Warning: TikTok is becoming scammers' favorite platform
Careful, TikTok’ers. Not only are you being fed trash like how to shoplift and influencers trying to convince you something is safe, but since the TikTok S…
Scam Alerts
Latest Articles
Careful: That email may not be from a real company
As we head into the fall months, scammers are increasing their usage of phishing scams. Consumers who receive an email that appears to be from a well-known…
Postal mail change of address fraud – has it gotten worse or better?
The U. S. Postal Service (USPS) has a big red flag - PS Form 3575 - that needs immediate attention.The form is designed to be used as a change of addre…
Multiple scams are targeting PayPal users
Scammers love to impersonate a well-known brand, particularly if it is in the financial services industry. Consumers are rightly concerned about their mone…
That Xfinity scam is still claiming victims
The Xfinity scam, which we reported in April, shows no signs of going away. And now parent company Comcast has warned its customers to be wary of the scamm…
Bank customers face two sophisticated and growing scams
You'd better be checking your bank account daily – if not hourly! A new PYMNTS Intelligence and Hawk AI study says that the rise in digital payments has ca…
Past Articles
September, 2023
Warning! There’s new tech support scams on the loose
No, your device isn’t compromised. That message is a scam.
August, 2023
Threat Alert: The summer of scams
Complaining about a company on X could make you a scam target
QR code scams pose a growing threat
Threat Alert: Scammers using sex to extort money
This letter from a 'lawyer' is just the latest scam
These 12 phone numbers are the most-used by scammers
If you have Medicaid you could be a scam target
Airline passengers are a growing scam target
Threat Alert: Back-to-school scams accelerate
Cash apps can have scam risks, experts warn
Scammers pose as funeral directors to steal from grieving families
Threat Alert: Beware of that exotic, overseas investment opportunity
July, 2023
A job offer via text message? A scam if there ever was one.
Threat Alert: Survey scams are proliferating
Threat Alert: Watch out for the new Barbie scam
Scammers have invaded Google searches, putting stranded travelers in harm’s way
WormGPT is an AI platform built specifically for scammers
A roofing scam where the contractor tears holes in your roof? Just one of the scams of summer.
‘Sign-in detected’ scam targets Venmo users
Threat Alert: Sextortion phishing scams have surged in 2023
'Free Piano?' Be careful or you’ll be the one who gets played
With rising rents, rental scams are increasing as well
June, 2023
Here’s how Google Voice scam victims can get their phone numbers back
Sweepstakes company agrees to $18.5 million 'dark patterns' settlement
Bad weather across the U.S. is bringing out the scammers
Wanna watch the Super Mario Brothers movie for free? Here's a warning.
Why you should question messages from delivery companies
New law in New York will require gift card retailers to warn consumers of potential scams
Why are contractor scams suddenly on the rise?
Renewing your passport? You may fall victim to a new internet scam.
The FTC reveals what the hottest text message scams are right now
The USAA phishing scam is gaining momentum
Is that really law enforcement calling you? A new scam may have you thinking it is.
New twists on summer travel scams start to spread
Synthetic identity theft makes a serious threat even worse
If you’re a Netflix subscriber watch out for this scam
If a scammer says they have a photo of you in a compromising position, it’s a new AI scam
May, 2023
Summer travel season is here and so are travel scams
Your generation may determine how scammers target you
Shopping for Dad? Watch out for the Father’s Day shopping scam
How the pandemic increased your risk of identity theft
That seat down front at a ticket price that can't be beat? Uh-oh...
Is that app really free? New ChatGPT scam targets Android and Apple users.
Planning your vacation? Scammers could be targeting you.
Scammers are going after seniors harder and heavier than ever
New versions of utility scams popping up and consumers need to be prepared
Southern states had the most identity theft victims in 2022
Mother’s Day scams dominated last week's list of top threats
Beware of a jury duty scam that's circulating around the country
Looking for a job? Look out for the resume-formatting scam
‘Look who died.’ No don’t, it’s a scam.
Be careful about filling out surveys. It’s one of this week’s top scams
April, 2023
Some of April’s most active scams have included taxes and Mother’s Day
A new twist on gift card scams is starting to haunt consumers
The ‘Your computer was locked’ scam is gaining traction
Are you ready for the 'rich grandma scam?'
Look out Walmart shoppers – the company takes first place on the latest phishing scam chart
“Make big money — now?” The FTC says it’s a scam
Another week, another Netflix scam? There seems to be no end.
AI used in terrifying fake kidnapping scam
Last minute tax filers face big league scams
Could you use $720 in free money? So could that online shopping scammer you’re doing business with
YouTube warns that a very serious phishing scam is on the loose
March, 2023
Let’s cut to the 'Chase' – bank impersonation scammers are on the loose
Tornado scammers are on the prowl, so be careful
Tax filing robocall scams have been on the rise this month
With Bitcoin’s bounce, crypto scams are back
Privacy experts say AI-driven scams are getting so good you won't know what hit you
Use caution when shopping for an expensive camera on Etsy
Scams are getting more outlandish but they still snag victims
Scammers now using AI to improve their family emergency schemes
FCC gets tougher than ever on robotexters
That 'official' letter you got from Social Security? Careful!
Is that job posting real or fake? It’s getting harder to tell
Advances in technology have also made us more vulnerable
The number of robocalls is still high, but the message is changing
Romance scams aren't just reserved for Valentine's Day
Someone on Facebook wants to give you a free phone? No, it's a scam
Identity theft has emerged as a major threat to consumers in 2023
Falsifying your W2 form isn't going to yield a bigger tax return
Vet scams are at a fever pitch
Is that a real cop on the phone or are you being scammed?
Introducing the 'I’ve got your dog and if you want it back' scam
February, 2023
Fool’s gold: the story behind a fake gold market pig-butchering scam
Romantic breakups are leaving too many people vulnerable to creepy behavior, study finds
Universal Meditech recalls 56,000 COVID-19 tests
Were you one of the 40,000 Americans who lost money in MoneyGram scams? You've got a refund coming
The Do Me A Favor scam is gaining momentum, AARP warns
Are you ready for the Super Bowl of scams?
Scammers are getting smarter. Here's how to avoid becoming a victim
January, 2023
Here are five signs that you are being scammed
Yahoo! leads Top 10 list of most phished brands
Football fans should look out for NFL playoff ticket scams
Warning: AI is about to make the fake job scam even more dangerous
Scammers appear to be targeting low-income Americans
Stranger danger! Dating apps strengthen their user protections
Is that a real parking ticket on your windshield or is it a scam?
December, 2022
It’s the time of the season for… subscription scams!
No, that’s NOT really the Sheriff’s office calling you – ConsumerAffairs sees new scam emerging
Do you live where the incident rates for post-holiday fraud happen the most?
Five things you need to know about holiday fraud
‘Sextortion’ scam targeting boys is one of this week’s top five scams
Here are this week’s top five scams
When someone asks you to share a Facebook post, don’t. It’s probably a scam
Google Voice scam enables criminals to spoof your phone number
Here’s how identity theft threats could change in 2023
Holiday shopping led to massive spike in spam texts
Here are the top 10 scams of Christmas
Here comes Santa and here come the fraud grinches, too!
Here’s a tool that could help consumers identify imposter scams
November, 2022
The Postal Inspector warns Americans that holiday mail can be a holiday for thieves, too
Scammers could be depleting funds from Vanilla Visa gift cards
If you’re looking for a job you should watch out for these two scams
Scammers are using Facebook Marketplace, Zelle, and PayPal to snare new victims
Amazon and FBI impersonation scams move to the front burner
Five ways to avoid identity theft this holiday season
Old school check-stealing scam is making a comeback
Cold weather's coming and so are utility scammers
Veterans Day scams are lining up for their own parade this week, so be careful
The tech support scam is getting increasingly sophisticated – and dangerous
October, 2022
With a tight housing market, rental scams are increasing
Here are the top 10 scams of 2022
Text messages from 'banks' might just lead to a costly scam
Scammers are targeting Medicare recipients during ‘open enrollment'
Scammers are trying to convince you Facebook is about to delete your account
Are you ready for the puppy of your dreams to go from woof to poof?
Student loan forgiveness scams are lining up. Are you prepared?
A scary new scam can steal your phone without thieves even touching it
The White House announces offensive against student loan debt relief scams
Despite what that email says, you don’t have a package from BHL
Don't fall for the astronaut romance scam!
Is that survey from a real company or a scammer?
Scam forecasters predict a cold winter and a 70% chance of utility company imposters
You could lose your home to this scam!
How to avoid disaster relief scams
September, 2022
AT&T and others step up their game to stop text messaging scammers
That great-sounding remote job posting is probably a scam
Scams -- old and new -- are showing up across America
Scams that promise free solar panels can cost consumers a lot of money
New crypto investment scam shows up on TikTok
Arkansas scam victim loses $54,000 to fake CIA agent
How to protect your parents from scams
Credit card skimming at gas stations appears to be increasing
Think you can outsmart the NFL and stream games for free? Boy, do scammers have a deal for you!
Robotexts are surging this year and most are scams
'Accidentally' receiving money on Venmo is almost always a scam
August, 2022
FTC sues Roomster, charging it with defrauding people seeking apartments
Who are you, really? Tech support impersonation scams continue to grow
New scam targets local school sports games streaming services
Concert-goers should beware of the Ticketmaster imposter scam
Scammers are targeting social media users with a new phishing scheme
Facebook survey scam targets victims with 'free' refrigerator and oven offers
Find an unordered package on your doorstep? You might be a victim of a 'brushing' scam
When ‘friends’ ask for financial favors online, it’s almost always a scam
Scammers are impersonating software maker McAfee in new imposter scam
FTC warns parents about back-to-school shopping scams
Four scams that target college students
FTC issues new warning about text message scams
FTC says scammers are pretending to be FTC Commissioners
QR code scams are growing, experts say
Scammers are victimizing people who sell things online, FTC warns
July, 2022
Scammers continue to push PPP loan scams
Apple and Google grilled by legislators over recent cryptocurrency app-driven thefts
FTC tells military families to beware of identity theft when moving
FCC makes major move to crack down on 'auto warranty' robocalls
Robocalls have been cut in half, but a study shows robotexts have skyrocketed
Jewelry chain settles charges that it ripped off military personnel
CFPB may require banks to reimburse victims of the Zelle scam
FBI warns banks and investors about fake cryptocurrency apps
Scammers are taking advantage of record-high used car prices
FTC warns of scammers impersonating U.S. immigration officers
Amazon Prime Day is here, and scammers are looking for victims
Summer is the season for vacation rental scams
June, 2022
Job listing scams are on the rise this summer, FTC says
FTC warns users of LGBTQ+ dating apps to beware of scams
Law enforcement imposter scam is making a comeback
May, 2022
Consumers warned about growing number of Costco scams
Scammers target consumers with fake student loan debt relief offers
‘Smishing’ scams plague consumers and companies, and the next variant could be even worse
FCC bolsters protections against international robocalls
Most scams are reruns of schemes that have worked before
Scammers are exploiting the infant formula shortage
Applying for jobs? The FTC says you should be on the lookout for scams
The ‘mystery shopper scam’ is making a comeback
Officials warn seniors of scams during Older Americans Month
April, 2022
Scammers favor deepfakes and cryptocurrency scams in 2022
FBI warns public of new text message scam
Google files lawsuit to stop alleged puppy scam
FTC to issue $102 million in refunds to consumers duped by fake government websites
March, 2022
New text message spoofing scam uses the victim's own phone number
Clever new scam targets Instagram users
FTC pushes education for consumers during National Consumer Protection Week
February, 2022
States ask for federal help in stopping the rise in ‘imposter’ scams
Romance scams haven’t ended with Valentines Day, officials warn
TurboTax users urged to beware of phishing scam
January, 2022
December, 2021
Identity fraud may be a major 2022 scam trend, consumer group warns
FTC warns consumers about end-of-year student loan scams
November, 2021
Business imposter scams are on the rise this holiday season
FTC gives advice on how to celebrate Hanukkah without getting scammed
FTC warns businesses to avoid ‘tricking’ consumers with negative option marketing
Cryptocurrency investors targeted by scam on social media
Squid Game-inspired cryptocurrency developers rip off investors for more than $3 million
October, 2021
September, 2021
A duet of new scams is climbing the charts
Robocallers have apparently found a way around FCC’s mandates
FTC warns number of scammers using LGBTQ+ dating apps is growing
FTC refunds victims of a decades-old computer financing scheme
August, 2021
FTC says scammers are impersonating FTC Chair Lina Khan in email phishing scheme
FTC warns of text message scam designed to steal unemployment benefits
July, 2021
FTC blames social media platforms for spike in consumer fraud
Two Florida men sentenced for running grandparent scam in northern Ohio
June, 2021
FTC to send money to victims of another student loan debt relief scheme
FTC to send $223,000 in refunds to victims of student loan and mortgage debt relief operation
The rental car market is teeming with scams, the FTC says
Officials warn the jury duty scam appears to be making a comeback
May, 2021
FTC offers tips for avoiding cryptocurrency investment scams
FTC warns of romance scams during Older Americans Month
FTC sends refunds to victims of Manhattan Beach Venture student debt relief scam
April, 2021
Travel booking scams emerge as the summer vacation season approaches
Student loan borrowers should watch out for debt forgiveness scams
FTC to send $4 million in payments to victims of Stark Law phantom debt collection scheme
FTC offers tips on avoiding job scams
FTC warns of imposter scam targeting college students and staff
March, 2021
New scam asks Amazon account holders to confirm a recent purchase
Walmart warns customers about gift bag scam on Facebook
Beware of vacation rental scams as spring approaches
Romance scam losses totaled $304 million in 2020
New FBI report shows meteoric rise in cybercrime
FTC warns of a new email phishing scam
FCC imposes largest ever fine against telemarketers that made 1 billion robocalls
February, 2021
January, 2021
FCC forces robocaller to pay nearly $10 million for spoofed calls
Anatomy of a scam: How criminals can victimize almost anyone
The overpayment scam enters the world of online shopping fraud
December, 2020
November, 2020
Scammers are enticing victims with deals on video game consoles
U.S. consumers experience sharp uptick in robocalls after an early pandemic lull
Paying to delete stolen data doesn’t always work out for the victim, new study suggests
Small business owners report email scam related to Google and Facebook ad accounts
October, 2020
Justice Department charges 60 people in alleged 20-year telemarketing scam
Pet adoption scams proliferate during the pandemic
Instagram influencers are being targeted by scammers
FTC reports surge in social media scams during the pandemic
Scammers are cashing in on a polarized election to steal money
There’s been an uptick in the delivery service text scam
Romance scams and imposter scams are defrauding seniors out of millions
Consumers are losing more money to imposter scams in 2020
Beware of phishing scams on Amazon Prime Day
BBB warns consumers about scams linked to Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September, 2020
FCC lays out new robocall rules intended to protect consumers from surprise charges
Last-minute census push is ripe for scams, consumer advocates warn
August, 2020
FTC to send over $700,000 in refund checks to small businesses duped by robocallers
July, 2020
Vehicle issues top list of most common consumer complaints for 2019
April, 2020
March, 2020
Seniors now have an Elder Abuse Hotline to help protect them against scams
February, 2020
Voice cloning could make the grandparent scam more dangerous
Scammers target consumers by pretending to be political candidates asking for donations
AARP warns that imposter scammers will exploit 2020 Census
A robo lawyer app allowing consumers to sue robocallers hits the market
Romance scams cost consumers over $200 million last year
January, 2020
November, 2019
Costco warns consumers about coupon scam circulating on social media
Robocalls continue to inch higher despite the government’s efforts to shut them down
October, 2019
Watch out for this scam claiming your Netflix account is about to be suspended
Consumers put up with 4.5 billion pesky robocalls in September
September, 2019
August, 2019
FTC to refund victims of tech support scam
July, 2019
FTC rolls out new interactive robocall data site
Robocall numbers continued to decline in June
AT&T to offer automatic robocall blocking feature at no extra charge
New credit card scam combines two of fraudsters’ favorite tricks
June, 2019
At one hospital, robocalls can be deadly
Robocall monthly figures take another tumble
FCC votes to allow carriers to automatically block robocalls
May, 2019
April, 2019
New vacation rental scams enter the scene just in time for spring break
March, 2019
February, 2019
FTC freezes debt collectors seeking payment of ‘phantom’ debts
December, 2018
FBI issues new warning about money mules
Holiday season scam activity is up 129 percent
Police warn of new Netflix email phishing scam
November, 2018
September, 2018
Phishing email claims you're locked out of your Wells Fargo account
August, 2018
Seniors again warned about Social Security and Medicare schemes
May, 2018
April, 2018
Consumers got nearly 5 billion robocalls in the first quarter
March, 2018
Millennials may be more likely to fall for scams than seniors
February, 2018
January, 2018
December, 2017
Telephone scams more numerous and dangerous in 2017
Advance fee loan schemes target people who overspend during the holidays
November, 2017
October, 2017
Dangerous scam targets home buyers at closing
September, 2017
Watch out for scammers pretending to be from Equifax
August, 2017
Harvey hits Texas -- and so do the scammers
Price-gouging widespread in Hurricane Harvey's wake
FTC announces refund process for victims of alleged tech support scam
Delaware warns consumers about unclaimed property scams
IRS warns of the increasing popularity of W-2 scams
Three scams that target seniors
'Free cruise' spam calls could net consumers up to $900 in restitution
New Jersey couple accused of scamming Lowe's for thousands in free merchandise
Watch out for new wrinkles in the tech support scam
FTC charges online operation of running a negative option scam
July, 2017
Here's the latest utility company scam
New Social Security scam making the rounds
FTC charges debt collectors with illegally collecting 'phantom debt'
June, 2017
IRS impostor scam tries to scare you into paying
Illinois sues phony basketball academy for defrauding families
The Federal Trade Commission doesn't need your bank account number
Bogus breast cancer charity shuttered
Washington AG warns consumers of deceptive tobacco settlement ads
May, 2017
Trampoline reviews bounced a bit too high, feds find
Green Coffee buyers getting refunds
A new wrinkle in an old scam makes it very dangerous
Illinois charges a 'wealth-building' scheme is a scam
April, 2017
Insurance agent pleads guilty to bilking clients out of $8.2 million
Feds warn 14 companies to stop making cancer-cure claims
Lowe's warns of new Facebook scam
Feds seal deal to stop envelope-stuffing scheme
Taco Bell restaurant falls victim to phone scam
March, 2017
California business scammed immigrants, district attorney alleges
Why older adults may be more vulnerable to scams
Target employees praised for stopping scam
FCC alerts consumers to the "Can you hear me?" scam
Government grant scam still claims victims
T-Mobile to roll out scam call blocker
FCC wants to cut off malicious robocalls at the start
Bank of America email scam still going strong
FTC settles with affiliate marketers over deceptive and bogus weight loss claims
Robocallers increasingly turn to artificial intelligence
'Drinkable" sunscreen and mosquito repellent are bogus, Iowa charges
February, 2017
For-profit college chain and owner to pay $22 million for defrauding the government
Technology scams becoming more numerous and creative
Fake news talk show used bogus experts to push dietary supplements
Women's group used deceptive recruitment, NY charges
Robocalls promised free cruise but delivered high-pressure upsells
Louisiana supplement maker agrees to stop selling unapproved drugs
Profile of an investment fraud victim
Scam artists impersonating immigration agents to extort money, NY warns
FTC: Florida man collected funds for India-based scam telemarketers
Magazine subscription scammers fined $23 million
Another reason to file your tax return ASAP
January, 2017
Don't fall for the 'can you hear me' scam
Western Union forfeits $586 million in money-laundering bust
Gmail users vulnerable to sophisticated phishing scam
December, 2016
State officials crack down on professional fundraisers
Scammer lured women into posing nude and having sex with him, state charges
Seven plead guilty in online romance scam
Why you should stay away from a social media scam called the 'Blessing Loom'
November, 2016
Fake apps become more pervasive as the holiday shopping season begins
October, 2016
Feds shut down 'business opportunity' scam falsely linked to Amazon
Red light camera fraud draws prison sentence
Scammers cashing in on election season
Consumers far from perfect at detecting phishing emails
Is your small business really pre-approved for a $250,000 loan?
Telemarketers raised $9 million with get-rich-quick scheme, feds charge
September, 2016
States slap retailer who hoodwinked military members
Court finds Grey Defence doesn't defend against gray hair
Beware the Hotwire travel scam
Feds launch crackdown on mass mailing fraud schemes
NutraClick ordered to change billing procedures
Why you shouldn't use your debit card at a gas pump
August, 2016
July, 2016
April, 2016
March, 2016
January, 2016
Survey: 11% of adults lost money to a phone scam last year
December, 2015
November, 2015
October, 2015
Promoter of "alcoholism cure" found in contempt, could face prison sentence
September, 2015
Microsoft attacks fake tech support scams
Job scam alert: real company name, fake company job offer
Your smartwatch motion sensors could tell hackers what you're typing
“Collect Call From Prison” scams: snagging two categories of victims
August, 2015
Drivers beware: new phishing/notice-to-appear scam targets E-Z Pass customers
Tech firm loses $47 million to business email compromise scam
July, 2015
Mortgage payment company and servicer penalized for deceptive ads
"Thin green line" scam allegedly made millions for scam artists
The “Car-Wrap” payment scam: an old form of fraud that refuses to die
Do your research before buying a teacup pig or mini potbellied pig
California case illustrates dangers of annuity frauds
Vending machine scam victimized hundreds
June, 2015
New Facebook scam promises $100 Aldi gift card, but will cost you a lot of money
Latest Facebook scams offer cash and “Disney World” vacations to spread malware, or worse
May, 2015
"Miracle Mineral Solution" promoter convicted of selling bleach as a miracle cure
April, 2015
Like-farming Facebook scams: Look before you “like”
U.S. and European police shut down massive malware-spreading Beebone botnet
States file lawsuits to stop phony subscription renewal scams
March, 2015
Ukrainian identity thieves snag a victim in their money-laundering scam
February, 2015
January, 2015
Double scam alert: fake invoices can cheat you — and now real invoices can, too!
Scam alert: this job offer is really an envelope-stuffing scheme
Scam alert: Don't take that “Travel Coordinator” job that requires an upfront payment
"Rachel from Cardholder Services" pays up
Don't ShipYourEnemiesGlitter, despite what this site tells you
Beware of scammy census surveys (but don't ignore the real ones)!
Beware the burglary scams popping up all over the country
Scam alert: New ransomware puts child pornography on victims' smartphones
December, 2014
Malware alert: beware fake shipping notices and order confirmation emails!
Scam alert: Be wary of gift cards sold on a retailer's rack!
Watch out for the “letter from Santa” scam
October, 2014
September, 2014
August, 2014
Amerisave to pay $19 million for alleged bait-and-switch mortgage scheme
July, 2014
FTC: T-Mobile made hundreds of millions of dollars through cramming
June, 2014
May, 2014
April, 2014
Kidnapping scam exacts a heavy price, both financial and emotional
March, 2014
Miss Annabelle's money pit: Neothink, the League and the Twelve Visions
January, 2014
November, 2013
September, 2013
April, 2013
December, 2012
August, 2012
John Beck Promoters Ordered to Pay $478 Million for Deceiving Consumers
November, 2011
October, 2011
September, 2011
August, 2011
April, 2011
February, 2011
New Scam Targets Netflix Subscribers
'Reporter Has Stroke On TV' Turns Into Facebook Scam
November, 2010
September, 2010
August, 2010
July, 2010
'Questionable' Home Improvement Contractors Pursued In Pennsylvania
June, 2010
February, 2010
December, 2009
October, 2009
April, 2009
March, 2009
February, 2009
December, 2008
August, 2008
April, 2008
March, 2008
December, 2007
October, 2007
September, 2007
August, 2007
December, 2006
November, 2006
October, 2006
June, 2006
May, 2006
March, 2006
December, 2005
October, 2005
March, 2005
December, 2004
October, 2004
August, 2004
July, 2003
November, 2002
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