examine the Classic Pitch Lines and reader complaints. Use the search box to look for specific scams.
Scam Alerts News
Feds Get $10 Million Settlement in Bruce Moneymaker Case Company allegedly targeted payday loan seekers and charged them without their consent
'Scammer Guard' Faces Fraud Lawsuit In Florida State claims company carried out 'fraudulent scheme'
Acai Berry 'News' Sites Permanently Shut Down Defendants will pay $500,000 to settle deceptive practices charges
Scammers Exploiting Foreclosure Review Process The real foreclosure review is free
'Immigration Center' Tricked Consumers, FTC Charges Charged $2,500 for immigration forms that are available at no charge
What's On Your Mind? Education Scams, Capital One, U-Hau Our daily look at consumer reviews
Timeshare Resale Agent Sentenced To Prison State maintains defendant scammed owners out of $30 million
Central Coast Neutraceuticals to Pay $1.5 Million Feds charged company used shady sales practices to peddle acai beerry supplements
Court Blocks Bogus Tax Credit Scheme California man claimed he had billions of dollars of tax credits to sell
Texas Freezes Assets Of Texas Highway Patrol Association State found group misrepresented itself to donors
Top Ten Scams Of 2011 Another year of economic struggle and the scams that accompany it
Feds Shut Down Alleged Father-Son Ponzi Scheme Statewide scheme took in $220 million in Utah
Feds Shut Down Acai Berry 'News" Sites "Free trial" cost consumers $25 million, complaint charges
Magic Jack Being Used In Phone Spoofing Scam Scam shows up in Mississippi
Business Recovery Services Held in Contempt BRS "helps" individuals scammed by business opportunity schemes
Feds Send Refunds to Defrauded Consumers Counterfeit check and prize scam victimized 200
Feds Toughen Rules on Work-At-Home Schemes Promoters must provide more information to help consumers evaluate their programs
Facebook Scams Snare Victims With 'Freebies' Scams offer free coffee and airline tickets
$30 Million Judgment in Bogus Government Grant Case "Grant Connect" used Obama photos to peddle its services
Fundraiser Claiming To Aid Veterans Banned In Oregon State says group gave no money to charity
Metro Dream Homes Founder Convicted in Mortgage Fraud Scheme Promised to pay off homeowners' mortgages but left them to fend for themselves
'Scam Recovery Kit' Promoters Found in Contempt Company owners face $1,000 per day fines
Defrauded Businesses, Non-Profits Get Refunds Checks are in the mail to victims of telemarketing scam
Beware The 'Hot' Car Scam Buying a used car on the street can be risky
New Email Scam Purports To Be From Gaddafi Partner A remake of the old African prince scam
Six Charged in Alleged Sports Memorabilia Scams Fans paid big bucks for phone "game used" jerseys, feds charge
What's On Your Mind? Winners International Sweepstakes, TravelNow.com, Kirby Vacuums Our daily look at consumer reviews
FDA Chemist Pleads Guilty in Insider Trading Scheme Defendant misused FDA data on new drug applications
Bogus Government Grant Operators Permanently Banned Defendants accused of defrauding consumers
Don't Fall For 'Smishing' Scams Text-based scam shows up in Washington State
Christian Rock Concert Promoter Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud FBI: Campaign to finance battle of the bands events was a Ponzi scheme
Costa Rican Company Named in $670 Million Fraud Scheme Indictment alleges conspirators stole millions from victims worldwide
Defendant in Grant-Writing Scheme Ordered to Pay $1.68 Million Meggie Chapman ran telemarketing operation for Grant Writers Institute
Beware of 'Google Team 2011' Scam Email message asks you to update your payment information
Cold Weather is Here - Beware Of Chimney Repair Scams They usually appear with the first sign of cold weather
British Survey Finds Online Romance Scams Are Widespread More people fall victim than are reported to the police, researchers say
New York Training Firm Accused Of Running Scam Allegedly trained consumers for phony security guard jobs
'Products At Work' Banned From Soliciting in Iowa Company's claims to help disabled are misrepresentations, state charges
Beware the 'Financial Recovery Awards' Scam Canadian scam targets flood-damaged areas
Beware Royalty Resource Network Scam Using small newspaper ads to ensnare victims
Robo-Caller Seeks Access To Bank, Social Security Data Scam surfaced in Massachusetts this month
Consumers Cautioned About Debit Card Phishing Scam Scammer poses as employee of Wells Fargo
Arizona 'Charity' Fundraiser Barred From Iowa Attorney General uses recorded calls to crack down on fraud
Fake Lottery Scam Still Making The Rounds Makes new appearance in West Virginia
FBI Warns of Bogus Check Scam Checks appear to be issued by UT-Battelle LLC
States, Feds Put Squeeze on Government Grant Scammers Fifteen entities put out of business
Watch Out for Storm-Related Scams Hurricane Irene likely to bring scam artists in her wake
Sham Breast Cancer Charity Organizers Plead Guilty Money raised to fight breast cancer was spent on personal shopping and travel
Minnesota Fundraisers Booted From Iowa Group had previously run afoul of the state's attorney general
Florida Foreclosure Rescuer Faces Suit In Indiana State continues crackdown on advance fee schemes aimed at homeowners
Colorado Consumers Warned About Restitution Scam In fact, demands for an advance fee is usually a sign of a scam
Internet Explorer IQ Hoaxer Says He'll Do It Again "I'll do it again and again and again," AtCheap.com operator vows
FBI Warns of 'Japan Consulate' Check Scam Victims asked to deposit check and forward a portion to another account
Maryland Marketer Pays $1.2 Million In Connection With Unauthorized Charges Florida cracking down on post-transaction marketing
Grandparent Scam Gets Scarier Callers now know specific information about the families they're trying to defraud
Texan Sentenced to Prison in Rare Coin Scam Quadriplegic was defrauded of $200,000, prosecutors charged
Sweepstakes Scammers Replace Moneygram With Green Dot Victims told to send money using pre-paid cards
Judge Shuts Down 'Yellow Pages' Scam European operation targeted small businesses, nonprofits in North America
New Jersey Sues Modeling & Talent Agency Firms promised parents their children could become successful actors, models
'Charities' Accused Of Exploiting Joplin Tornado Victims Missouri attorney general seeks injunction
Illinois Charges Woman Sold Ads in Non-Existent Magazines Clients paid for ads that never appeared in magazines that didn't exist
New Jersey Travel Club Owner Arrested, Charged with Theft Consumers paid for vacation packages that never materialized
Scammers May Pose As Someone From Your Bank Scheme is operating in North Carolina, perhaps other states
FBI Breaks Up Internet Fraud Network Based in Romania More than 100 arrests yesterday as agents continue 10-year crackdown
'Cramming' Costing Consumers $2 Billion a Year, Study Finds Senate Commerce Committee finds long history of fraudulent practices
Ohio Sues Alleged Craigslist Scammers Consumers paid for video games, cell phones but got nothing
Scammers Using System For Hearing-Impaired To Target Businesses TTY relay used to add credibility to con
Credit Card Scam Targets Hotel Guests Someone calls your room and asks you to confirm your card number
West Virginia Sues 'Modeling Agency' Photographer, supposed agent made big promises but suit says he didn't deliver
Scam Artists Discover the MoneyPak Consumers being swindled when they give out their MoneyPak number
Diabetes Charity Banned From Iowa For 10 Years Eighty cents of every dollar went to telemarketer
Work-at-Home Scheme Ordered to Pay $10 Million Real Wealth, Inc. scammed thousands of consumers, feds charged
Don't Fall For Cell Phone Radiation Scams Best solution is to talk less, use the speakerphone feature
A New Wrinkle In Fake Payday Loan Scam Copy cat scammer claims to be police officer threatening arrest
Latest Scam Email Claims to be From the FBI Recipients are instructed to send $350 immediately
Publishers Clearing House Warns of Sweepstakes Scams Sweepstakes "winners" should never send money to "claim their prize"
Judge Shuts Down Alleged Immigration Scam Baltimore business claimed it was authorize to prepare immigration papers
Bogus Charity Solicitor Used 'Blatant Lies,' Suit Charges Solicitor claimed to be raising funds to help people with disabilities
Beware the Itinerant Magazine Tricksters Summer brings a wave of door-to-door magazine sales crews
Feds Sue Prepaid Phone Card Vendors FTC charges cards don't deliver the number of minutes advertised
New Medicare Scam Targets Part B Participants Seniors should be leery of promise of free glucose meter
'State Record Retrieval Board' Doesn't Exist Washington state residents who fell for the scam will get refunds
Feds Charge Get-Rich-Quick Pitchman Bilked Consumers Promoters claimed big profits lurked in promissory note business
FTC Nails Bogus Debt Reduction Businesses Multi-million-dollar settlements imposed on several businesses and their owners
'Free Vacation' Scam Targeted Spanish-Speaking Consumers Every contestant won but vacations weren't delivered
Beware The Apple App Scam Scammers seem to have discovered Apple
eDebitPay Found in Contempt, Fined $3.7 Million Company offered a bogus "$10,000 credit line," FTC charged
Missouri Warns Of Joplin Tornado Aid Scams Feds declare public health emergency in Missouri
Lawsuit: Time-Share Owners Fleeced Twice Defendants promised to sell units, then offered to file a legal action ... against themselves
Gold Marketer Faces Federal Fraud Charges FTC shuts down profitable gold telemarketing operation
Feds Charge Canadian Scam Artists Raked in $450 Million Consumers were lured into "free" and "risk-free" offers that were anything but
What's On Your Mind? Mystery Shopper Scam, American Mint, Lenovo Our daily look at consumer reviews
Feds Settle With Work-at-Home Marketer Some tips to keep from getting stung
Delaware Charges 'Missionaries' Ran Home Improvement Scam Elderly homeowners thought they were helping a missionary group
Michaels Reports Widespread Debit Card Fraud At 80 Stores Thieves apparently attempted to steal debit card data
FBI Warns of Charity Scams Following Southern Tornadoes Tornadoes spawn cluster of fraudulent appeals
Feds: 'metoo' Clip-On Chairs a Danger to Children Company refuses to agree to a recall, offers "repair" kit instead
Watch Out for Mother's Day Scams Scam artists are always looking for a plausible-sounding way to get their hands on your money
Consumers Getting $11.8 Million in Q-Ray Bracelet Refunds FTC mailing checks to consumers who submitted a claim form
Don't Fall For Bin Laden Hit Video Scam The scam is beginning to show up on Facebook
NYC Postal Workers Stole Millions in Phony Tax Refunds Mail carrier convicted in complex scheme to generate, then steal refund checks
Florida Sues Three Foreclosure Rescue Firms State continues to be hard-hit by foreclosures
'Wal-Mart Shopping Spree' Scam Victims Getting Checks Most consumers will get about $18; checks should be cashed promptly
Consumers Not Required To Return Unsolicited Products What marketers don't want you to know
Refund Checks Being Mailed to Hispanic Mortgage Borrowers $1.5 million in refunds being made as part of settlement alleging discriminatory practices
California Seeks Jail Time for 'Tax Lady' Roni Deutch Deutch destroyed documents, failed to pay refunds despite court orders
Blogger Calls Out Facebook On Security Issues Says Facebook should take initiative to protect users
Scam Alert: Don't Pay to Join Mortgage 'Relief' Lawsuits Watch out for lawyers promising guaranteed results, big damage awards
Beware The 'Your Facebook Password Is Not Safe' Scam Spam email contains dangerous Trojan
Bogus 'Complaint Removal' Sites Prey on Small Businesses Scam artists mislead business owners targeted by angry customers
California Pyramid, Stock Scam Netted Millions Promoters convicted and face more than 20 years in prison
What's On Your Mind? Scams, Hollywood Video, Verizon Our daily rundown on consumer reviews
'West Coast Bernie Madoff' Gets 108-Month Sentence Ponzi scheme bilked victims out of $8 million
Feds Charge Johnson & Johnson With Bribery J&J to pay $70 million to settle cases
Chicago Art Gallery Owner Accused of Selling Counterfeits Feds have indicted 12 defendants so far in fake art crackdown
Defrauded Investors Getting Refunds After 16 Years New Jersey investigators finally find hidden assets
'Mystery Shopper' Scam Artist Gets 6 Years in Prison Scheme featured bogus bartending, mystery shopping jobs
Michigan Fundraiser Ordered To Change Practices Must make fuller disclosure to potential donors
'Liberty Dollar' Promoter Convicted of Making Illegal Coins Sorry, but the federal government has a monopoly on currency
Small Businesses May Be Eligible for Refunds Washington State business settles consumer protection complaints
Time Runs Out for Timeshare Resellers Vacation Property Services accused of tricking timeshare owners
Seven Ways To Spot A Scam Email There are always telltale signs
New Jersey Smashes Counterfeit Clothing Ring Police say operation cheated businesses and consumers
SEC Sues Alleged Utah Ponzi Scammer 'Payday loan business' was really a Ponzi scheme, feds charge
Feds Ask Court to Silence Radio Host's 'Cancer Cure' Claims FTC says Daniel Chapter One products are "phony"
Lottery Scam Draws 150-Month Prison Sentence Elderly Americans were swindled by Israeli telemarketing operation
Maryland Title Agency Operator Sentenced to Prison Failed to make $3.9 million in payoffs to mortgtage lenders
Girls Gone Wild Founder Needs a Lawyer ... Fast Joe Francis has yet another court date but no lawyer
Campaign Targets 'Grandparent Scam,' Other Imposter Scams Victims lose thousands of dollars by responding to phony calls for help
Consumers Warned About Weight Loss Scams FDA is warning consumers to avoid products with exaggerated weight loss claims
Mortgage Modification Scams Still on the Rise A single California agency reports conducting 4,500 investigations
Timeshare Owners Still Get Burned By Empty Promises Be leery of promises of a quick sale and a demand of an upfront fee
'Wealth-Builder' Will Sell Home to Pay Federal Penalties ohn Stefanchik cashed in, for awhile, on get-rich-quick scheme
Payday Loan Marketers Pay $800,000 to Settle FTC Charges Swish Marketing allegedly tricked consumers into buying prepaid debit cards
Feds, States Taking Another Look at MoneyGram Regulators asking if the company is doing enough to protect consumers
Beware Of Refinancing Scams Scammers take advantage of distressed homeowners
Acai 'Free' Offers Can Be Anything But Make sure you read the fine print
Don't Fall For Japan Disaster Scams Scammers are already trying to reap financial gain from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami
Verizon Sues Alleged Text Message Scammers Here's how to file a claim
Curves Health Clubs Will Reimburse New Yorkers Whose Clubs Shut Down At least 60 Curves clubs went out of business in New York state in 2009
Grandparent Scam Finding New Victims Call from distressed grandchild turns out to be fake after money is wired
Charlie Sheen Scam Spreads On Facebook If a Facebook friend wants you to watch a Charlie Sheen video, don't
Massachusetts Bars Two Discount Health Plans The plans used fraud and misrepresented their programs, the state charged
Utah Ponzi Scam 'All About Greed' Defendant promised riches but kept the money himself
Scam Artists Victimized California Churches, Attorney General Charges Churches lost more than $800,000 in computer kiosk scam, suit alleges
Illinois Sues Contractor In Driveway Repair Scam One of the oldest scams still takes in consumers
Texas Takes Action Against New York Electronics Retailers Two firms accused of bait and switch in offering rock bottom prices
Don't Fall for Precious Metals Scams Surging gold and silver prices can carry dangers for investors
'Rooms To Go' Security Officials Charged with Mail Fraud Two former detectives took in more than $835,000 in kickbacks, feds charge
FTC Asks Court to Shut Down Text Messaging Spammer Operation blasted out text message spam at a mind-boggling rate, agency alleges
'Free Tickets on Southwest' Scam Hits Facebook Realistic looking design might dupe more people into clicking malicious link
'Help Me Flip It' A Scam, Suit Says Chicago company says it spent $60,000 and got nothing back
Alibaba CEO Resigns Amid e-Fraud Scandal Probe finds widespread fraud on the business-to-business site
How To Protect Yourself From Common Scams Consumer Reports Money Adviser looks at schemes and solutions
Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takes Down 111 Suspects Doctors, nurses, health care companies among those nabbed
Investors to Get Refunds in DVD Machine Scam More than $3 million to be returned to scam victims
New Scam Targets Netflix Subscribers New face on old scheme
Claim Forms Going Out to Auto Warranty Robocall Recipients Voice Touch "bombarded" consumers with deceptive calls in 2009
'Free' Poster Costs $29.99 Per Month, Lawsuit Charges Wozo, Tatto, Adknowledge named in class action suit
Oregon Sues Veterans 'Charity,' Says Founder Diverted Funds Oregon War Veterans Association also made illegal political contributions, suit charges
'Reporter Has Stroke On TV' Turns Into Facebook Scam Hint: ignore the "check it out" link from your Facebook "friends"
Casino Cheating Ring Dismantled 'False shuffle' used to beat casinos out of millions
Never Pay A Fee To Collect A Prize Maryland Charges Synchronicity with deception
Home Repair Fraud A Scam For All Seasons Fraudulent contractors always on the prowl
Missouri Indicts Companies On Real Estate Fraud Charges Complex deal resulted in homeowners losing homes
Egyptian Crisis Gives New Life to Travel Emergency Scam Friend in trouble overseas? Don't be too sure
Business Opportunity Con Artist Surrenders Home, Abandons Appeal Richard Neiswonger was twice held in contempt of court
Major Health Care Fraud Takedown Operation Bad Medicine busts $7 million health care fraud scheme
New Mortgage Scam Surfaces In Nevada If you're informed your mortgage has been sold, make sure it has.
Investment Scam on Elderly Results in Nine-Year Prison Sentence Canadian telemarketer was previously sued by the FTC
Suit Accuses JPMorgan Chase of Aiding Madoff Bank says suit charging complicity in the investment fraud is meritless
New Jersey Travel Clubs Banished from the Garden State Clubs and their owner fined, barred from New Jersey for five years
Feds Shut Down Immigration Scam Scammers used fake Websites to confuse consumers
Tanning Salon Chain Settles Deceptive Sales Charges Colorado found company personnel misled consumers
Court Freezes Assets of Massive Internet Enterprise Feds seek return of more than $275 million to consumers caught in alleged billing scheme
Football Fans Cautioned About Possible Super Bowl Scams Officials in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are warning Packers and Steelers fans to be wary of 'great deals'
Marketers Banned From Debt Relief Business Defendants must pay $500,000 to settle charges
Consumers Cautioned About 'Free' Phone Service Discounted service provided for low-income consumers, but it's not free
Bears Fans Warned About Playoff Ticket Scams Many 'tickets' for sale aren't real
How You Could Fall Prey To A Debit Card Skimming Scam California case provides a good example
Feds Bust 'Tested Green' Certifications That Were Neither Company allegedly charged up to $549.95 for worthless environmental labels
Nevada Issues Alert On Property Deed Service Consumers aggressively marketed service they can do themselves almost for free
Ten Signs that You're Dating a Sociopath Who will exploit your relationship and often for money
Another Foreclosure 'Rescuer' Shut Down In North Carolina 12th such case in five years
Extortion Scam By Food and Drug Administration ImpersonatorsContinues Victims are told they have broken the law and will be prosecuted unless they pay up
Minnesota Accuses Firm Of 'Cramming' Consumers' Phone Bills Consumers complain about mysterious $15 charge
'No Credible Scientific Evidence' Behind Power Balance Bracelet: Manufacturer Class action lawsuit filed in response to admission
Dietary Supplement Marketer Agrees To $3 Million Settlement Florida accused firm of deceptive marketing
Oregon Bans Another Telemarketer Accused of keeping most of the proceeds
North Carolina Halts Foreclosure Auction Scheme Virginia company accused of bid-rigging
Top 10 Scams of 2010 Our annual list of deceptive schemes designed to part you from your money
Web Firm Charged With Massive Unauthorized Charge Scheme Allegedly operates 51 shell companies
A New Type of Con Artist Is On the Rise: Seniors Scamming Seniors Regulators say they're seeing an increase in fraud committed by seniors against other seniors
Minnesota Sues 'Tax Relief' Firm Claims firm overstated services and overcharged consumers
Arkansas Sues Adoption Agency Firm accused of consumer protection abuses
Seniors, Students Cautioned About Paying For Free Help If the best things in life are free, don't pay for them
Avoid Bogus Charities This Holiday Season The scammers are out there; heres how to avoid them
Texas Charges ATV Dealer Defrauded Consumers New Braunfels firm took customers' money but didn't deliver
Payday Loan Collection Scam Is Widespread Callers threaten consumers, claim they are delinquent on a non-existent payday loan
Feds Shut Down Misleading Robocallers Operations falsely promised to lower credit card interest rates
Think Before Booking Bowl Game Packages Football fans at risk of being scammed as college post-season gears up
Illinois Seeks to Close Chicago Area Charity Group charged with operating illegally
Iowa Charges Trilegiant With Consumer Fraud Part of crackdown on negative option marketing abuses
As Online Dating Gains Popularity, So Does The Risk Of Getting Scammed Con-men and -women prey on lovelorn to get money, expensive gifts
Officials of Pre-Planned Funeral Operation Indicted Charges, including insurance fraud and money laundering, involve the sale of services
Oregon Sues California Modification Consultants Big promises, few results
Prince William and Kate Middleton's Engagement Prompts Scareware Scams A simple picture search could lead users to buy phony virus-scanning software
More Scams Appear to Target Veterans Veterans dealing with employment, financial issues are vulnerable
Watch Out for the 'The Twelve Scams of Christmas' Cybercriminals use the holiday season aiming to steal money, identities and financial information
Court Shutters International Robocall Operation Companies falsely promised to reduce consumers credit card interest rates
Nevada Steps Up Mortgage Fraud Crackdown Investigation has uncovered wide range of related crimes
The Latest Scam: Hijacking Your Phone Number Scammers use technology to hide from telephone screeners
17 Charged In Fraud Involving Holocaust Survivors Corrupt insiders allegedly processed fraudulent applications for payments meant for Nazi persecution victims
Massachusetts Settles With Cape Cod Timeshare Sellers Four companies accused to failing to record deeds
Phony Debt Collector Scam Reported In Mississippi Mississippi consumers confronted with phony payday loan debt
Nevada Attorney Indicted In Foreclosure Rescue Scam Allegedly persuaded consumers to pay large, advance fees
Ban Imposed On Marketers of 'Detox' Foot Pads Advertising claimed 'ancient Japanese secret' could treat medical conditions
Fake Payday Loan Collector Scam Still Going Strong Callers use fear to shake down victims for cash
Pennyslvania Seeks To Shut Down Debt Collector Company allegedly set up fake courtroom to scare victims
Court Stops Alleged Timeshare Resale Scam Scammers took advantage of consumers by promising they had buyers lined up
The Pitfalls Of Prepaid Credit Cards Many come with huge fees
Seniors At Risk In Medicare Enrollment Scams Open enrollment period, Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, fraught with pitfalls
Adult Education Scams Proliferate In Tough Economy Diploma mills offer quick and easy degrees
Investors Defrauded In Horseshoe Manufacturing Scheme Investors lose $1.7 million in scheme to make padded horseshoes
Satellite Marketer Agrees to Change Marketing Practices Iowa sued, claiming company violate consumer fraud laws
Scammers Target Struggling Ohio Homeowners Web ads impersonate Save The Dream Ohio program
Work From Home Scams Are Prime Recruiting Areas for Cyber Criminals A coalition of agencies is offering tips keep consumers from being drawn in
New Facebook Phishing Scams: 'American GUY' and 'I Will NEVER TEXT Again' Links promise shocking videos, but expose profile information
Rodale Pays $1.3 Million For Billing Consumers For Magazines They Never Ordered Florida sued Rodale, Inc. after consumers complained about unauthorized charges
North Carolina Banishes Consumer Law Group Consumers need help not unlawful fees, state charges
Watch Out For ATM Skimmers At Gas Pumps Three men arrested for 'skimming' scam in California
Don't Fall For Facebook Profile Scam Despite scammers' claim you can't see who has accessed your profile
Pennsylvania Seniors Warned About Rebate Assistance Scam Seniors misled into thinking they must pay a fee to apply
Tax Relief Scam Collected More Than $60 Million Company's owners lived lavish lifestyle, targeted financially distressed consumers
Nigerian Prince Scam Turns to Fax Distribution In the world of scams, what's old is sometimes new again
Multi-National Internet Fraud Ring Smashed FBI, international agencies disrupt attempted theft of $220 million
African American Seniors Abused, Swindled More Often, Study Finds Survey finds older African-Americans are at twice the risk for mental abuse and five times the risk for financial exploitation
Timeshare Resales Are Treacherous; Scams Abound New breed of 'reseller' just takes the money and runs.
Advance Fee Scam Results In Lengthy Prison Terms Victims lost life savings and homes in fraudulent scheme involving bogus Federal Reserve notes.
'Pillow Pets' Were Counterfeit, Delaware Charges Undercover investigation leads to arrest, indictment of local merchant.
Online Auction PennyBiddr Agrees to Refunds to Settle Washington State Charges Auctions online often use 'cheap tricks to cheat consumers,' state warns
Consumers Warned About Utility 'Slammers' Telemarketers use deception to switch consumers' utility provider
California Realtor Charged With Scamming Elderly Homeowners, Lenders Century 21 agent allegedly chiseled seniors, banks out of more than $10 million
Payday Loan Lawsuit Brings $18 Million Settlement Against Advance America Lawsuits are part of a 'one-two punch' against unscrupulous lenders, officials say
Real Estate Scam Draws Prison Term for New York Financier Investors in private placement scheme lost more than $23 million
'Free' Yellow Pages Listings Weren't Free, Illinois Charges YP.com agrees not to bill any Illinois companies for online Yellow Pages listings
Court Stops Claims of Lucrative Home Jobs Stuffing Envelopes Consumers misled to believe they could earn substantial income, FTC alleges
Bold Scam Artists Pose As Credit Union Regulators say it was a scheme to steal money and identities
Online Tracking Program 'Media Stamp' Stalks Web Users, Suit Says Ringleader latest target of privacy litigation
Webloyalty Settles Internet Credit Card Fraud Charges Crackdown continues against companies exploiting 'negative option' marketing
Puppies Are the Lure as Scam Artists Target Dog-Loving Consumers The puppies are 'free' but, oh those shipping costs from Africa
Repair Credit Safely; Don't Fall for Phony Credit Fix Promises Consumers bombarded by 'fix credit' ads on radio, cable TV
Internet Modeling Job Scam Warning Issued Applicants lured with enticements of easy money, little work
Ohio Sues Work From Home Business Scheme NSA Technologies took money but didn't deliver work from home jobs, state charges
White House Picks Elizabeth Warren to Head Consumer Protection Agency Outspoken Harvard professor is seen as a champion of working Americans, a scourge of big business.
Illinois Ponzi Schemer Draws Prison Time Suburban Chicago man cheated 75 victims out of $28 million.
Vishing Scam Hits FDIC Scammers use delinquent loans ruse to collect personal information.
Connecticut Investigating Better Business Bureau Objects to new system for rating businesses
Scammers Creating 57,000 Fake Web Sites A Week Phony web pages can snag consumers when they show up in search
Caller ID 'Spoofing' a Growing Threat It's very easy for con artists to display a false Caller ID.
Beware of Credit Card Interest Rate Rip-Off Scam artists promise to lower credit card interest rate for a fee.
Avoid 'Cheerleaders Gone Wild' On Facebook Sexy come-on is latest 'clickjacking' scheme.
Publishers Clearinghouse Settles Deception Charges ... Again $3.5 million agreement with 32 states toughens 2001 settlement.
Amazon.com Users Growing Targets of Phishing Scams Scammers seek to steal customers' log-in information.
Payment Processor Settles State And Federal Charges Allegedly aided scammers in placing unauthorized charges.
Feds Sue Light Bulb Manufacturer Over Claims Study shows latest potential negative effect of non-stick chemicals.
Press Releases Tout Phony Credit Card Law Growing disinformation campaign seeks to confuse consumers.
Bogus Debt Collectors Impersonating Bank Regulators Latest attempt to scam victims into paying phony debts.
Scam Artists Capitalize on High Unemployment Rate Watch for these red flags when looking for jobs.
FTC: Payday Lender Illegally Garnished Borrowers Wages ECash owner settles charges, litigation continues against others.
Phony Funeral Ring Scams Insurance Companies, Fed Charge Mortuary employee stages funerals with cow parts and mannequins.
Illinois Accuses California Company Of 'Cramming' Firm selling ID protection service used third party relationship to add charges to consumers' bills.
Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty Running $80 Million Ponzi Scheme Officials say at least 17 lenders were scammed in bogus funding scheme<.
Texan Charged With Unlawfully Soliciting Funds for War Heroes Memorial The U.S. Fallen Heroes Foundation is getting a close look from the IRS.
Window Maker Cleans Up Claims About Energy Savings Great Lakes Windows agrees to screen out false sales representations.
FTC Stops False Claims By Credit Repair Operation Family-run scam surrenders cars, houses and real estate.
Fitness Center Operator Prohibited From Using Misleading Mailings Bally Total Fitness sent fake past-due bills to former members, must issue refunds.
Facebook Offer To 'Test' Apple Gadgets Is A Scam Scammer promises use of iPad or iPhone to lure victims.
Use Caution When Selling A Timeshare FTC offers advice to avoid resale scams.
Ohio Cracks Down On Charitable Fundraiser Courtesy Call Inc. accused of using 'dishonest and distasteful' tactics.
Suit Filed Against Duo Who Targeted Seniors With Medicaid Ploy Pair preyed on nursing home residents, promising help that never came, officials say.
Fake Payday Loan Collection Calls On the Rise In Illinois AG warns of scammers using threats and intimidation against consumers.
Movie Producer Indicted In Ponzi Scheme Complaint says producer made millions from investors, not movies.
Foreclosure Rescue Scam Lawyer To Pay $1 Million in Restitution Promises of foreclosure relief left homeowners deeper in the hole.
Ponzi Scammer Headed for Prison Investors swindled out of $158 million in 'tawdry and cheap' scheme.
West Virginia Sues Eight Payday Lenders Firms charged with using Internet to circumvent state law.
Apply2Save Owner Barred From Idaho Loan Businesses Company took in millions, did little in return, state charges.
California Sues 'Tax Lady Roni Deutch' for 'Heartless Scheme' Infomercials enticed consumers to lose thousands, state charges.
Auto Warranty Robocaller To Pay $2.3 Million, Sell Mercedes Consumer redress collected from all defendants in robocall case totals $3 million.
Florida Gets Injunction Against Credit Solutions Of America Move comes in advance of new federal rules cracking down on industry.
Discount Club Scammers To Pay Millions In Settlement Consumers were duped while shopping online or through mailed check solicitations.
An Identity Theft Protection Primer College students are among the prime targets for ID thieves.
Documents: Kevin Trudeau Stiffs Feds On Fine Trudeau memos reveal interesting look inside company.
Court Halts Acai Berry, Colon Cleanser Scams Ads Feature Phony Endorsements Attributed to Oprah Winfrey, Rachael Ray.
Facebook 'Dislike' Button A Scam Rogue app allows hackers to post spam on Facebook pages.
Beware of Door-To-Door Security Alarm Sales Cold-call con artists don't like taking 'no' for an answer.
Pre-Paid Phone Card Seller Settles With Maryland Company accused of failing to provide advertised minutes.
Pinnacle Security Settles With New York Firm charged with deceptive marketing practices.
Ohio Reports Rash of Sweepstakes Scams More than 900 complaints this year, many from seniors.
Sham California Nursing School To Repay Students Students defrauded out of thousands of dollars for unaccredited school.
Dangerous Computer Virus Emptying Bank Accounts Thousands of British bank customers find their accounts have been cleaned out.
Consumer Confusion Drove Intelius, Says Washington AG Online provider of background searches to pay $1.3 million to settle claims.
Minnesota Man Charged With Running $80 Million Ponzi Scheme Scam utilized 'loan participation' in which bank money is put at risk.
FTC Halts Cross-Border Domain Name Registration Scam Thousands of small businesses and non-profits billed for bogus renewal fees.
Two Indicted In 'Mortgage Scheme' Prosecutors say defendants used fake credit histories.
Ohio Launches Nationwide Manhunt for Missing 'Charity' Director Head of U.S. Navy Veterans Association disappears amid probe into organization's finances.
Diet Supplement 'Potentially Lethal,' Suit Says Latest lawsuit calling Jillian Michaels's diet pills 'bogus.'
Electronic Cigarette Maker To Stop Deceptive Marketing and Sales To Minors Company claimed product that includes nicotine contained no carcinogens.
Is Your Child's Identity At Risk? Obtaining Social Security at birth carries risk.
Mortgage Lender To Pay $4.5 Million To Settle Housing Allegations W.R. Starkey Mortgage arranged loans that put consumers 'under water' state says.
Promoters of Sham Tax Elimination Scheme Sentenced Scammers used elaborate ploys to ply their programs.
American Airlines Settles Cargo Price-Fixing Case Company agrees to provide money, information against other defendants.
FTC Cracking Down On Debt Settlement Industry Abuses Newly adopted regulations bar collection of fees unless consumers get relief.
Electronic Payments Association Warns Of New Phishing Scam Email warns of 'unauthorized ACH transaction'.
Scammers Putting A New Face(book) On An Old Scheme Scammers hijacking Facebook accounts reach out to 'friends' for cash.
New York Settles Charges Against Debt Collector Crackdown continues against debt collectors who engage in abusive, illegal practices.
Consumer Agency Survey: Foreclosure Scam Was 2009's Fastest Growing Complaint Number of complaints up year-over-year as recession takes its toll on consumers and agencies alike.
'Questionable' Home Improvement Contractors Pursued In Pennsylvania Wave of legal actions filed by attorney general involving 'shoddy' practices.
Identity Theft Scam Targets Diabetics Scammers calling people with the disease in Mississippi, seeking personal data.
Mortgage Relief Firms Pay Millions to Settle Charges Marketers charged advanced fees, delivered nothing, FTC says.
Payday Lender to Refund $305,446 in West Virginia Company sued for violating state's ban on payday lending.
Government Grant Scam Hits Ohio Tried and true scheme is making the rounds again.
Storm Chasers Can Do Big Damage to Your Pocketbook Bad weather brings out hordes of scam artists offering fast, cheap repairs.
California DAs Open Investigation into Goldline New York Congressman also calls for investigation into gold coin company.
7 Ways You Can Spot A Scam Scams increase during bad economic times.
Obama Signs 'Strongest Consumer Financial Protections in History' Into Law Measure protects consumers from hidden fees, investment scams, requires clear disclosure of terms.
Massachusetts Sues Credit Repair Companies Part of continued crackdown on operations exploiting economic distress.
T-Mobile Settles Cramming Charges With Florida Will take additional steps to protect consumers.
Protecting Yourself From ID TheftYou needn't buy expensive products to keep your identity safe.
Consumers Warned About Amazon.com Scam Email appears to be from online retailer, but isn't.
Payday Lender Complains About Financial Reform Bill Company says new regulations could put it, and others, out of business.
KFC 'Free Lunch Coupon' Suit Moves Forward Suit charges KFC chickened out on offer aired on Oprah.
Oregon Sues Countrywide Over Pension Fund Losses Lawsuit alleges misleading tactics led to $29 million in investment losses.
Lottery Scammer Draws Prison Time Canadian man's racket targeted elderly Americans.
FTC Issues Report On Reforming Debt Collection Litigation And Arbitration Agency says system is 'broken' -- recommends steps to repair it and protect consumers.
Don't Be Scared By 'Scareware' Fear should not be a motivating factor in protecting your computer.
Car Buyers Beware: Scam Artists Impersonating Car Dealers Unsuspecting consumers lose big deposits and don't get the car they bargained for.
'Tabnabbing' Or 'Tabnapping' -- A New Twist On Phishing How to keep yourself safe from a more sophisticated hacking attack.
How to Avoid Ponzi Schemes Boomers, older seniors don't have time to recover from financial disasters.
Company Suspected of Using Infomercial 'Talk Shows' To Defraud Consumers Colorado AG says Real Talk Network charged consumers for products they never received.
Senior Citizens Warned About $250 Medicare Rebate Scam 'Doughnut hole' check doesn't require you to provide financial information.
Survey of Gold Buyers Finds Wide Range of Prices Consumers need to be sure they are getting the best price.
FTC Warns of Oil Spill Job Scams How to tell the real opportunities from the phonies.
New Jersey Says Gold-Buying Firms Cheated Consumers Forty-nine businesses cited after undercover probe.
Beware of Oil Spill Scams New York consumer agency offers tips to avoid being ripped off.
Video Professor -- Dissolving or Morphing? Many customers seeking refunds of $400 or more for 'free trials'.
Rena Ware Agrees to Refunds, Fees To Settle California Suit Company claimed its cookware cured diabetes and heart disease.
Founder of New York Sham Car Donation Charity Pleads Guilty Group spent over $2 million on personal expenses and real estate instead of helping families.
Ohio Sues Escrow Company Company allegedly failed to pay taxes after collecting them from homeowners.
Be Informed When Donating to Veterans Charities Use of the words 'military' or 'veterans' doesn't mean the group is legit.
South Texans Urged To Stay Safe, Report Price Gouging During Storm Governor's disaster declaration gives OAG increased enforcement authority.
Video: Bogus Bill Collector Scam Spreads Victims are bullied into revealing credit card, bank info.
Indiana Sues Foreclosure Rescue Firm Part of a nationwide crackdown on schemes that prey on distressed homeowners.
School's Out At Video Professor 'Transitioning to a new business plan,' company says.
Court Halts International Identity Theft Scheme More than $10 million in unauthorized charges on consumers' credit and debit cards.
New York Expands Probe of Foreclosure Rescue Firms Attorney general warns 31 companies to cease and desist.
Second Timeshare Repurchaser Settles With Vermont Customers of Timeshare Relief, Inc., to receive $91,000 in refunds.
Pennsylvania Sues BlueHippo Despite suits at federal and state levels, officials say computer marketer still ripping off consumers.
Vintage Car Business Pays $140,000 In Consumer Restitution, Fines and Costs Connecticut company sold cars without customers' approval and pocketed proceeds.
Feds Bust Massive Unauthorized Charge Scam Elaborate scheme was centered overseas.
Ohio Seeks Restraining Orders Against Sham 'Veterans' Group Attorney General concerned about 'charity' group's ties to shady practices.
Driveway Deal or Summertime Scam? Summertime scams hit snow-belt homeowners where they live.
Phony Health Inspectors Target Restaurants Callers try to pry personal information out of restaurateurs.
Florida Sues Auto Loan Modification Operation Firm promised to reduce car payments up to 50 percent - for a fee.
Cemetery Swindler Pays $4 Million Restitution Michigan man accused of betraying grieving families.
SEC Charges New York Firms With Mortgage Fraud Advisor accused of causing tens of millions in losses.
AG Focuses On Foreclosure Rescue Scams In Ohio Two businesses sued for deceiving consumers who hoped to save their homes.
Warning: Scammers Using Bogus Online Rental Ads Would-be renters are enticed to send money to non-existent property owner.
FBI Warns of 'Telephone Denial-of-Service' Attacks Criminals flood consumers' phone lines while raiding bank account.
Consumers Warned To Avoid 'Sweepstakes' Letter Solicitation seeks fee for collecting winnings; consumers taken to the cleaners.
FDA Warns Consumers About Magic Power Coffee Coffee marketed as sexual enhancement product is dangerous, agency says.
FDA Sounds Alarm On Phony Tamiflu Drug could be life-threatening to those with a penicillin allergy.
Medicare Recipients Target of New Scam Scammers taking advantage of confusion about one-time $250 benefit.
Texas Charges Bally's Total Fitness With Deception Past customers were sent fake 'past due' notices.
FTC Blocks Mortgage 'Relief' Services Repeat offender ordered to pay $11.4 million for contempt.
Mortgage Fraud Sweep Nets 485 Arrests Largest-ever crackdown on mortgage-related crimes.
Feds Arrest Former Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Chairman Lee Farkas accused of 'stunning' scheme to defraud investors, taxpayers.
Rent-Buy Back Scams On the Rise Variation of foreclosure rescue gains momentum.
Texan Agrees To Halt Unauthorized Sales of Prescription Drugs, Devices Owner offered prescription products, including Botox-like drugs, for sale online.
Professor Promoted People to People Junket Without University Approval Latest gaffe by for-profit promoters hawking 'educational' travel.
Three More Suspects Nabbed in Home Refinance Scam Million-dollar bait-and-switch operation took advantage of desperate homeowners.
Adobe Acrobat, Flash Vulnerable To Cybercriminals Universal nature of programs makes them attractive targets.
Counterfeit Coupon Caper Slams Shoppers Pepsi, Doritos among major brands hit by phony coupon scam.
Some Payday Loan 'Alternatives' Not Always A Good Idea Triple-digit rates offer no choice to the payday loan trap, says NCLC
Texas Charges Bally's Total Fitness With Deception State charges Bally mailed fake bills to former members.
Countrywide To Pay $108 Million for Overcharging Struggling Homeowners Loan servicer inflated fees, mishandled loans of borrowers in bankruptcy, agency says.
Arizona AG Files Lawsuit Against Loan Modification Company Obtains temporary restraining order to protect homeowners.
Cautionary Advice About Wiring Money Western Union money wires a favorite tool for scammers.
