Scam Alerts

Fake law firm scammed troubled homeowners out of $9 million 8/10/2016

Owner of Rodis Law Group and America's Law Group pleads guilty to mail, wire fraud

Summertime tax scams heating up8/8/2016

The bad guys want you to pay “back taxes” using gift cards

Your priest is in prison in the Philippines? Don't send money just yet7/22/2016

The latest variation of the Grandmother Scam targets religious congregants

Genie Bra, Total Pillow marketers fined, ordered to clean up their sales practices7/20/2016

"Buy One, Get One" offers weren't what they seemed, New York charged

Refund checks going to consumers hoodwinked by bogus auto warranties7/19/2016

My Car Solutions claimed to be affiliated with manufacturers and dealers

Robocalls make scammers more efficient and dangerous7/19/2016

One scammer can contact thousands of victims in just seconds

Sweepstakes scammers cheated consumers out of $9 million7/15/2016

Elderly victims were told they had to send a "refundable insurance fee" to collect their winnings

Florida settles with another alleged tech support scammer7/15/2016

It's the second such settlement in as many months

Feds charge Elimidrol doesn't cure opioid addiction7/7/2016

The marketers of the drink mixture have agreed to stop making unsupported claims

IRS scam targets college students7/7/2016

Young people told they must pay non-existent National Student Tax

Use caution when supporting crowd-sourced causes6/29/2016

Connecticut attorney general says scammers have moved into the space

Lawmaker urges elder abuse predator list6/29/2016

Officials see sharing information as key to reducing scams

New rule bans certain types of payment methods by telemarketers6/28/2016

The new rule is aimed at scammers and con artists

Doctor Trusted certification program was bogus: FTC6/21/2016

The company behind the program has agreed to pay $603,000 to settle FTC charges

Tech support companies reach $27 million fraud settlement6/21/2016

FTC and Florida accuse firms of scamming consumers nationwide

Affiliate marketers spammed consumers with bogus weight-loss claims, feds charge6/7/2016

Hacked email accounts were allegedly used to send phony celebrity endorsements

Feds charge Discount Gold Brokers defrauded consumers6/6/2016

The company bilked millions from consumers, the FTC alleges

Dutch companies linked to sweepstakes schemes that scammed elderly Americans6/2/2016

Vulnerable U.S. victims lost tens of millions of dollars instead of collecting their supposed winnings

Tip to Senate hotline nabs alleged IRS scam artists5/31/2016

The IRS scam has netted more than $15 million in two years

Feds swat Mosquito Shield Band claims 5/25/2016

There's no evidence the mint-soaked bands will protect you, FTC charges

Advertorials may be deceptive but they work, study finds5/11/2016

Researchers say the bogus news stories "tamp down" consumer skepticism

Feds shut down supposed psychics who promised great wealth5/9/2016

More than one million Americans fell for the scheme and lost $180 million

Feds charge alleged perpetrators of phony subscription scams5/3/2016

Phony newspaper and magazine subscription notices were sent to thousands of consumers

Louisiana man accused of scamming Realtors4/28/2016

Realtors paid for TV and internet advertising that never happened

The secret to getting rich may be selling secrets4/22/2016

But buying these 'secrets' will likely leave you a little bit poorer

Feds sue online lead aggregator4/21/2016

Burbank company allegedly resold loan applications, other personal data

Feds draw blinds on Mercola tanning beds4/14/2016

The company claimed indoor tanning was safe, did not cause skin cancer and could delay aging

FBI reminds companies to watch out for business email compromise scams4/8/2016

The agency says that these kinds of scams have grown by 270% since last year

Feds arrest 21 recruiters in 'Pay to Stay' student visas scam 4/5/2016

'Pay to Stay' college was a Homeland Security front, recruiters learned too late

Wind farm scheme was all hot air: feds4/5/2016

Promoter took more than $3.7 million from investors to fund his lavish lifestyle

Court stops collection of 'phantom' payday loan debts3/30/2016

Chicago-area debt collector accused of operating a "brazen scam"

Sweepstakes scam netted millions -- and a prison sentence3/15/2016

Call center operator sentenced to nine years in prison

Alleged Amazon phishing scam is scarily sophisticated3/10/2016

Email contains no overt tells that set off usual scam alert

I Works defendant faces $7 million judgment3/8/2016

Consumers lost $280 million through deceptive "trial" memberships, feds charged

IRS struggling against growing refund fraud3/7/2016

Fraudsters now targeting specific individuals with phishing scam

Debt collection and identity theft top the list of complaints to the FTC in 20153/2/2016

Consumers can now create a personalized identity theft recovery plan

Study finds online sites lag in detecting rental scams3/1/2016

Craigslist caught fewer than half of obvious scams, NYU researchers report

Paying upfront often ends badly3/1/2016

Unless you are dealing with a known business, you might not get what you pay for

Tax-related phishing incidents up 400%2/22/2016

Attacks have already exceeded 2014 total

Ohio man gets 9 years in sweepstakes scam2/22/2016

Paul Toth was a "smasher" for a Costa Rica-based scam operation

Telecom engineer declares war on telemarketers2/17/2016

The Jolly Roger Telephone Co. is out to sink call centers wherever it finds them

Florida and feds reach settlements in tech support scam2/12/2016

Boost Software allegedly tricked consumers into buying its security product

States settle with MoneyGram in scam case2/11/2016

Company agrees to beef up measures to prevent MoneyGrams' use in scams

Survey: 11% of adults lost money to a phone scam last year1/26/2016

Millennials were one of the most victimized groups

Beware of strangers offering to make loans1/26/2016

Those email offers aren't what they appear to be

Disaster shelters turned into a disaster for consumers1/19/2016

New Jersey charges company never built the shelters customers paid for

Florida shuts down “debt relief” companies1/12/2016

Complaint alleges firms defrauded consumers nationwide

Tax Club accomplices nailed in credit card 'laundering' case12/24/2015

PayBasics helped process credit card payments

New York obtains refunds from “tricky” marketer12/23/2015

Attorney general claims consumers were victims of deceptive negative option marketing

FTC sets guidelines for 'native' advertising 12/22/2015

Advertising shouldn't look too much like surrounding editorial content

Tech support company under investigation by Washington AG for defrauding consumers12/17/2015

Charges against iYogi include overcharging for services and infecting customer computers with malware

Common telephone scams and how to avoid them12/8/2015

For seniors, the telephone is more dangerous than the Internet

Ersatz Yellow Pages business fined $1.2 million12/3/2015

Canadian company scammed U.S. businesses, non-profits

Timeshare donation scheme is a scam, feds charge12/1/2015

Appraisals are inflated and tax savings are questionable, lawsuit alleges

'Tis the season for scams11/18/2015

The end of the year can have its own special dangers for consumers

FTC adopts new rule to ban payment methods used by scam artists11/18/2015

It will be harder for scammers to dip into your bank account

FAA warns of drone registration scam11/17/2015

An official registration program isn't even set up yet

Court shuts down tech support scam blamed for $17 million in consumer losses11/13/2015

The scammers allegedly claimed to represent Microsoft, Apple and other major companies

New chip cards prove to be bonanza for scammers11/3/2015

Fraudsters pretend to be from credit card companies, seeking personal data

"Miracle Mineral Solution" promoter sentenced to prison10/28/2015

The "miracle" solution was industrial bleach, which can be toxic

Five signs of a college scholarship scam10/23/2015

Yes, scammers even target people seeking financial help for college

Tech support scam disproportionately targets seniors10/22/2015

FTC tells Congress 76% of victims are over 50 years old

Bugat Botnet shut down, administrator arrested10/19/2015

Malware stole banking credentials from infected computers

Peruvian man defrauded Spanish-speaking consumers10/18/2015

Call centers told Hispanic consumers they faced legal action for bogus debts

Tis the season for Medicare scams10/16/2015

Open enrollment period brings out the hustlers

Promoter of "alcoholism cure" found in contempt, could face prison sentence10/14/2015

Defendant needs to cough up $732,000 to stay out of jail

TV station uncovers Craigslist housing scam10/13/2015

Consumers paid $500 for what was supposed to be a list of clients

Facebook, New York form partnership to crack down on human trafficking10/9/2015

Trafficking victims often featured in online sex advertisements

FBI: Wells Fargo employees staged reverse bank robberies 10/9/2015

Employees allegedly used customer account info to pilfer accounts

DebtPro 123 gets a $7.9 million bill10/6/2015

The company promised debt relief but delivered nothing, feds allege

Microsoft attacks fake tech support scams9/30/2015

Company says it has received 175,000 complaints since May 2014

Roca Labs threatened, sued customers who complained about its weight-loss potions, feds charge9/28/2015

The company claimed its contracts barred customers from speaking their minds

Average “grandmother scam” victim loses $4,0009/15/2015

Talk to your elderly relatives so they'll be on guard against these scammers

Job scam alert: real company name, fake company job offer9/14/2015

Thieves and money-launderers lurk in online job-seeking sites

“Collect Call From Prison” scams: snagging two categories of victims9/10/2015

Be wary of these calls if you don't have friends in jail — and extra-wary if you do

Raw Deal owner gets the real deal in court 9/10/2015

Supplement maker sentenced to three years in prison for selling adulterated supplements

Malware scam targets Tinder and other dating-site users9/2/2015

Be wary of any “match” who sends you links or recommends continuing chats on other websites

This wins the prize as the clumsiest scam attempt ever9/2/2015

But as obvious as it looks, someone will fall for it

Feds shut down Vemma Nutrition8/26/2015

The alleged pyramid scheme lured college students as salespeople

OXYwater promoters sentenced for wire fraud, money laundering8/26/2015

Investors thought they were getting a piece of a successful sport-drink business

Pension loan companies duped consumers, feds and NY charge8/20/2015

Consumers weren't aware of high interest charges and fees associated with the loans

Springstone Financial to pay for using deceptive health-care credit enrollment tactics 8/20/2015

Consumers were lied to about terms of deferred-interest financing for dental work

Drivers beware: new phishing/notice-to-appear scam targets E-Z Pass customers8/18/2015

American Automobile Association issues a mid-Atlantic warning

Store chain that preyed on and sued military personnel going out of business8/14/2015

USA Discounters offered servicemembers easy credit – with fraudulent strings attached

FTC tries to define "unfair competition"8/14/2015

A new statement of principles was adopted without public input, critics note

Costa Rica scam artist sentenced to prison8/14/2015

Twelve defendants charged in business opportunity scam

Renters beware: vacation and residential-rental scams are on the rise8/12/2015

Don't lose your deposit fees to a rental fraudster, in person or online

North Carolina shrimp processor fined for mislabeling imported shrimp as domestic8/12/2015

25,000 pounds of imported farm-raised shrimp was falsely labeled as wild-caught domestic

Tech firm loses $47 million to business email compromise scam8/11/2015

In today's world, the anti-scam rule “Don't call me, I'll call you” is more important than ever

Officials warn of Papal scams 8/10/2015

The Pontiff's visit is generating a host of new scams

Ransomware alert: ignore emails offering a “Windows 10 upgrade”8/3/2015

Microsoft is not installing upgrades through email

Mortgage company slammed for blocking consumers’ attempts to save their homes 7/31/2015

Residential Credit Solutions will pay $1.5 million for wrongdoing

Businesses beware: Malware and invoice scam losses topped $1 billion in 18 months, and the pace is quickening 7/30/2015

From a thief's perspective, business victims are far more lucrative than most individuals

Mortgage payment company and servicer penalized for deceptive ads 7/29/2015

Deceived consumers will receive $33.4 million

"Thin green line" scam allegedly made millions for scam artists7/29/2015

Investors were told a green laser line on football fields would ... oh, never mind

The “Car-Wrap” payment scam: an old form of fraud that refuses to die7/28/2015

A multi-spoofed email offers our reporter a too-good-to-be-true job

Do your research before buying a teacup pig or mini potbellied pig7/27/2015

You may be getting in over your head

NY sues "shameful" Children's Leukemia Foundation7/21/2015

Organization raised millions to help sick children but pocketed the money, state charges

FTC cracks down on Your Yellow Book7/20/2015

Victims received invoices for yellow pages listings they never consented to

Senators introduce legislation to crack down on phone scams7/17/2015

Right now, caller ID is too easy for scam artists to fool

Vending machine scam victimized hundreds7/17/2015

Two salesmen sentenced to prison, fined millions

Updated ransomware threats: TeslaCrypt 2.0, child-pornography blackmail and fake-cop warnings7/15/2015

Ransomware attacks increase in frequency and intensity

Jobseekers beware: don't fall prey to this advance fee scam7/7/2015

Real financial jobs let you use your employer's corporate bank account to pay company bills, never your own

New Facebook scam promises $100 Aldi gift card, but will cost you a lot of money6/29/2015

Survey scam asks for your personal and credit card information

Latest Facebook scams offer cash and “Disney World” vacations to spread malware, or worse 6/26/2015

Valuable prize offers, punctuated business names and stolen photos — all typical signs of a like-farmer

Online skincare deals rubbed consumers the wrong way, feds charge6/25/2015

Consumers found themselves being charged for thinks they didn't order, FTC alleges

FBI warns against dangerous CryptoWall ransomware6/24/2015

American victims have lost $18 million since April of 2014.

Feds charge 10 people with selling counterfeit 5-hour ENERGY drinks6/22/2015

Drinks were manufactured in unsanitary conditions with ersatz ingredients, indictment alleges

Feds arrest 1,140 sex offenders over two-month period6/22/2015

Task forces launch Operation Broken Heart and arrest child sex offenders from 41 states.

Post office Grinches arrested for scamming children's Christmas charity6/18/2015

Three workers allegedly stole gifts from Operation Santa

Crowdfunding campaign financed founder's high life, feds charge6/12/2015

Consumers invested in a game but it turned out it was all just a game

"Miracle Mineral Solution" promoter convicted of selling bleach as a miracle cure5/29/2015

Seven-day federal trial ends in conviction for Louis Daniel Smith

Feds, states charge sham cancer charities bilked consumers for $187 million5/19/2015

Money donated to help cancer victims allegedly went to fund lavish lifestyles

Beware of fraudulent “fun runs”5/11/2015

Shadowy “Color 5 Mile Run” tries riding on The Color Run's legitimate coattails

Scam warning: watch out for fraudulent Nepalese-earthquake charities4/28/2015

Don't let con artists fleece you with your own charitable impulses

Feds charge Floyd Nutrition with selling misbranded drugs, money laundering4/17/2015

The supposedly "all-natural" supplements were promoted as weight-loss aids

Ransomware hackers extort money from more police departments4/13/2015

If you don't have backup copies of your files and games, make those backups today

Better Business Bureau warns of possible estate-liquidation scammer4/13/2015

Customers in six states complain company sold their goods and took the money

Mortgage lender gigged for deceptive advertising 4/13/2015

RMK Financial is being ordered to pay $250,000

Online merchants fixed prices on Amazon Marketplace4/8/2015

First defendant pleads guilty, agrees to cooperate with investigators

Police department pays Bitcoin ransom to get its own files back from hackers4/7/2015

Always keep backup copies of your important files. Police are not exempt from this advice

Company used fake news sites to sell weight-loss products4/6/2015

LeadClick Media ordered to pay $16 million in refunds to consumers

States file lawsuits to stop phony subscription renewal scams4/2/2015

Customers paid double and triple the actual subscription cost and pocketed the difference

Court shuts down company that calls itself "FTC Credit Solutions"3/27/2015

The company markets credit repair services to Spanish-speaking consumers

Four found guilty in complex scheme to fraudulently control HOA boards3/19/2015

Homeowners' association legal and repair jobs sent to conspirators' law firm and construction com[any

Court bans scammer from telemarketing for life3/13/2015

Also orders payment of $10.7 million judgment

Ukrainian identity thieves snag a victim in their money-laundering scam3/12/2015

Two readers got the same scammy spam email, but responded in different ways

Refund checks being mailed to Premier Precious Metals scam victims3/11/2015

Scam victims will get about 70% of their investment back

Three charged in theft of more than 1 billion email addresses in huge data breach3/6/2015

Prosecutor: Scope of the intrusion is "unnerving"

Mortgage rescue scammer gets 24-year prison sentence3/6/2015

California man took their money but troubled homeowners got nothing in return

FTC to telemarketers: you can't hide sales pitches behind political-survey robocalls3/4/2015

Political robocalls are legal but sales-pitch robocalls are not

Better Business Bureau warns of new “survey scam”2/23/2015

No, your “reward points” aren't “expiring” today; that's a scammer's message

Hackers attack another pay-to-park vendor2/2/2015

Book2Park.com the latest parking company to be hit this winter

Double scam alert: fake invoices can cheat you — and now real invoices can, too! 1/28/2015

New invoice/bank scam hybrid snags victims in the U.S. and around the world

Utility bill scammers cheat small business out of $1,0001/20/2015

Hang up on any caller who threatens to cut off your electricity – even if the caller claims to be from the electric company

Scam alert: this job offer is really an envelope-stuffing scheme1/19/2015

Real jobs expect to pay you. Scam jobs expect you to pay them

Scam alert: Don't take that “Travel Coordinator” job that requires an upfront payment1/16/2015

A reader's fake job offer is actually a come-on for a check-cashing scam

"Rachel from Cardholder Services" pays up1/16/2015

Checks are in the mail to consumers who fell prey to the scheme

The “Grandma” or “Imposter” scams: ignore those emailed cries for help!1/15/2015

Never give money to a friend or relative in need — unless you verify their identity first

Parking company representatives confirm: hackers stole customer information 1/15/2015

No word yet on how long the breaches lasted

Don't ShipYourEnemiesGlitter, despite what this site tells you1/13/2015

Glittery rant or revenge-business model goes viral in a morning

Beware the burglary scams popping up all over the country1/7/2015

Don't open your door to “service workers” you weren't expecting

Scam alert: New ransomware puts child pornography on victims' smartphones1/6/2015

Investigators in Tennessee uncover disturbing new twist on old ransomware scam

The latest Facebook scam: fake video of missing Flight QZ850112/29/2014

Within hours of the plane's disappearance, scammers started exploiting it

Malware alert: beware fake shipping notices and order confirmation emails! 12/24/2014

Hear the scam-warning bells ringing throughout this typical fake “FeDeX” notice

Feds challenge wart-removal and weight-loss supplement promoters12/24/2014

There's no evidence the products work, the FTC alleged

Sugar Bowl scammers snag a few victims12/22/2014

Never trust online sellers who emphasize their military, religious or political status.

Parking lots and their payment vendors are the popular new hacker targets12/17/2014

Park-n-Fly, the St. Louis Parking Company and their customers all among the latest victims

Watch out for the “letter from Santa” scam12/12/2014

Unsolicited emails are almost always scammy. This one's no different

Woman almost loses $40K to online dating scammer12/11/2014

Our response to one woman applies to anyone tempted to give money to people they met online

Car dealer sentenced in Superstorm Sandy scam12/5/2014

Fraudulent titles were used to sell storm-damaged cars to unsuspecting consumers

Malware alert: ignore that order confirmation email!12/3/2014

And especially don't click on any links or download attachments in those emails

FTC shuts down two more tech-support scammers11/20/2014

Your computer is fine. Ignore the strangers who offer to fix it anyway

Feds file to shut down multimillion-dollar "psychics" 11/20/2014

Letters from supposed psychics offer millions of dollars ... for a small fee

Orlando robocallers that bilked seniors shut down11/13/2014

Pre-recorded calls offered a "free" medical alert system to seniors

Time again for warnings about the "12 Scams of the Holidays" 11/12/2014

McAfee says cybersecurity threats are higher as more consumers put their information out there

FTC reaches settlement with notorious patent troll11/7/2014

No, you don't owe licensing fees for scanning items into emails

Today's scam email du jour: introducing Betty Mason, clerk of the court11/5/2014

The more you study it, the more obviously scammy it looks

Feds shut down “tech support” scammers in New York10/24/2014

Remember: Microsoft, Facebook and other tech companies will never, ever call you at home

Work-at-home promoters ordered to pay $25 million in refunds 10/22/2014

99.8% of 110,000 consumers who took the bait made exactly nothing

Spam text scammers to pay $10 million in penalties10/22/2014

They bombarded consumers with bogus offers of "free" items

Why you might fall for a phishing scam10/21/2014

Scamming you is more a matter of psychology than technology

Feds red-light alleged green coffee bean scams10/21/2014

Defendants "used nearly every trick in the book," FTC charges

Bogus trade association banned from selling healthcare-related products10/15/2014

Consumers seeking health insurance allegedly were bilked out of millions

Newspapers, magazines warn of deceptive renewal notices10/12/2014

Scam artists con readers into sending them bogus subscription payments

Watch out for these Ebola-related scams10/10/2014

There are no Ebola cures or vaccines for sale, and the government isn't sending Ebola warning emails

New Jersey fines Extreme Energy Solutions $1.1 million10/6/2014

The company claims to make devices that reduce auto emissions

Feds stop Medicare scam that took millions from seniors10/6/2014

Criminals said they were providing a new Medicare card or updating client information

FTC wins shutdown of online high school diploma mill9/22/2014

The operation made made $11 million selling worthless diplomas

Mortgage lead generator settles FTC deception charges 9/15/2014

Feds say claims of “free” refinancing and big savings didn't pan out

Tech-support scammer holds woman's computer files for ransom9/11/2014

Remember: Microsoft will never call you, but scammers pretending to be Microsoft will

Phone fraud ensnares 17 million consumers9/3/2014

Scammers still like to reach out and touch their victims

Feds call for shutdown of bogus debt relief and credit repair scheme 8/25/2014

The program claims to have the endorsement of President Obama

“Your Baby Can Read” promoters settle FTC charges 8/22/2014

Use of that term is barred in future marketing

Watch out for fraudulent Ebola treatment products 8/15/2014

The hustlers are pushing something that doesn't exist``

Counterfeit-wine seller sentenced to 10 years in prison8/12/2014

Blended cheap wines until they tasted like million-dollar vintages

Police seeking victims of the latest landlord scam8/7/2014

Alleged thief's ploy sets off plenty of scam-warning bells

Refund checks going to American Tax Relief victims 8/5/2014

Consumers paid steep fees for tax help that didn't materialize

Feds charge payment processors involved in I Works 8/4/2014

Defendants charged consumers for "trial" memberships they had not ordered

Insurance agent scams seniors out of more than $2 million, California charges8/1/2014

Seniors were persuaded to cash out their annuities on the promise of higher returns

Tech support scammers ordered to pay $5.1 million7/24/2014

Tricked consumers into thinking their computers needed to be fixed

International arrests and indictments in StubHub fraud case7/24/2014

Stolen passwords helped thieves steal over $1 million

New York immigration scam victims to split $2.2 million7/22/2014

Minnesota also takes action -- sues alleged scam artists

Military personnel often targets of financial abuse7/18/2014

Credit counselors offer financial literacy support

Checks being mailed to Ab Circle Pro customers7/16/2014

Consumers hoped for quick and easy weight loss but lost only money

Child modeling scam ringleader sentenced to prison7/14/2014

New Faces allegedly bilked parents out of more than $236,000

Four "kidnapping scammers" plead guilty7/2/2014

But stay on guard: countless more remain at large

Federal employee of the year charged with stealing mail6/27/2014

Stealing 1980s-era Playboy magazines from the mail is still a felony

NY indicts fraudster who allegedly preyed on immigrants6/27/2014

Defendant claimed she could help immigrants with residency permits, state charges

FTC stops scammers from preying on Spanish-speaking consumers6/23/2014

Unwanted or defective products were sent out and refunds were denied

Senator grills Dr. Oz over weight loss claims6/17/2014

Popular host denied any connection to deceptive weight loss products

Don't fall for utility bill scams6/12/2014

Some are old, some are new but they all attack your wallet

More settlements in "$1,000 gift card" scams6/12/2014

This time it's two scammers who sent millions of unwanted text messages

FTC: Payment processor helped bilk consumers out of nearly $10 million6/12/2014

IRN Payment Systems collected payments for Innovative Wealth Builders

How to tell if your elderly parents are being scammed6/10/2014

Change in financial behavior is one of the clues

Summer vacation: time for scammers to crawl out of the woodwork6/10/2014

Beware these summer-specific versions of year-round scams

Never download an unsolicited file: the latest postal scam illustrates why6/9/2014

Better Business Bureau warns of an old scam making a new appearance

Bogus collection threats claim to be from Illinois Attorney General 6/4/2014

But the same scam-protection rules still apply

Feds shut down "Cryptolocker" ransomware, "GameoverZeus" botnet6/3/2014

The malware operations cost consumers more than $100 million

RealtySouth slapped for mortgage disclosure violations 6/3/2014

Feds say the company failed to inform consumers of their rights

"Always meet face to face" and other rules to avoid rental scams6/2/2014

New scammer in Colorado is more aggressive than most

Text spammer fined for scam that promised free Walmart and Best Buy gift cards5/29/2014

Phil Flora was also found in contempt for violating a prior Federal Trade Commission order

iJackers hit Australian Apple devices with ransom demands5/27/2014

Passwords may have been compromised

Green coffee bean sellers charged with deceiving consumers5/22/2014

The FTC says they used tactics including fake news sites and bogus weight loss claims

Scam alert! No, Facebook isn't closing your account this weekend5/16/2014

The Facebook shutdown scam is back, says the Better Business Bureau

Seven simple secrets scammers don't want you to know5/14/2014

There is not much new under the sun and scams are no exception

Pyramid scheme ordered to pay $7.75 million in restitution5/14/2014

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing enticed 350,000 consumers into its multi-level marketing plan

Post office stamp-machine customers: check your account, now!5/13/2014

You should always watch out for skimmers; the problem isn't limited to the USPS

FTC mailing checks to EDebitPay customers5/12/2014

The company deceptively offered a $10,000 credit line, the feds charged

Digital printers let counterfeiters operate with ease5/7/2014

Technology (and uniform bill sizes) make American paper money too easy to fake

Scam attempts: a constant in an ever-changing world5/7/2014

Another week, another countless number of con artists

Immigration services scammers hit with heavy fine 4/17/2014

Defendants were ordered to stop providing “immigration services”

Kidnapping scam exacts a heavy price, both financial and emotional4/14/2014

Terrified families wire funds, only to find out the "kidnapping" is a hoax

More information on the Experian identity theft4/8/2014

Up to five out of six American adults might be affected

ATM machines under attack by hackers4/8/2014

Consumers should monitor their accounts closely to catch fraud quickly

Look out! Dangerous Malaysia Airlines clickbait4/1/2014

Link offers sensational video, but actually installs malware on your computer

Scam roundup: two ordinary days4/1/2014

Stamp out one scam, a dozen new ones take its place

Feds shutter "fraud protection" service that allegedly scammed seniors4/1/2014

"Defendants' conduct ... was simply outrageous," FTC asserts

Don't fall for "overdue tax balance" scam3/31/2014

Demanding, aggressive callers tell consumers they'll be arrested

Online Entrepreneur promoters hit with $2.9 million settlement3/21/2014

Consumers were promised a lucrative work-from-home opportunity

Taxpayers targeted by “largest ever” phone fraud scam3/21/2014

Scammers demanding money claim to be calling from the IRS

The warning signs of a scam3/20/2014

Remember these rules to protect yourself and your finances

Miss Annabelle's money pit: Neothink, the League and the Twelve Visions3/18/2014

If you're invited to join the secret rulers of the earth, surprise: they don't exist

$6.2 million tax penalty for Bristol-Myers and Lantheus Medical Imaging3/14/2014

New York State's Fraud Claims Act pays off for tax collectors and whistleblowers alike

Promoters of bogus diabetes "cure" ordered to pay $2.2 million 3/7/2014

The money will be used to reimburse consumers who fell for the pitch

Relax, there's (probably) nothing wrong with your computer3/4/2014

Don't let scammers scare you into taking unneeded action

Another bogus gift card case settled2/28/2014

Affiliate marketers bamboozled consumers with promises of "free" merchandise

Feds block work-at-home scheme that promised big bucks for little work2/24/2014

Sites "conned millions of dollars from consumers," the FTC charges

Business opportunity scam shut down 2/20/2014

The unemployed and underemployed were targeted

"Free $1,000 Gift Card" scammers ordered to pay $2.5 million2/18/2014

There was no gift card and consumers wound up signing up for things they didn't want

Fake funeral notices: the latest despicable online scam2/14/2014

Don't click on that bereavement notice

Victims in DVD vending scam get justice 2/13/2014

The FTC is returning an additional $1.8 million to consumers

Colorado sues magazine telemarketers2/12/2014

Seniors allegedly wound up owing thousands of dollars for magazines they didn't want

Company charged small businesses for free work rules posters2/10/2014

It's one of the many scams often aimed at small businesses

Spammer sent millions of deceptive texts2/5/2014

"$1,000 Walmart gift card" turned out to be something else

Court fines telemarketers $14.75 million on contempt citation2/3/2014

Defendants "showed complete contempt" for consumers and the court, FTC charges

PHH accused in mortgage insurance kickback scheme 1/31/2014

Feds say the company collected hundreds of millions of dollars in kickbacks

Consumers to get refunds in car-service contract settlement, but only in Missouri1/30/2014

Missouri reaches agreement with Certus, Dealer Warranty Services

Watch out for "Order Canceled" scam1/28/2014

It's a ruse to get your personal information or infect your computer, or both

As tax-filing season approaches so do the scam artists 1/24/2014

Be careful of anything you receive purporting to be from the IRS

Email spammer tricked consumers with Obamacare threats, FTC charges1/24/2014

Emails claimed consumers would be breaking the law if they didn't buy insurance immediately

Missouri lender fined for mortgage kickback scheme1/20/2014

Fidelity Mortgage and its president will cough up $81k

The Grandma Scam: not just for grandmothers anymore1/17/2014

Do email scammers think you're stupid? No, but they sure hope so

Vermont goes after VerMints1/13/2014

Vermont products need to be made in Vermont

Robocallers pitched "free" medical alert devices to seniors1/13/2014

The bills started arriving even before the units were activated, the FTC charges

Feds net $700,000 in fake NHL goods 1/7/2014

The 2014 Winter Classic brought out the scammers

Who gets rich off scammy Internet ads?1/3/2014

The Atlantic profiles master scammer Jesse Willms

2013 saw dangerous rise in 'ransomware' attacks12/23/2013

If your computer get infected it will cost you $300 for the cure

Refund checks going to purchasers of Acai Pure and Colotox12/20/2013

Central Coast Nutraceuticals was charged with deceptive advertising, unfair billing practices

Feds: "Scam recovery kit" promoters rubbed salt in consumers' wounds 11/20/2013

Victims of scams were told they could get their money back by paying up to $499

Online 'Yellow Pages' scam halted 11/20/2013

Feds say small businesses and churches were targeted

"Google Money Tree" payment processor cuts deal with feds11/19/2013

The work-at-home scam cost consumers $15 million, prosecutors charged

Illinois sues online used auto parts company11/18/2013

PartzNow.com cheated customers out of thousands, state charges

Consumer protection tips for veterans11/11/2013

Armed service members are targeted by scam artists and unscrupulous businesses

Keeping up with scams a never-ending job10/28/2013

For law enforcement, it's like playing Whack-a-Mole

Checks going out to consumers hoodwinked by "Free Gas for Life" scam10/18/2013

Guess what? It was too good to be true

Envelope-stuffing -- guess what? It still doesn't pay10/7/2013

One of the oldest scams around is still around

Beware the tech support scam9/25/2013

Despite what a caller tells you, your computer is fine

Text spammers settle FTC charges 9/19/2013

The defendants allegedly peddled bogus offers for 'free' gift cards

Feds bust bogus medical discount scam that targeted seniors 9/17/2013

Deception and illegal telemarketing are among the charges leveled

What you need to know to avoid Obamacare scams9/13/2013

Watch out, officials say there's going to be a lot of them

Recession-related problems persist for consumers7/31/2013

Consumer Federation names top ten complaints

Use caution when seeking online immigration help7/26/2013

Some sites may not be who or what they seem

'Old school' scams still going strong7/23/2013

They have a little moss on them but they still claim victims

New Jersey gas stations sued in fuel scam 5/29/2013

Motorists were sold leaded aviation fuel instead of unleaded gasoline

Watch out for summer scammers 5/24/2013

The snares and traps are set, but you can avoid them

Feds crack down on bogus tech support schemers 5/17/2013

Consumers forked over nearly a million dollars to 'fix' nonexistent problems

Checks being mailed to "free government grant" scam victims5/9/2013

Most of the 22,000 victims will get back about 80% of their loss

Feds land hard on debt-relief firm; criminal charges filed5/7/2013

Consumers lost millions and went deeper into debt, prosecutors charge

Millions of Americans still falling for scams4/23/2013

Weight-loss programs and prize promotions are the biggest offenders

Seniors an especially attractive target for scams4/2/2013

Here are some common scams and suggested defenses

Winners named in robocall eradication contest 4/2/2013

FTC offered a prize for the best solutions to the robocall plague

Quest for wealth information gets expensive, woman finds3/28/2013

Study-at-home courses often don't deliver what's promised

Radio investment guru sentenced to prison3/19/2013

John Farahi scammed victims out of $24 million, prosecutors charged

Court puts brakes on repeat offender’s most recent scam3/14/2013

Operating a bogus prize promotion scheme violated a 1998 court order

Don't know your rights with telemarketers? You have a lot of company3/7/2013

Consumers say it's hard to tell who is and isn't a scammer

Feds crack down on spammmers promoting 'free' gift cards3/7/2013

More than 180 million spam text messages were sent

Checks in the mail to consumers defrauded in mortgage relief scam3/7/2013

More than 17,000 consumers will be getting checks for $62.50

Avoiding health fraud scams3/5/2013

Here are six tip-offs to keep you from falling for rip-offs

Telemarketers banned from selling healthcare-related products2/20/2013

Consumers seeking health insurance were allegedly cheated out of millions of dollars

Arrests made in ‘We Kill Your Mortgage’ scheme1/30/2013

The scam involved the use of Websites that have now been suspended

Pyramid scheme promised riches but didn't deliver, feds charge1/28/2013

Federal court shuts down Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing

Court asked to shut down $70 million cramming operation1/22/2013

American eVoice, Ltd. allegedly placed bogus charges on consumers' phone bills

Feds warn: Someone is impersonating us1/16/2013

Businesses shouldn't open email that claims to be from the FTC

Be on the lookout for travel scams12/20/2012

Latest case is Michigan travel operator accused of ripping off seniors

Stay away from 'forensic mortgage audits'12/19/2012

Consumer authorities call them the latest form of mortgage rescue scam

Why you should be suspicious of government logos12/17/2012

Pretending to be government-sanctioned is a scammer's favorite ruse

States warn consumers to watch out for scams12/7/2012

New schemes surface in Illinois, Iowa and Connecticut

'Cramming' appears to be migrating to cellphones12/6/2012

Wireless accounts are vulnerable after crackdown on landline cramming

Vegas casino interests scheming to muscle in on the states' turfs12/5/2012

The odds are with the House, or in this case, the Senate

Marketer of phony auto loan modifications put out of business12/5/2012

Operation falsely promised to modify consumers’ loans and stop their cars from being repossessed

Feds shut down bogus FTC consumer refunds robocall operation12/4/2012

The deceptive claims were an effort to gain consumers' personal information and bank account numbers

Feds nail pushers of bogus credit repair services12/3/2012

The court found the defendants in violation of a prior court order

Fake 'Yellow Pages' scammers must pay $10.2 million11/28/2012

Foreign operation targeted small businesses and nonprofits in U.S. and other countries

Be thankful you've been a wary consumer; now don't get overconfident11/23/2012

Scams and rip-offs of all kinds increase dramatically during the holiday shopping season

New Jersey Bans Bogus 9/11 Charity11/19/2012

State says fundraisers gave no money to victims' families as claimed

FTC Expands Fight Against Deceptive Business Opportunity Schemes11/15/2012

More than 70 actions brought by FTC and law enforcement partners

Nearly $220 Million Recovered for Madoff Victims11/14/2012

The settlement will benefit worker retirement, health care plans

Beware the 'Obama Punching a Guy' Video Scam11/14/2012

Panda Security warns it's a malware trap

McAfee Warns Consumers of the '12 Scams of Christmas' 11/13/2012

Susceptibility rises as most consumers plan to shop online during the 2012 holiday season

Holidays May Increase 'Phishing' Risks11/12/2012

Expert offers tips for minimizing them

MoneyGram International Admits Anti-Money Laundering and Wire Fraud Violations11/12/2012

The company will forfeit $100 million, which will be returned to victims

Scam Alert: Airline Ticket Email Links to Malware11/8/2012

Victims think they are downloading an American Airlines ticket

West Virginia Sues Law Firm Over its Foreclosure 'Help'11/5/2012

Claims residents are being misled about national foreclosure settlement

Floridians Receive Phony Voting Letters That Question U.S. Citizenship10/25/2012

Officals say if you receive this fake document, ignore what it says, but report it.

Consumers Beware---Scammers Are Using This Political Season To Con You10/24/2012

Emotion overcomes common sense when talking about politics and other hot-button issues

BBB and Western Union Introduce 'Scam Stopper'10/9/2012

The new Website is designed to help consumers stop fraud in its tracks

Refund Checks Going to Consumers Who Ordered 'Free' Services 9/27/2012

Nearly $1 million being refunded to 138,000 consumers

Scam Alert: Beware of Bogus FDA Agents9/25/2012

While quick and convenient, buying your meds online could put your personal information in the hands of criminals.

New York Shuts Down Mystery Shopper Websites9/25/2012

Beware of any 'opportunity' that asks you for money

Fed Action Halts Debt Relief Marketing Operation9/19/2012

Allegedly made illegal robocalls, debited consumers' bank accounts without their consent

New Jersey Cancer Charity Shut Down Over Tax Issue9/18/2012

State found it was using tax-free status to buy and sell luxury cars

Buyers of 'Google Money Tree' Work-at-Home Scam Getting Refunds9/11/2012

Defendants allegedly charged hidden fees and falsely claimed affiliation with Google

'Drive-By' Viruses Emerge as Major Online Threat9/7/2012

Connecticut Attorney General reports many in his state have been victims

California Charges Real Estate Investment Broker With Fraud8/28/2012

State says two Sacramento men were running a Ponzi scheme

Consumers Who Bought Bogus Supplements Getting Refunds8/28/2012

Products claimed to help with weight loss and erectile dysfunction

Two Scams in Pacific Northwest Target Seniors8/28/2012

Officials in Washington and Oregon caution consumers about giving out personal information

Consumers Harmed By Promises of Federal Jobs Getting Refunds8/27/2012

Materials were offered to help study for phantom jobs

Illinois Claims Autism Support Group is a Scam8/27/2012

Group collected money from parents for service dogs that were never provided

John Beck Promoters Ordered to Pay $478 Million for Deceiving Consumers8/23/2012

"Free & Clear" real estate system was neither free nor clear; nearly all consumers lost money on it

Marketers of 'Ab Circle Pro' Device to Settle FTC Charges8/23/2012

Consumers could see much as $25 million in refunds

Consumers Lured by Money-Making Scam Getting Refunds8/10/2012

Thousands burned by promissory note and mortgage-selling scheme

Consumers Who Paid to Collect Bogus Prize Money Get Refunds8/8/2012

Scammers posing as government agencies tricked consumers

A Closer Look at the Year's Top Consumer Complaints8/3/2012

Car dealers, debt collectors, mortgages top consumers' problem lists

Boomers Beware: Scammers Are Targeting You7/24/2012

Baby Boomers are where the money is

More Than $700,000 Awarded In Bogus Alcoholism Cure Scheme7/19/2012

Sellers of "Cure" threatened to disclose consumers' alcohol dependence

FTC: Health Care Scammers Out In Force7/16/2012

Supreme Court's Affordable Care Act ruling brings them out of the woodwork

Government Agency Look-Alike Scam Plagues Small Business7/13/2012

Mailings appear to be official and demand a payment

Feds Shut Down Bogus Websites7/13/2012

The sophisticated scam sites duped consumers into buying counterfeit merchandise

Debt Relief Scammers Shut Down7/6/2012

Consumers looking for help with their debts were deceived

Psychologist Pleads Guilty In Connection With $63 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme7/3/2012

The scam involved referral kickbacks along with billing and payment for services not rendered

Colorado Indicts Suspects in Nigerian Internet Romance Scam6/19/2012

374 victims in U.S. and 40 other countries lost $1 million

Text Promising Gift Cards Is a Scam6/15/2012

Part of a growing number of schemes that target mobile devices

Jamaica Home to Many Phone Scams6/13/2012

Con artists can't spend all their time on the beach -- they have to work too

Consumer Encounters Two Scams in One Day6/6/2012

Fortunately, she didn't fall victim either time

Door-To-Door Magazine Salespeople Hit the Streets Once Again6/5/2012

Washington State isn't extending the welcome mat this year

Homeowner Bill of Rights Moves Ahead in California5/31/2012

Measure would put some teeth in consumer protection laws

States Investigating Charity Fund-Raiser5/18/2012

Ohio, New Jersey get restraining orders against PJG Enterprises

Feds Shut Down Own-Your-Own-Website Schemes5/14/2012

Consumers were told they could make big bucks with little effort

'Fine Wine' Seller Was a Fraud, Feds Claim5/14/2012

Sold cheap wine in expensive bottles, indictment alleges

Postal Service Warns of New Email Scam5/10/2012

Email about delivery issue carries dangerous virus

Rental Scam Rising Along With Housing Demand5/9/2012

Fake landlord takes the cash deposit and runs

FTC: Consumers Lost $450 Million in Get-Rich-Quick Infomercial Scam5/3/2012

Agency wins court judgment against massive scam

Kirby Vacuum Salesman 'Imposter' Arrested in Nevada5/2/2012

Maybe that's why you shouldn't buy from a door to door salesman

Green Millionaire to Pay $2 Million in Refunds4/17/2012

Caught up in FTC 'negative option' crackdown

Deceptive Robocaller Gets $30 Million Phone Bill4/2/2012

FTC case against Cash Grant Institute ends with record penalty

AT&T, Verizon Praised For Squashing 'Cramming'4/2/2012

Illinois attorney general wants universal ban on the practice

Bogus BBB Email Contains a Dangerous Virus 3/29/2012

Scam artists can get access to your bank account

Cash Rewards Inc. Founder Gets 10-Year Prison Sentence3/28/2012

Rebate plan was really a $7 million Ponzi scheme, prosecutors charged

Feds Put Robocallers Out of Business3/28/2012

Defendants allegedly made billions of calls pushing car warranties, interest rate reduction

Watch Out For Vacation Scams3/21/2012

Don't let a scammer trick you out of this year's vacation money

Judge Orders BurnLounge to Refund $17 Million to Consumers3/14/2012

Music-marketing "opportunity" was a pyramid scheme, judge rules

Missouri Sues Six Companies For Cramming3/7/2012

Seeks restitution for thousands of consumers

Feds Recovered Nearly $1 Billion in Consumer Protection in 20113/5/2012

Justice Department reorganized in 2010 to address growing problems

Beware Fake Mortgage Settlement Calls3/2/2012

Scammers are trying to exploit foreclosure settlement

Credit Repair, Food Stamp Promoters Found in Contempt of Court2/22/2012

Marketers violated a 2010 settlement with the FTC

FBI: Crooks Took World's Largest Mined Ruby in Delaware Heist2/16/2012

The ruby, in the shape of the Liberty Bell, has been missing since November

Scammers Now Using Pre-Paid Cards Instead Of Moneygrams2/10/2012

But the scheme still leaves victims holding the bag

Feds Get $10 Million Settlement in Bruce Moneymaker Case2/1/2012

Company allegedly targeted payday loan seekers and charged them without their consent

'Scammer Guard' Faces Fraud Lawsuit In Florida1/27/2012

State claims company carried out 'fraudulent scheme'

Scammers Exploiting Foreclosure Review Process1/24/2012

The real foreclosure review is free

'Immigration Center' Tricked Consumers, FTC Charges1/24/2012

Charged $2,500 for immigration forms that are available at no charge

What's On Your Mind? Education Scams, Capital One, U-Haul1/17/2012

Our daily look at consumer reviews

Texas Freezes Assets Of Texas Highway Patrol Association12/26/2011

State found group misrepresented itself to donors

Magic Jack Being Used In Phone Spoofing Scam11/29/2011

Scam shows up in Mississippi

Feds Toughen Rules on Work-At-Home Schemes11/22/2011

Promoters must provide more information to help consumers evaluate their programs

Feds Send Refunds to Defrauded Consumers11/22/2011

Counterfeit check and prize scam victimized 200

Business Recovery Services Held in Contempt11/22/2011

BRS "helps" individuals scammed by business opportunity schemes

Facebook Scams Snare Victims With 'Freebies'11/16/2011

Scams offer free coffee and airline tickets

$30 Million Judgment in Bogus Government Grant Case11/15/2011

"Grant Connect" used Obama photos to peddle its services

Fundraiser Claiming To Aid Veterans Banned In Oregon11/15/2011

State says group gave no money to charity

Metro Dream Homes Founder Convicted in Mortgage Fraud Scheme11/11/2011

Promised to pay off homeowners' mortgages but left them to fend for themselves

'Scam Recovery Kit' Promoters Found in Contempt11/9/2011

Company owners face $1,000 per day fines

Defrauded Businesses, Non-Profits Get Refunds11/4/2011

Checks are in the mail to victims of telemarketing scam

New Email Scam Purports To Be From Gaddafi Partner10/27/2011

A remake of the old African prince scam

Six Charged in Alleged Sports Memorabilia Scams10/26/2011

Fans paid big bucks for phone "game used" jerseys, feds charge

What's On Your Mind? Winners International Sweepstakes, TravelNow.com, Kirby Vacuums10/24/2011

Our daily look at consumer reviews

FDA Chemist Pleads Guilty in Insider Trading Scheme10/21/2011

Defendant misused FDA data on new drug applications

Don't Fall For 'Smishing' Scams10/11/2011

Text-based scam shows up in Washington State

Beware of 'Google Team 2011' Scam10/6/2011

Email message asks you to update your payment information

Beware Of Chimney Repair Scams10/5/2011

They usually appear with the first sign of cold weather

British Survey Finds Online Romance Scams Are Widespread9/29/2011

More people fall victim than are reported to the police, researchers say

New York Training Firm Accused Of Running Scam9/22/2011

Allegedly trained consumers for phony security guard jobs

Beware the 'Financial Recovery Awards' Scam9/19/2011

Canadian scam targets flood-damaged areas

Beware Royalty Resource Network Scam9/14/2011

Using small newspaper ads to ensnare victims

Robo-Caller Seeks Access To Bank, Social Security Data9/12/2011

Scam surfaced in Massachusetts this month

Consumers Cautioned About Debit Card Phishing Scam9/6/2011

Scammer poses as employee of Wells Fargo

FBI Warns of Bogus Check Scam9/1/2011

Checks appear to be issued by UT-Battelle LLC

Arizona 'Charity' Fundraiser Barred From Iowa9/1/2011

Attorney General uses recorded calls to crack down on fraud

States, Feds Put Squeeze on Government Grant Scammers8/29/2011

Fifteen entities put out of business

Colorado Consumers Warned About Restitution Scam8/11/2011

In fact, demands for an advance fee is usually a sign of a scam

Internet Explorer IQ Hoaxer Says He'll Do It Again8/10/2011

"I'll do it again and again and again," AtCheap.com operator vows

Grandparent Scam Gets Scarier8/5/2011

Callers now know specific information about the families they're trying to defraud

Judge Shuts Down 'Yellow Pages' Scam7/28/2011

European operation targeted small businesses, nonprofits in North America

Illinois Charges Woman Sold Ads in Non-Existent Magazines7/19/2011

Clients paid for ads that never appeared in magazines that didn't exist

Scammers May Pose As Someone From Your Bank7/18/2011

Scheme is operating in North Carolina, perhaps other states

FBI Breaks Up Internet Fraud Network Based in Romania7/15/2011

More than 100 arrests yesterday as agents continue 10-year crackdown

Ohio Sues Alleged Craigslist Scammers7/8/2011

Consumers paid for video games, cell phones but got nothing

Scammers Using System For Hearing-Impaired To Target Businesses7/4/2011

TTY relay used to add credibility to con

West Virginia Sues 'Modeling Agency'6/27/2011

Photographer, supposed agent made big promises but suit says he didn't deliver

Scam Artists Discover the MoneyPak6/16/2011

Consumers being swindled when they give out their MoneyPak number

A New Wrinkle In Fake Payday Loan Scam6/15/2011

Copy cat scammer claims to be police officer threatening arrest

Latest Scam Email Claims to be From the FBI6/14/2011

Recipients are instructed to send $350 immediately

Publishers Clearing House Warns of Sweepstakes Scams6/10/2011

Sweepstakes "winners" should never send money to "claim their prize"

Feds Charge Get-Rich-Quick Pitchman Bilked Consumers5/31/2011

Promoters claimed big profits lurked in promissory note business

'Free Vacation' Scam Targeted Spanish-Speaking Consumers5/26/2011

Every contestant ‘won’ but vacations weren't delivered

Beware The Apple App Scam5/25/2011

Scammers seem to have discovered Apple

eDebitPay Found in Contempt, Fined $3.7 Million5/25/2011

Company offered a bogus "$10,000 credit line," FTC charged

Missouri Warns Of Joplin Tornado Aid Scams5/24/2011

Feds declare public health emergency in Missouri

Feds Charge Canadian Scam Artists Raked in $450 Million5/17/2011

Consumers were lured into "free" and "risk-free" offers that were anything but

FBI Warns of Charity Scams Following Southern Tornadoes5/11/2011

Tornadoes spawn cluster of fraudulent appeals

Watch Out for Mother's Day Scams5/6/2011

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 Refunds5/6/2011

FTC mailing checks to consumers who submitted a claim form

NYC Postal Workers Stole Millions in Phony Tax Refunds5/4/2011

Mail carrier convicted in complex scheme to generate, then steal refund checks

Don't Fall For Bin Laden Hit Video Scam5/4/2011

The scam is beginning to show up on Facebook

'Wal-Mart Shopping Spree' Scam Victims Getting Checks4/29/2011

Most consumers will get about $18; checks should be cashed promptly

Consumers Not Required To Return Unsolicited Products4/26/2011

What marketers don't want you to know

California Seeks Jail Time for 'Tax Lady' Roni Deutch4/21/2011

Deutch destroyed documents, failed to pay refunds despite court orders

Blogger Calls Out Facebook On Security Issues4/19/2011

Says Facebook should take initiative to protect users

Beware The 'Your Facebook Password Is Not Safe' Scam4/15/2011

Spam email contains dangerous Trojan

Bogus 'Complaint Removal' Sites Prey on Small Businesses4/15/2011

Scam artists mislead business owners targeted by angry customers

California Pyramid, Stock Scam Netted Millions4/14/2011

Promoters convicted and face more than 20 years in prison

What's On Your Mind? Scams, Hollywood Video, Verizon4/13/2011

Our daily rundown on consumer reviews

Jury Duty Scam Resurfaces4/6/2011

Caller claims you failed to appear and says a warrant has been issued

Seven Ways To Spot A Scam Email3/29/2011

There are always telltale signs

New Jersey Smashes Counterfeit Clothing Ring3/29/2011

Police say operation cheated businesses and consumers

Campaign Targets 'Grandparent Scam,' Other Imposter Scams3/24/2011

Victims lose thousands of dollars by responding to phony calls for help

Girls Gone Wild Founder Needs a Lawyer ... Fast3/24/2011

Joe Francis has yet another court date but no lawyer

Consumers Warned About Weight Loss Scams3/23/2011

FDA is warning consumers to avoid products with exaggerated weight loss claims

Payday Loan Marketers Pay $800,000 to Settle FTC Charges3/18/2011

Swish Marketing allegedly tricked consumers into buying prepaid debit cards

Beware Of Refinancing Scams3/15/2011

Scammers take advantage of distressed homeowners

Grandparent Scam Finding New Victims3/7/2011

Call from distressed grandchild turns out to be fake after money is wired

Texas Takes Action Against New York Electronics Retailers2/24/2011

Two firms accused of bait and switch in offering rock bottom prices

FTC Asks Court to Shut Down Text Messaging Spammer2/23/2011

Operation blasted out text message spam at a “mind-boggling” rate, agency alleges

'Free Tickets on Southwest' Scam Hits Facebook2/22/2011

Realistic looking design might dupe more people into clicking malicious link

Alibaba CEO Resigns Amid e-Fraud Scandal2/21/2011

Probe finds widespread fraud on the business-to-business site

How To Protect Yourself From Common Scams2/21/2011

Consumer Reports Money Adviser looks at schemes and solutions

New Scam Targets Netflix Subscribers2/16/2011

New face on old scheme

'Free' Poster Costs $29.99 Per Month, Lawsuit Charges2/15/2011

Wozo, Tatto, Adknowledge named in class action suit

'Reporter Has Stroke On TV' Turns Into Facebook Scam2/15/2011

Hint: ignore the "check it out" link from your Facebook "friends"

Casino Cheating Ring Dismantled2/14/2011

'False shuffle' used to beat casinos out of millions

Never Pay A Fee To Collect A Prize2/12/2011

Maryland Charges Synchronicity with deception

Home Repair Fraud A Scam For All Seasons2/11/2011

Fraudulent contractors always on the prowl

Business Opportunity Con Artist Surrenders Home, Abandons Appeal2/10/2011

Richard Neiswonger was twice held in contempt of court

Egyptian Crisis Gives New Life to Travel Emergency Scam2/10/2011

Friend in trouble overseas? Don't be too sure

Missouri Indicts Companies On Real Estate Fraud Charges2/10/2011

Complex deal resulted in homeowners losing homes

Major Health Care Fraud Takedown2/9/2011

Operation Bad Medicine busts $7 million health care fraud scheme

Investment Scam on Elderly Results in Nine-Year Prison Sentence2/8/2011

Canadian telemarketer was previously sued by the FTC

New Mortgage Scam Surfaces In Nevada2/8/2011

If you're informed your mortgage has been sold, make sure it has.

Suit Accuses JPMorgan Chase of Aiding Madoff2/7/2011

Bank says suit charging complicity in the investment fraud is meritless

Feds Shut Down Immigration Scam2/1/2011

Scammers used fake Websites to confuse consumers

Tanning Salon Chain Settles Deceptive Sales Charges1/31/2011

Colorado found company personnel misled consumers

Football Fans Cautioned About Possible Super Bowl Scams1/25/2011

Officials in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are warning Packers and Steelers fans to be wary of 'great deals'

Nevada Issues Alert On Property Deed Service1/12/2011

Consumers aggressively marketed service they can do themselves almost for free

Ten Signs that You're Dating a Sociopath1/11/2011

Who will exploit your relationship and often for money

Another Foreclosure 'Rescuer' Shut Down In North Carolina1/11/2011

12th such case in five years

Extortion Scam By Food and Drug Administration ImpersonatorsContinues1/10/2011

Victims are told they have broken the law and will be prosecuted unless they pay up

'No Credible Scientific Evidence' Behind Power Balance Bracelet: Manufacturer1/8/2011

Class action lawsuit filed in response to admission

Dietary Supplement Marketer Agrees To $3 Million Settlement1/7/2011

Florida accused firm of deceptive marketing

Top 10 Scams of 201012/25/2010

Our annual list of deceptive schemes designed to part you from your money

Seniors, Students Cautioned About Paying For Free Help12/14/2010

If the best things in life are free, don't pay for them

Payday Loan Collection Scam Is Widespread12/8/2010

Callers threaten consumers, claim they are delinquent on a non-existent payday loan

Think Before Booking Bowl Game Packages12/6/2010

Football fans at risk of being scammed as college post-season gears up

Illinois Seeks to Close Chicago Area Charity12/5/2010

Group charged with operating illegally

Oregon Sues California Modification ‘Consultants’11/24/2010

Big promises, few results

Watch Out for the ‘The Twelve Scams of Christmas’11/16/2010

Cybercriminals use the holiday season aiming to steal money, identities and financial information

Nevada Steps Up Mortgage Fraud Crackdown11/12/2010

Investigation has uncovered wide range of related crimes

The Latest Scam: Hijacking Your Phone Number11/11/2010

Scammers use technology to hide from telephone screeners

Massachusetts Settles With Cape Cod Timeshare Sellers11/10/2010

Four companies accused to failing to record deeds

Ban Imposed On Marketers of 'Detox' Foot Pads11/8/2010

Advertising claimed 'ancient Japanese secret' could treat medical conditions

Fake Payday Loan Collector Scam Still Going Strong11/3/2010

Callers use fear to shake down victims for cash

Work From Home Scams Are Prime Recruiting Areas for Cyber Criminals10/20/2010

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'10/19/2010

Links promise shocking videos, but expose profile information

Watch Out For ATM Skimmers At Gas Pumps10/15/2010

Three men arrested for 'skimming' scam in California

Don’t Fall For Facebook Profile Scam10/12/2010

Despite scammers' claim you can't see who has accessed your profile

Pennsylvania Seniors Warned About Rebate Assistance Scam10/8/2010

Seniors misled into thinking they must pay a fee to apply

Tax Relief Scam Collected More Than $60 Million10/7/2010

Company's owners lived lavish lifestyle, targeted financially distressed consumers

Nigerian Prince Scam Turns to Fax Distribution10/5/2010

In the world of scams, what's old is sometimes new again

Multi-National Internet Fraud Ring Smashed10/4/2010

FBI, international agencies disrupt attempted theft of $220 million

African American Seniors Abused, Swindled More Often, Study Finds10/1/2010

Survey finds older African-Americans are at twice the risk for mental abuse and five times the risk for financial exploitation

Advance Fee Scam Results In Lengthy Prison Terms9/30/2010

Victims lost life savings and homes in fraudulent scheme involving bogus Federal Reserve notes

Court Shuts Down Huge Internet Fraud 'Cramming' Operation9/30/2010

Inc21 placed bogus charges on the telephone bills of thousands of consumers

'Pillow Pets' Were Counterfeit, Delaware Charges9/30/2010

Undercover investigation leads to arrest, indictment of local merchant

Online Auction PennyBiddr Agrees to Refunds to Settle Washington State Charges9/29/2010

Auctions online often use 'cheap tricks to cheat consumers,' state warns

California Realtor Charged With Scamming Elderly Homeowners, Lenders9/28/2010

Century 21 agent allegedly chiseled seniors, banks out of more than $10 million

Real Estate Scam Draws Prison Term for New York Financier9/27/2010

Investors in private placement scheme lost more than $23 million

Connecticut Consumers Warned About Utility 'Slammers'9/27/2010

Telemarketers use deception to switch consumers' utility provider

'Free' Yellow Pages Listings Weren't Free, Illinois Charges9/23/2010

YP.com agrees not to bill any Illinois companies for online Yellow Pages listings

Court Stops Claims of Lucrative Home Jobs Stuffing Envelopes9/22/2010

Consumers misled to believe they could earn substantial income, FTC alleges

Online Tracking Program 'Media Stamp' Stalks Web Users, Suit Says9/22/2010

Ringleader latest target of privacy litigation

Webloyalty Settles Internet Credit Card Fraud Charges9/21/2010

Crackdown continues against companies exploiting 'negative option' marketing

Internet 'Modeling Job Scam Warning Issued9/20/2010

Applicants lured with enticements of easy money, little work

Puppies Are the Lure as Scam Artists Target Dog-Loving Consumers9/20/2010

The puppies are 'free' but, oh those shipping costs from Africa

Ohio Sues Work From Home Business Scheme9/17/2010

NSA Technologies took money but didn't deliver work from home jobs, state charges

White House Picks Elizabeth Warren to Head Consumer Protection Agency9/16/2010

Outspoken Harvard professor is seen as a champion of working Americans, a scourge of big business

Beware of Credit Card Interest Rate Rip-Off9/10/2010

Scam artists promise to lower credit card interest rate for a fee

Avoid 'Cheerleaders Gone Wild' On Facebook9/9/2010

Sexy come-on is latest 'clickjacking' scheme

Publishers Clearinghouse Settles With 32 States9/9/2010

$3.5 million agreement with 32 states toughens 2001 settlement

Scam Artists Capitalize on High Unemployment Rate9/6/2010

Watch for these red flags when looking for jobs

Phony Funeral Ring Scams Insurance Companies, Fed Charge9/5/2010

Mortuary employee stages funerals with cow parts and mannequins

Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty Running $80 Million Ponzi Scheme9/3/2010

Officials say at least 17 lenders were scammed in bogus funding scheme

Texan Charged With Unlawfully Soliciting Funds for War Heroes Memorial9/3/2010

The U.S. Fallen Heroes Foundation is getting a close look from the IRS

Discount Club Scammers To Pay Millions In Settlement8/19/2010

Consumers were duped while shopping online or through mailed check solicitations

Insurance Scam Unravels in Yazoo County, Mississippi8/17/2010

Would-be con artists bungle a staged multi-car crash

Sham California Nursing School To Repay Students8/12/2010

Students defrauded out of thousands of dollars for unaccredited school

Ohio Launches Nationwide Manhunt for Missing 'Charity' Director8/5/2010

Head of U.S. Navy Veterans Association disappears amid probe into organization's finances

Is Your Child's Identity At Risk?8/4/2010

Obtaining Social Security at birth carries risk

KFC 'Free Lunch Coupon' Suit Moves Forward7/17/2010

Suit charges KFC chickened out on offer aired on Oprah

FTC Warns of Oil Spill Job Scams7/6/2010

How to tell the real opportunities from the phonies

Beware of Oil Spill Scams7/5/2010

New York consumer agency offers tips to avoid being ripped off

Ohio Seeks Restraining Orders Against Sham 'Veterans' Group6/28/2010

Attorney General concerned about 'charity' group's ties to shady practices

Phony Health Inspectors Target Restaurants6/27/2010

Callers try to pry personal information out of restaurateurs

Cemetery Swindler Pays $4 Million Restitution6/25/2010

Michigan man accused of betraying grieving families

Warning: Scammers Using Bogus Online Rental Ads6/22/2010

Would-be renters are enticed to send money to non-existent property owner

FBI Warns of 'Telephone Denial-of-Service' Attacks6/22/2010

Criminals flood consumers' phone lines while raiding bank account

Medicare Recipients Target of New Scam6/18/2010

Scammers taking advantage of confusion about one-time $250 benefit

Texan Agrees To Halt Unauthorized Sales of Prescription Drugs, Devices6/14/2010

Owner offered prescription products, including Botox-like drugs, for sale online

Veterans Group Ordered To Stop Fundraising In Ohio5/29/2010

Questions raised about legitimacy of the U.S. Navy Veterans Association

NJ Reaches Settlement With Sansone Auto Dealerships5/26/2010

Dealerships accused of covering up prior damage to used vehicles

Checks Going Out to Victims of Medical Billing Scam5/19/2010

3,500 consumers were defrauded by phony work-at-home scheme

Iowa Sues Louisiana Used Car Dealer5/18/2010

Allegedly deceived consumers with false-promise ads

Oregon Cracks Down on 'Charities' that Claim to Help Veterans5/18/2010

State files three lawsuits, reaches settlements with two groups

New York Charges SmartBuy Preyed on Soldiers, Military Families5/18/2010

Company sold grossly over-priced merchandise at exorbitant interest rates, suit alleges

Sunrise Herbal to Pay Restitution to Conn. Consumers5/12/2010

Consumers complained of unauthorized charges and shipments

Colorado Bars Firm From Selling Immigration Forms5/12/2010

Business accused of defrauding people trying to become U.S. citizens

Tennesseans Urged to Be Aware Of Potential Price Gougers5/6/2010

Consumers should be on the lookout for exorbitant prices for fuel, cleaning supplies

'Alcoholism Cure Foundation' is Fraud, Suit Says5/5/2010

FTC, Florida seek damages, injunction

California Charges Crooks Recycled Imported Trash5/5/2010

Rogue recyclers trucked millions of cans, bottles from Arizona, Nevada

Colorado Man Draws 32 Year Sentence for Running Ponzi Scheme4/29/2010

Scammer took consumers in Colorado and 15 other states for more than $10 million

Consumers Victimized By Car Dealerships Receiving Over $100K in Restitution4/27/2010

Dealers sold former rental cars as new without informing customers of prior use

Convict Charged With Dealing Fake Viagra4/23/2010

Federal prisoner was serving time for health care fraud

Mississippi Uncovers Work-At-Home Reshipping Scam4/20/2010

Victims don't realize they are reshipping merchandise bought with stolen credit cards

New York Announces Suit Against SmartBuy4/16/2010

State charges company targets US service personnel

Want a Census Job? Don't Get Swindled4/5/2010

You don't need to pay someone to obtain federal employment

Don't be April-Fooled by Springtime Scams4/1/2010

Chimney sweeps, driveway pavers among those trying to take you to the cleaners

Scam Targets Mississippi Credit Union Members3/10/2010

Phishing attack uses cell phone calls and texts

Massive Illegal Phone Billing Operation Halted3/2/2010

FTC says scam took in $19 million over five years

Payment Processing CEO Banned from the Business3/2/2010

Company illegally debited millions from consumers bank accounts

FreeLotto.com to Pay New York $1.5 Million2/23/2010

Attorney General accuses firm of bait-and-switch

Illinois Sues Marketer For Alleged 'Cramming'2/18/2010

Consumers request 'free sample' but end up paying for multiple orders

Dietary Supplement Scammer Pleads Guilty2/16/2010

False claims generated nearly $12 million

Consumers Scammed by Bogus Debt Collector to Get $1.6 Million2/12/2010

Refund checks will arrive this month

New Lottery Scam Claims to Be From Better Business Bureau2/2/2010

BBB offers tips on how the beat the cheaters

Church Groups Indicted in Delaware Mortgage Rescue Scheme2/2/2010

Largest foreclosure rescue scam in state history, attorney general says

Scammers Target Families of Haitian Earthquake Survivors1/26/2010

Claims that special documents can bypass immigration process

Watch Out For Scammers Exploiting Haiti Earthquake1/13/2010

Consumer advocates offer tips on vetting charities for donation

Six Arrested For Exploiting Nursing Home Residents12/29/2009

Mississippi attorney general charges money taken from residents

Michigan Busts Ponzi Scheme Targeting Seniors12/22/2009

Attorney General charges three over $350 million fraud

Maryland Officials Halt Foreclosure Rescue Scam12/16/2009

Scheme robbed homeowners of equity

Florida Resolves Toll Pass Dispute With Avis12/15/2009

Company allegedly changed policy without telling customers

Credit Card Scam Preys on Union Workers12/11/2009

Advance-fee offers may be too good to be true

States Step Up Pressure On Mortgage Fraud11/30/2009

Illinois, New Jersey among states taking action

Consumers Warned About 'The Twelve Scams of Christmas'11/23/2009

Cybercriminals take advantage of the holiday season

California Targets Church Kiosk Scammers11/20/2009

Attorney General says 30 churches sold shoddy equipment

Senate Committee Slams Abusive Marketers11/17/2009

Consumers tricked into spending billions, investigators find

Celebration Studios Owner Pleads Guilty To Theft11/12/2009

Closes book on New Jersey bridal nightmare

Protecting Your Credit Card From Unauthorized Charges11/11/2009

Think before giving anyone your credit card information

Class Action Filed Against SnapNames.com11/11/2009

Company VP may have submitted thousands of false bids to inflate sale prices

More Phishing Scams Target Facebook11/4/2009

One scam downloads password-stealing Trojan

Computer Experts Deconstruct FDIC Email Scam10/28/2009

"Bank failure" email delivers virus

Con Artists Use Attorney General to Push Spam Email10/28/2009

Hoax claims recipient is under federal investigation

Investment Brokers In Two States Face Fraud Charges10/22/2009

Be careful who you put in charge of your money

Katrina Fallout Continues In Mississippi10/20/2009

Home repair fraud arrests made four years after storm

Cybercriminals Use Fear And Anxiety To Push Rogue Security Software10/20/2009

Users lulled into false sense of security while exposed to greater risks

FTC Stops Two Deceptive Telemarketing Operations10/13/2009

Magazine seller, medical discount plan pitchmen barred from false claims

New York Makes Arrests In Mortgage Fraud Ring10/9/2009

Subprime lending not the only contributor to housing collapse

Beware Of Chimney Repair Scams10/9/2009

Phony repair jobs a seasonal concern

Massachusetts Seeks Restitution In Alleged Health Club Scam10/7/2009

Club sold memberships but never opened

Ponzi Scheme Targeted African-American Churches10/6/2009

Michigan scam part of nationwide effort, Attorney General claims

Oregon Warns Against Bogus 'Public Safety' Solicitors10/5/2009

Attorney General stops pitches for 'search and rescue' personnel

Minnesota Sues Health Discount Card Marketers10/5/2009

High pressure, bait and switch tactics alleged

Feds And States Get Tough On Scams9/18/2009

Officials crack down on mortgage related fraud

Mortgage Brokers Arrested For Theft9/11/2009

Brokers allegedly changed terms after customers signed documents

7 Signs It's A Scam9/8/2009

Clueless scammer targers Ohio Attorney General

"Operation Tele-PHONEY" Shuts Down Deceptive Telemarketing Schemes8/26/2009

Court orders bar all illegal telemarketing activities

Consumer Groups Warn of Dealer Double-Dipping In Cash For Clunkers8/21/2009

Dealers should not be getting paid twice

Telltale Signs You're Dealing With A Scammer8/20/2009

When a salesman uses a "fake voice," he just might be a scammer

Alleged Hackers Indicted For Theft Of 130 Million Credit, Debit Cards8/17/2009

Hannaford, Heartland breaches may be largest of all time

Florida Business Opportunity Scammer Sentenced8/16/2009

200 investors taken for more than $4 million

Kentucky Couple Facing Investment Scam Charges8/12/2009

Scheme allegedly bilked consumers out of more than $500,000

Mystery, Science Fiction Writers Expose Publishing Scams8/11/2009

Anti-scam program adds muscle

Massachusetts Man Sentenced For Nationwide Internet Prescription Drug Scheme8/3/2009

Drugs were sold for body-building

California Wins $1.2 Million Ruling Against Scam Artists8/1/2009

Attorney General busts Georgia brothers for shaking down local businesses

National Consumers League Warns Of Recession-Fueled Fraud7/28/2009

New statistics underscore call for increased federal fraud fighting

Scammers With Falsely Promising "Guaranteed" Government Grants7/24/2009

Court halts operators' deceptive pitches for grant writing book and services

Surplus Goods Business Opportunity Scammers Settle With FTC7/15/2009

Project Biz Op Flop targets work-at-home schemes

Illinois Broker Accused Of Running $10 Million Ponzi Scheme7/12/2009

Targeted Hispanic investors, state charges

Con Artists Prey On The Faithful6/22/2009

Growing number of churches victimized

Mississippi Lawyers Falling For Fake Check Scam6/18/2009

Hell hath no fury like a scammed attorney

FTC Fines Canadian Company $2 Million for Ad Scheme6/15/2009

Company charged with selling listings in fake business, travel directories

California Arrests Two who Stole Millions Through Phony Stock Sale6/5/2009

Ez2Win.biz claimed to be an online shopping hub

Feds Stop Cross-Border Directory Scam6/3/2009

Canadian operation targeted small businesses, non-profits in U.S.

North Carolina Locks Down Phony Locksmith Scam5/15/2009

Attorney General targets scammers for false pricing

New York Cracks Down on Immigration Ripoff Scheme5/15/2009

Attorney General charges woman with fraud and deceptive practices

California Blocks Costly Property Tax Rip-Off5/14/2009

Attorney General takes on reassessment scheme

Iowa Bans Get-Rich-Quick Scheme5/11/2009

NYC promoter used Des Moines address to lure victims

New Jersey Broker Charged In $10 Million Ponzi Scheme5/8/2009

Accused of defrauding elderly investors

BBB Warns of Door-to-Door Sales Scams5/7/2009

Consumers should be wary of door-to-door solicitations

Indiana Hit By Swine Flu Scams5/6/2009

Attorney General targets solicitors selling "swine flu kits"

FTC Charges Hoodia Claims Are Bogus4/29/2009

Suppliers accused of deceptive claims

Feds Charge Five in $70 Million "Dream Home" Scam4/28/2009

Defendants accused of complex scheme that bilked homeowners out of thousands

'Gifting Clubs,' Pyramid Schemes Flourish on Web4/24/2009

Scams target cash-strapped consumers looking to earn extra income

Texas Sues 'GoogleMoneyTree' Promoter4/24/2009

Scam uses high-profile name to deceive consumers, state charges

Texas Sues Water4gas.com4/24/2009

Devices don't work, tax breaks don't apply, state charges

California Sues Wells Fargo Affiliates for $1.5 Billion4/23/2009

Attorney General wants money recovered for defrauded investors

Missouri Joins Mortgage Scam Smackdown4/22/2009

Attorney General promises "zero tolerance" for fraudsters

Massachusetts Tackles Timeshare Scam4/17/2009

Owner collected $1.5 million for resort that was never used

Beware the 'Property Fraud' Scam4/17/2009

Seniors are often targets of this fast-growing scam

Texas Targets Hurricane Ike Scammers4/14/2009

Attorney General charges roofers with deceptive practices

Computer Scam Targets African-American Churches4/11/2009

'Free' information kiosks cost churches $50,000 and up

New York Auto Lenders Face Hard Time4/8/2009

Extended warranty scheme, loan irregularities draw prison sentences

Internet Crime Hit Highest Levels Ever in 20083/31/2009

New report documents massive jumps in fraud, complaints

Realtors Group Warns Of Rental Scam3/30/2009

Victims instructed to send money to 'agent' in UK

California Cancels "Big Bad Student Travel" For Student Ripoffs3/27/2009

Agency pocketed money and didn't provide promised Spring Break trips

California Shuts Down Statewide "Home Repair" Scheme3/23/2009

Attorney General, state licensing board target inadequate, overpriced jobs

Texas Takes on Scams Targeting Seniors3/20/2009

Lead card and fake grandchild hoaxes investigated

California Cracks Down on Internet Get-Rich-Quick Scams3/16/2009

Sites promised consumers they could earn big bucks quickly

American Seniors Alliance Settles Texas Charges3/16/2009

Packaged and sold seniors' confidential information to telemarketers, solicitors

FBI Warns of Online Car-Sales Scam3/9/2009

Scam artists pose as military personnel about to be deployed

Government Giving Away Money? Don't Count On It3/5/2009

Ads promising personal grants are scams ... at best

Illinois Charges Car Dealers' Stimulus Ads Are Scams3/4/2009

Ads claim consumers won't pay sales tax on auto purchases

FTC Warns Consumers About "Stimulus" Scams3/4/2009

Don't fall for ads promising government payouts

Text-Phishing Scam Making the Rounds Again2/16/2009

Scam artists try to capture ATM, credit card numbers

North Carolina Parks Auto Warranty Scam2/12/2009

Telemarketers target seniors with bogus expiration claims

Don't Fall For Valentines e-Card Scam2/12/2009

It loves you not

FTC Busts 'Free' Sample Scams2/11/2009

Weight-loss supplement makers settle deceptive marketing claims

California, Feds Sue Over Generic Testosterone2/3/2009

Companies accused of monopolizing supplement sales

Former Congressman Named In Investment Scam1/30/2009

Investors in Bidbay.com bilked, prosecutors charge

Bank Of America Sued Over Internet Ponzi Scheme1/30/2009

Hundreds of millions of dollars collected in gigantic swindle

Beware Of Super Bowl Scams1/28/2009

Annual tradition includes scams aimed at excited fans

West Virginia Settles with Arizona Telemarketer1/16/2009

Company claimed overpriced goods would help handicapped veterans

Top 10 Scams Of 200812/28/2008

Financial meltdown creates opportunities for scammers

Credit "Repair" Company Agrees to Settle FTC Charges12/24/2008

Agency handcuffs company for making deceptive claims

Ohio Settles with Companies over Student Credit Cards12/16/2008

Attorney General accused firms of deceptive advertising

"Mystery Shopper" Scammers Settle with FTC12/8/2008

Defendants accused of luring job seekers with fake offers

Class-Action Scam Threatens Consumers12/3/2008

Supposed lawsuit settlement is bogus

Court Stops International Spam Network10/15/2008

World's largest "spam gang" has assets frozen

Scams Sprout from Financial Crisis10/6/2008

Consumers vulnerable to scams growing out of Wall Street meltdown

West Virginia Warns About Phony Debt Collectors8/22/2008

Scammers claiming to be authorities demand money transfers

FTC Bans Pre-Recorded Telemarketer Calls8/19/2008

New rules said to protect consumer privacy

Getting Top Dollar For Jewelry Requires Knowledge, Patience8/1/2008

Sellers should appraise value objectively and protect their assets

Consumer Advocates Release Top 10 Consumer Gripes7/31/2008

Auto sale misrepresentations top the list

Two Canadians Plead Guilty in Telemarketing Scheme7/30/2008

Scheme raked in nearly $10.5 million from 37,000 Americans

Yahoo! Sues Fake Lottery Scammers5/27/2008

But the actual defendants are still unknown

Maryland Shuts Down Investment Scam5/15/2008

Con artist scammed his own grandmother, prosecutor charges

Phishing Scammers Get More Creative5/8/2008

Coulee Dam scammers try to leave no trace of their activities

Despite Warnings, More Consumers Fall Victim to Cyber Scams5/1/2008

Law enforcement barely makes a dent in crooks' efforts

North Carolina Stops Advance Fee Credit Card Scheme4/21/2008

Premier Nationwide Corp. hit with restraining order

No Need to Overpay for Property Deeds4/11/2008

Companies charge big bucks for public documents

Massive Securities Fraud Ring Exposed In New Jersey3/27/2008

Investors lost at least $50 million, prosecutors charge

Report: Attorneys General Deserve More Credit3/26/2008

State AGs are consumers' front-line defense

Art Dealers Indicted in Alleged Global Scam3/25/2008

Counterfeit prints sold to unsuspected art lovers

Washington Sues Alleged Spyware Spammer3/25/2008

Arizona man bombarded consumers with ads for pornography, Viagra

More Counterfeit Money Order Scams Reported3/24/2008

Midwest has the latest infestation of the fast-spreading scam

Woman Indicted In Alleged Ebay Scam3/21/2008

Buyer 'won' an auction but never got his Lexus

Arkansas Warns of Prison Phone Scam3/13/2008

Inmates use idle time to dial for dollars

Easy Money Scams On The Rise As Times Get Tough3/5/2008

North Carolina cracks down on 'free grant' promoter

Kevin Trudeau's Natural Cures Agrees to Missouri Refunds2/21/2008

Consumers complained they were billed for newsletters they didn't order

EdebitPay Agrees to $2.2 Million Settlement1/25/2008

Unauthorized debit, deceptive marketing at issue

Florida Sues Two Website Marketers1/22/2008

'Business opportunities' deceptive, suit charges

Hackers Lurk In Many Holiday Emails12/27/2007

Your computer could take up a life of crime

Top Ten Scams of 200712/10/2007

Old reliables and nervy newcomers fleece rich and poor alike

Indiana Sues Timeshare Marketers12/4/2007

Promoters allegedly failed to honor refunds, award prizes, deliver the goods

Texas Sues Yellow Pages Directories11/9/2007

Charges Ad Telamerica defrauds small businesses, charities nationwide

Email Scam Spoofs FTC10/30/2007

Bogus email claims to be from FTC's 'Fraud Department'

Utility Bill Refund Email is a Scam10/10/2007

Beware of email offering $480 home heating refund

Scammer Claims To Be 'Verified By Visa'9/24/2007

Phishing emails try to trick consumers into revealing passwords

Phishing Scam Targets Xbox Live Users9/10/2007

Email claims to be about changes in the target's account

Latest Spam Scam Targets Bank Of America Customers9/3/2007

Bogus email warns of "invalid login attempts"

New Jersey Man Cited For Exploiting Foreclosure Victims8/21/2007

Scam allegedly targeted consumers who had just lost their homes

Whose Fingers Are Doing the Walking?8/15/2007

Small businesses targeted by Yellow Pages advertising scams

Virus Spreading Through Emailed Screensaver7/30/2007

Skepticism The Key To Avoiding Locksmith Scam7/12/2007

Virus Lurks In Bogus E-Card Greeting7/9/2007

Inside The Mind Of A Spam Scammer6/27/2007

How could anyone fall for this stuff? Read on ...

Illinois Sues Iraqi Currency Traders6/21/2007

Fake Check Scam Targets Thrifty Nickel Advertisers6/6/2007

"Fountain of Youth" Purveyor Fined5/29/2007

Promoters Sold Supposed Human Growth Hormone

North Carolina Slams Door on Magazine Peddler5/9/2007

Subscribers didn't get their magazines, or their refunds

African Puppy Scam Bites Victims5/8/2007

Feds Shut Down "Asset Protection" Scam5/8/2007

Survey Scam Uses Wal-Mart Logo4/23/2007

Phony Fraud Settlement Scam Surfaces4/10/2007

Advance Fee Scammers Move Into Real Estate3/21/2007

Scam uses phony lottery to lure its victims

Couple Sentenced In Cell Phone Charity Scam3/12/2007

Scams and Foreclosures On the Rise3/5/2007

"Surplus Funds" Scam Targets Homeowners in Trouble

Hackers Map Phishing Expeditions with Google Maps2/20/2007

Priestly Misdeeds Rock Congregations2/8/2007

Money and Trust Lost as Priests Lead Double Lives

Complaint of the Day: Phony Magazine Subscription Renewals1/20/2007

Complaint of the Day

YP Corp. Agrees to Pay Refunds12/16/2006

Company Tricked Businesses into Paying for Internet Ads

ConsumerAffairs.com's Top 10 Scams of 200612/11/2006

Consumers Warned About Oprah Scam11/22/2006

"Grandparents Scam" Exposed11/10/2006

Con Artists Pretend to be Grandchildren in Trouble

Author Finds Sport In Tricking Scammers11/6/2006

Engaging the scammers wastes their time, amuses author

Scammers Dust Off The Old "Pump & Dump"10/26/2006

Medco Settles Fraud, Kickback Charges for $155 Million10/24/2006

Company submitted false claims to the government, solicited and accepted kickbacks

Lottery Scam Victim: "No One Cares"10/16/2006

Elderly man lost $300,000, gets lots of advice but not much help

Police Fund-Raisers Accused of Fraud8/30/2006

The Police Protective Fund denies the allegation

Fake Check Scammers Move Onto craigslist8/25/2006

Counterfeit Travelers Checks Look Like Real Thing8/24/2006

The elaborate fakes even have a hologram

Identity Thieves Stay One Step Ahead8/9/2006

Scammers keep up with the latest technology

Consumers Lose $8 Billion to Online Fraud8/8/2006

The Internet remains a dangerous place to do business

"Vishing" Is Latest Twist In Identity Theft Scam7/24/2006

Similar to phishing, vishing uses Internet phone calls

Nigeria 419: The Road to Ruin7/1/2006

Nigerians Hone the Art of the Scam

BP Charged With Propane Market Manipulation6/29/2006

The government claims the energy company reaped an illegal $20 million dollar profit with the move

Gas Pill Busted in Texas6/19/2006

Texas Drains Fake Fuel Pill Scheme5/19/2006

Claims of Increased Mileage Called Bogus

Arizona Settles with Internet Work-At-Home Promoter5/2/2006

Advertising Solutions sold Internet-based business opportunities to consumers nationwide.

New Phone Scam Plays on Victims' Emotions4/5/2006

Victims Are Told a Family Member Needs Help

Feds Propose Tougher Controls On Work At Home Schemes3/18/2006

The new rule changes are proposed to go into effect later this year

"Smiling Bob" Not Smiling Anymore3/2/2006

Erectile Dysfunction "Cure" Must Pay $2.5 Million

New Scam Combines Phony Checks With Secret Shopping2/11/2006

A dangerous hybrid of secret shopper and phony check scams is showing up

FTC Shuts Down Smut Spamming Operation2/1/2006

A federal judge has ordered Net Everyone and its owners to stop sending unsolicited pornographic e-mails

Arrests Made in South Florida Foreclosure Scams1/25/2006

Four people have been arrested for their roles in two separate but related scams

Home Improvement Complaints Increase1/24/2006

Home improvement issues continue to generate concern and complaints from Connecticut consumers

FTC Fines Tooth-Whitener, Weight-Loss Patch Telemarketers1/18/2006

A telemarketing operation selling tooth-whitening kits and weight-loss patches will pay $463,000

Two Anti-Spyware Promoters Settle FTC Charges1/5/2006

The FTC said the companies claimed to detect spyware, even when there was not any

Magazine Telemarketer Still Haunting Consumers1/2/2006

Company's still attempting to collect money that consumers say is the result of phony billing

Top 10 Phone Scams of 200512/30/2005

Whatever happened to the old days when a con artist only wanted to steal a few bucks?

Colorado Claims Genealogy Book Is Bogus12/5/2005

The State of Colorado has sued a company it said defrauded people interested in their family tree

"Preacher" Bilked Investors Out of Millions12/2/2005

James Upshaw gets 7-year prison sentence

"Freedom Tower" and "American Mint" Coin Scams Halted10/19/2005

A New York court has ordered the promoters of the "9/11 Freedom Tower" coin scam to pay nearly $370,000 in penalties

Texas Shuts Down Debt Elimination Scheme Targeting Hurricane Evacuees10/4/2005

Texas Shuts Down "Alternative Medicine" Companies9/21/2005

Dallas-area businesses offered illegal miracle cure drugs and herbal remedies

REAL ID A Gold Mine for Identity Thieves, Critics Charge9/12/2005

Texas Halts Foreclosure Rescue Scam8/31/2005

Houston woman exploited distressed homeowners, state charges

Judge Orders Ohio Travel Agencies To Pay Up8/29/2005

Consumers left stranded by a pair of Columbus, Ohio, travel agencies may not be going anywhere but they'll have some walking-around money

Older Americans Hit Hard by Consumer Fraud, ID Theft7/28/2005

Older Americans reported $152 million in fraud losses

Florida "Business Opportunity" Promoters Sentenced to Prison7/7/2005

AmeriP.O.S. Inc. promoted point-of-sale ("P.O.S.") terminal business opportunities

Fake Money Orders Circulated In Arkansas6/7/2005

While the U.S. Treasury has taken steps to make it harder to counterfeit American currency, it's still apparently easy to make up fake money orders

Illinois Charges Hail Storm Chaser5/4/2005

An Illinois judge has ordered "hail storm chaser" Robert Olson to pay $1.1 million in penalties

Virginia Sentences Spammer to 9 Years4/13/2005

Defendant Free on Bond Pending Appeal of Nation's Harshest Anti-Spam Law

Cell Phone Charity A Scam, Oklahoma Charges4/12/2005

Even the most charitable-sounding appeal can turn out to be a wrong number

Travel Scam Artist Gets 10-Year Prison Term3/22/2005

A Connecticut woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for scamming would-be travelers

72# Scam Spreading3/21/2005

Con artists try to convince consumers or businesses to help them forward a phone call

Feds, States Crackdown on Work-At-Home Schemes2/22/2005

Very few work-at-home promotions are legit, prosecutors say

Caution - Disaster Relief Scams Ahead1/1/2005

Scams follow disasters; it's up to consumers to beware

Free Money? Don't Think So12/21/2004

Lots of government grant money out there for the taking? Think again

Settlement Reached in NY Pay Phone Scam12/16/2004

A New York firm will pay $1.65 million to victims of a pay phone pyramid scheme

Texas Puts Freeze On Tax Scam Aimed At Seniors12/8/2004

Company advertised fee-based filings for senior homestead tax exemptions

Texas Charges Mortgage Company with Fraud11/24/2004

City Mortgage Services defrauded more than 150 Hispanic homeowners, state charges

Florida Sues Consumer Grants USA11/12/2004

Enticed consumers to pay for information that is available free

Iowa Sues American Deputy Sheriffs Association11/11/2004

Consumers often get telephone solicitations from groups representing themselves as law enforcement charities

Government Grant Scam Steams On11/2/2004

Pay a one-time "processing fee" and get ... well, you know

Work-At-Home Scheme Sued10/28/2004

Promised big payoffs but delivered little

Balance Bracelet Settles Lawsuits10/25/2004

Agrees to pay $400,000 to settle claims

Florida Sues 12 Leasing Companies In NorVergence Case10/21/2004

The leasing companies demanded payments from consumers for services they knew were not being provided

135 Arrested in Telemarketing Scams10/6/2004

Biggest takedown ever, feds say

Phony Cashier's Check Scammers Getting Bolder9/22/2004

Business must be good because the scam artists are getting bolder

Grant Scams Defraud Thousands9/20/2004

Scams are taking hundreds -- and in some cases, thousands -- of dollars from consumers hoping to win a government grant

Missouri Sues Accused eBay Scammer8/31/2004

Advertised retail gift cards but didn't deliver

Government Grant Scam Still Active8/30/2004

The "government grant" scam has resurfaced, this time in West Virginia

Coupon Connection of America Barred From Operating in Iowa8/23/2004

Company promotes a business opportunity supposedly based on grocery coupons

Florida Braces for Charley & Price Gouging8/13/2004

Consumers urged to report price gouging

Nigerian Scams Use TTY Lines7/31/2004

It's the latest variation on the 419 scam

Judge Orders Canadian Lottery Scam Artists to Pay $19 Million7/29/2004

A federal judge has ordered Canadian telemarketers running an illegal foreign lottery scam that targeted senior citizens in the United States to pay $19 million

OptInRealBig.com Settles NY Spamming Charges7/20/2004

The spam was illegally routed through a worldwide network of more than 500 vulnerable computers

New York Sues Companion Care Service7/16/2004

VIP failed to properly protect its clients, state charges

Do-Not-Call Scam Shut Down6/29/2004

Service supposedly safeguarded consumers from telemarketers

Biotape Pain Relief Claims Disputed6/24/2004

FTC says a piece of tape can't cure pain

Water Purification Company Faces Fraud Charges6/8/2004

False advertising, telemarketing violations among the allegations

"Balance Bracelet" Claims Challenged5/18/2004

FTC charges company with making false and unsubstantiated claims.

FTC Admits Altering Affidavit in Alyon Case4/28/2004

FTC misrepresented terms of a court order

Missouri Sues Fax Blasters4/6/2004

State argues fax blasting without permission is illegal

FTC Hits "Business Opportunity" Scams - Internet Treasure Chest and Others1/21/2004

Supposed "opportunities" amounted mostly to an opportunity to throw money away

FTC Opens Hotline for Epixtar Victims1/15/2004

Hotline will advise consumers on what steps to take

Feds Sue Australian Lottery Scam Operator7/3/2003

Cross-border scam targets elderly U.S. citizens

Court Seizes Internet Treasure Chest7/2/2003

Firm offered turn-key get-rich-quick Internet home-business opportunities

Magazine Solicitors Fined $1 Million6/24/2003

Telemarketers were charged with misrepresenting the costs and conditions of packages of magazine subscriptions

Q-Ray Claims False, Feds Charge6/2/2003

Think a bracelet can cure pain?

Leasecomm Settles Fraud Charges, Cancels $24 Million in Judgments5/29/2003

Leasecomm financed the purchase of business opportunities such as work-at-home schemes

Girls Gone Wild Producer Faces Criminal Charges in Florida5/23/2003

Joe Francis gets his jet back but not his Ferrari

ShopNBC Fined $215,000 For Quackery4/17/2003

Made unsubstantiated health claims for Physician's RX, a dietary supplement

An Expensive Sports Car Raffle: Axces Fined for Slamming4/1/2003

Company slammed more than 1,000 Missourians, state claims

"Super Zapper" Gets Zapped1/27/2003

Cancer Cure Claims Not Proven, Feds Charge

Breast Cream Developer Settles Federal Charges1/22/2003

Results are notably lacking, FTC charges

Miss Cleo Settles for $500 Million11/14/2002

"Miss Cleo" has seen the future ... and it does not include her

Phone Scam Hits Adult Site Visitors4/12/2000

Magazine Subscriptions

Illinois Sues Natural Hair Growth Institute

Attorney General says company makes claims it can't prove

CMS - Sample Letter

Burn Fat While You Sleep!

Free Money

Consumer complaints about MWI - What Can I Do?

Inside Psychic Readers Network

Lisa, who we suppose would claim to be all-seeing and all-knowing sent us this: Tired of Miss Cleo's bogus psychics?