Scam Alerts

Twitter goes after Elon Musk impersonators7/26/2018

The social media platform is cracking down on cryptocurrency scammers trying to ride on the coattails of Musk’s name

FTC files injunction to stop online marketers7/5/2018

The agency claims the firms’ free trial offers are deceptive

Robocalls hit an all-time high in May6/26/2018

As the calls continue to mount, the FCC ups its efforts to crack down on the nuisance

FTC sues two robocall companies allegedly responsible for billions of unlawful calls6/7/2018

The agency says it’s pulling out all stops to fight any telemarketing intent on deceiving the public

Scammers increasingly 'spoof' numbers to ensnare victims5/24/2018

A telephone security firm reports huge increases in the tactic so far this year

FCC hands down $120 million fine against serial robocaller5/10/2018

The fine represents the largest forfeiture ever handed down by the agency

Consumers got nearly 5 billion robocalls in the first quarter4/24/2018

A Senate committee is looking into ways to curtail these annoyances

Scammers are targeting seniors receiving new Medicare cards4/17/2018

Crooks pretending to be from Medicare are trying to steal personal data

Feds seek permanent ban against telemarketer3/26/2018

The FTC has stepped up its efforts to deflect unwanted calls to consumers

Taxpayers vulnerable to new phishing scams3/15/2018

A report shows scammers are impersonating legitimate tax prep websites

Millennials may be more likely to fall for scams than seniors3/5/2018

But FTC data shows when seniors bite, they tend to lose more money

IRS warns sophisticated new tax scam has emerged2/8/2018

The agency is warning tax preparers to increase their cybersecurity

Tech support scam gets a new wrinkle2/7/2018

In some cases, scammers can actually freeze your Chrome browser

W-2 phishing scam targets consumers' tax refunds1/23/2018

Employers urged to limit access to employees' tax records

Home-based business marketer settles deception charges1/19/2018

Here's how you can avoid work-at-home schemes

SEC busts alleged Ponzi scheme targeting seniors12/22/2017

Here’s how to avoid falling victim to one of these scams

Telephone scams more numerous and dangerous in 201712/19/2017

‘The neighbor scam’ shows a triple-digit increase

Advance fee loan schemes target people who overspend during the holidays12/12/2017

Scammers typically target consumers with little or no credit

Hotel industry warns travelers of growing reservations scam12/8/2017

Consumers urged to stay alert and aware when searching online

Beware of phishing scams this holiday season11/13/2017

Consumers need to prioritize cyber security over snagging the best deals

Dangerous scam targets home buyers at closing10/19/2017

Hackers use a real estate agent's email address to steal buyer's downpayment and closing fees

New scam targets tax professionals and their clients10/13/2017

Scammers are circulating a fake tax form to get access to annuity and life insurance clients

More scams moving to social media, experts warn10/12/2017

Millennials, as well as seniors, could be at risk

Watch out for scammers pretending to be from Equifax9/15/2017

FTC predicts criminals will try to cash in on publicity surrounding data breach

Scammers are now masquerading as the Better Business Bureau9/15/2017

Spam emails accuse small businesses of violating laws and regulations

Avoiding Amazon-related phishing scams9/5/2017

One of the latest promises $50 for writing a review

Harvey hits Texas -- and so do the scammers8/30/2017

How to make sure your charitable donations go where you intend

Price-gouging widespread in Hurricane Harvey's wake8/29/2017

Texas AG cites $99 bottles of water, $10 a gallon gas

FTC announces refund process for victims of alleged tech support scam8/28/2017

The agency has begun sending emails to affected consumers who can apply for a refund

Delaware warns consumers about unclaimed property scams8/25/2017

Third parties are collecting fees to reclaim supposedly abandoned stocks and other property

IRS warns of the increasing popularity of W-2 scams8/22/2017

The number of victims who fell for the ploy quadrupled from 2016 to 2017

Three scams that target seniors8/18/2017

The grandparent scam, 419 email scam, and phony bank employee scam remain big threats

'Free cruise' spam calls could net consumers up to $900 in restitution8/16/2017

Claimants need to file by November 3 to be eligible

New Jersey couple accused of scamming Lowe's for thousands in free merchandise8/16/2017

Officials say the defendants used a computer glitch to have items sent to their home without payment

Watch out for new wrinkles in the tech support scam8/15/2017

Scammers reportedly hit victims twice in one call

FTC charges online operation of running a negative option scam8/10/2017

Consumers were allegedly misled into paying hundreds of dollars per month

FTC warns consumers of a new government imposter scam8/9/2017

Scammers are impersonating officials from the National Institutes of Health

Text message scam targets owners of lost pets8/8/2017

What to remember when posting online about a missing pet

Here's the latest utility company scam7/28/2017

Buying Federal Reserve routing numbers to pay your bill won't work

New Social Security scam making the rounds7/24/2017

Scammer promises victims a 1.7% benefit increase

FTC charges debt collectors with illegally collecting 'phantom debt'7/17/2017

The agency offers advice on how to avoid fake debt collectors

Think it can't happen to you? Think again7/17/2017

Phone scammers are out there and nobody is immune

IRS impostor scam tries to scare you into paying6/26/2017

No, the IRS hasn't sent you two threatening letters

Illinois sues phony basketball academy for defrauding families6/26/2017

The school shut down after only two weeks and refused to refund tuition money

The Federal Trade Commission doesn't need your bank account number6/22/2017

The latest email scam tries to make you think it does

Bogus breast cancer charity shuttered6/19/2017

Breast Cancer Survivors Foundation closes down in settlement with NY

Washington AG warns consumers of deceptive tobacco settlement ads6/14/2017

The scam collects consumers' personal information and signs them up for a costly subscription service

FBI warns consumers about ATM skimmers6/13/2017

Bureau says equipment doesn't have to be sophisticated to be effective

Trampoline reviews bounced a bit too high, feds find5/31/2017

Phony review sites just happened to recommend a single brand

Green Coffee buyers getting refunds5/31/2017

It's the second round of payments to consumers who fell for the pitch

A new wrinkle in an old scam makes it very dangerous5/9/2017

The 'man with the heavy foreign accent' getting help from a Facebook friend

Illinois charges a 'wealth-building' scheme is a scam5/8/2017

Wealth Partners Publishing is a pyramid scheme, the state alleges

U.S. government steps up focus on cybercrimes5/8/2017

FBI report finds these crimes are under reported

Another sophisticated phishing scam targets Gmail users5/4/2017

If someone you don't know wants to share a Google Doc, don't open it

Insurance agent pleads guilty to bilking clients out of $8.2 million4/28/2017

The man allegedly used client funds to finance 25 homes and investment properties

Lowe's warns of new Facebook scam4/25/2017

Fake $50 coupons are showing up in timelines

Feds seal deal to stop envelope-stuffing scheme4/24/2017

Consumers were told they could make $5,000 per week stuffing envelopes

Taco Bell restaurant falls victim to phone scam4/21/2017

Employees were instructed to discreetly wire money by the chain's 'vice president'

The IRS comes knocking, but who is REALLY at your door?4/21/2017

Consumers are urged to be on the lookout for IRS tax scams

FTC takes action against tech support scammer4/12/2017

The agency accused the man of false claiming to be affiliated with the FTC

California business scammed immigrants, district attorney alleges3/31/2017

Illegal aliens allegedly paid $1,000 to have their criminal records hidden

Why older adults may be more vulnerable to scams3/30/2017

Researchers say the reason may lie in how the brain ages

Target employees praised for stopping scam3/29/2017

Elderly couple almost became victims of 'grandpa scam'

FCC alerts consumers to the "Can you hear me?" scam3/27/2017

Consumers targeted by the scam should immediately hang up and report the call

Government grant scam still claims victims3/27/2017

If you didn't apply for a grant, you can't be awarded one

T-Mobile to roll out scam call blocker3/24/2017

The company says its products will stop scam calls before they can reach its customers

FCC wants to cut off malicious robocalls at the start3/23/2017

'Do-Not-Originate' rule lets carriers refuse to complete scam calls

Bank of America email scam still going strong3/20/2017

Here are the telltale signs that the email is bogus

FTC settles with affiliate marketers over deceptive and bogus weight loss claims3/20/2017

The defendants will pay $500,000 and must revise their practices

Robocallers increasingly turn to artificial intelligence3/16/2017

You might think you're talking to a human, but you're not

'Drinkable" sunscreen and mosquito repellent are bogus, Iowa charges3/15/2017

Osmosis products claim to use 'harmonized' water to generate 'scalar waves'

'Business opportunity' to return $7.5 million to consumers3/14/2017

Consumers thought they were investing in online businesses

For-profit college chain and owner to pay $22 million for defrauding the government2/24/2017

Officials charge that the defendants encouraged students to lie on federal aid forms

Technology scams becoming more numerous and creative2/24/2017

Scammers play on growing fears of hacking and cyber threats

Fake news talk show used bogus experts to push dietary supplements2/23/2017

FTC settles with CogniPrin and FlexiPrin promoters

Women's group used deceptive recruitment, NY charges2/23/2017

Email appeals made it sound like recipients had been carefully chosen

Robocalls promised free cruise but delivered high-pressure upsells2/22/2017

Between 12 and 15 million calls were placed per day at the scheme's height

Promoter of 'free prize' scam nabbed in international crackdown2/22/2017

Consumers were told they had to pay $25 to collect a $1 million prize

Louisiana supplement maker agrees to stop selling unapproved drugs2/17/2017

Pick and Pay/Cili Minerals products were presented as cures or preventatives for diseases

Profile of an investment fraud victim2/17/2017

AARP finds the victim tends to be older and overconfident about their financial abilities

Scam artists impersonating immigration agents to extort money, NY warns2/15/2017

The Trump crackdown on immigration is proving to be a bonanza for con artists

FTC: Florida man collected funds for India-based scam telemarketers2/15/2017

'Runners' raced around scooping up funds before consumers could change their minds

'Wine futures' turned out to have no future2/10/2017

Premier Cru was a Ponzi scheme that defrauded wine lovers: FBI

Feds and state stop debt relief operation in Florida2/10/2017

It's the second such settlement in recent weeks

Magazine subscription scammers fined $23 million2/8/2017

Consumers were promised a surprise. It turned out to be an expensive subscription

Legal funding company defrauded 9/11 first responders, injured NFL players, suit charges2/7/2017

The company allegedly lured consumers into costly advances of funds awarded to them in lawsuits

Another reason to file your tax return ASAP2/6/2017

The longer you wait, the more likely you are to be a victim of identity theft

Utility phone scams make strong comeback2/3/2017

Security firm says it was the fastest growing scam of 2016

Internet fraud again tops the list of scams in 20162/2/2017

Financial loss was double that of 2015

Western Union reaches settlement with 50 states2/1/2017

States charge that scammers have used the wire transfer service to fleece victims

Don't fall for the 'can you hear me' scam1/30/2017

If you answer the phone and hear that question, just hang up

Western Union forfeits $586 million in money-laundering bust1/23/2017

FTC charges the company failed to adequately protect against criminal activity

Gmail users vulnerable to sophisticated phishing scam1/19/2017

Security experts say it's more dangerous than the typical scheme

Feds shut down rental scam that peddled expensive credit reports1/19/2017

Would-be renters were taken in by Craigslist ads, the FTC charges

Checks going out to 350,000 Herbalife distributors1/12/2017

The checks are part of a $200 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission

Why people still fall for phishing emails1/12/2017

Security expert says overconfidence plays a huge role

Latest email scam targets PayPal and Amazon users1/6/2017

Scammers attempt to gather personal information by saying there's a problem with your account

State officials crack down on professional fundraisers12/23/2016

Attorneys general warn professional fundraisers keep much of the donation

Scammer lured women into posing nude and having sex with him, state charges12/21/2016

The victims thought they were auditioning for jobs in the adult entertainment industry

Seven plead guilty in online romance scam12/19/2016

African scammers netted tens of millions of dollars by defrauding vulnerable consumers

Attorneys preyed on porn consumers, indictments allege12/19/2016

Defendants allegedly used bogus copyright suits to extort money from victims

Why you should stay away from a social media scam called the 'Blessing Loom'12/12/2016

'It's a pyramid scheme,' state officials warn

How to stay safe from holiday scams12/12/2016

The FTC warns that there are numerous types of fraud to avoid this time of year

Report says holiday-related scams are surging12/8/2016

Here are some of the most common ones to look out for

'Tis the season for the Fed Ex delivery email scam12/7/2016

Scammers are exploiting the fact that more consumers are expecting packages

Immigration scams flourish in post-election climate11/25/2016

Immigrants are fearful and anxious, making them vulnerable to fraud

Retailers on the lookout for return fraud this holiday season11/25/2016

Here are four schemes that they'll be paying close attention to

Debt relief scammer pleads guilty to fraud charges11/22/2016

John Vartanian will pay $1.2 million in reparations and spend two years in prison

Green coffee pitchman faces $30 million judgment11/15/2016

The FTC said fake news sites were used to promote the supposed weight loss supplement

Researchers look to eliminate fake reviews from the online marketplace11/14/2016

Their algorithm works by singling out fake reviews to help restore consumer confidence

Fake apps become more pervasive as the holiday shopping season begins11/7/2016

Consumers should beware of fake apps that steal financial information

Feds warn of gift card scam11/7/2016

Callers demand immediate payment of phony debts, suggest using gift cards to pay

Feds make arrests in major international scam10/28/2016

Elaborate scheme was based out of five call centers in India

Feds shut down 'business opportunity' scam falsely linked to Amazon10/28/2016

Victims were promised huge profits for doing next to nothing

Red light camera fraud draws prison sentence10/20/2016

Campaign contributions were funneled to local politicians to win contracts

Elder law attorney, radio personality swindled seniors, NJ charges10/19/2016

At least $1.2 million missing from elderly clients' accounts, the state alleges

Scammers cashing in on election season10/18/2016

Fraudsters exploiting loophole in Do Not Call law

Consumers far from perfect at detecting phishing emails10/17/2016

Study shows consumers' overconfidence in identifying scam messages leads to their downfall

Is your small business really pre-approved for a $250,000 loan?10/14/2016

No matter what a robocaller tells you, it's not

Feds charge 'tech support' pop-up ads were phony10/13/2016

Scam artists hijacked consumers' computers, charged hundreds of dollars for unnecessary repairs

Telemarketers raised $9 million with get-rich-quick scheme, feds charge10/13/2016

Consumers were talked into investing in schemes that promised lavish returns

Backpage CEO arrested, charged with pimping10/7/2016

California brings criminal charges against the site's executives

Joint pain supplement Supple agrees to dial back its claims10/5/2016

A husband-wife team took in $150 million with their modern-day medicine show, feds allege

Laptop buyback offers were scams, feds charge10/5/2016

A Georgia company is accused of deceiving customers wanting to sell used electronics

Trump Foundation isn't properly registered, New York charges10/3/2016

'A fraud upon the people of the state of New York,' attorney general charges

States slap retailer who hoodwinked military members9/30/2016

USA Discounters, Fletcher's Jewelers reach $95 million settlement

Court finds Grey Defence doesn't defend against gray hair9/26/2016

The court ordered the company to stop making claims that aren't supported by scientific evidence

Beware the Hotwire travel scam9/26/2016

Travel deal site warns consumers that scammers are using its name

Feds launch crackdown on mass mailing fraud schemes9/23/2016

Millions of elderly Americans have been duped by the schemes

Dangerous new scam targets children9/20/2016

Sextortion demands sex instead of money

Why you shouldn't use your debit card at a gas pump9/14/2016

Wisconsin authorities have uncovered numerous card 'skimmers' that can steal data

Are you giving away too much information?9/12/2016

Survey estimates 10 million Americans reveal their Social Security numbers

How to avoid a fake shipping scam9/9/2016

Students going back to school should be especially wary of these cons

Iowa cracks down on 'toner pirates'9/9/2016

Iowa AG Tom Miller has sued three companies for conducting an office supply scam

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

Robocalls make scammers more efficient and dangerous7/19/2016

One scammer can contact thousands of victims in just seconds

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

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

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

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

Alleged Amazon phishing scam is scarily sophisticated3/10/2016

Email contains no overt tells that set off usual scam alert

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

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

Complaint alleges firms defrauded consumers nationwide

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

Appraisals are inflated and tax savings are questionable, lawsuit alleges

FAA warns of drone registration scam11/17/2015

An official registration program isn't even set up yet

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

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

Employees allegedly used customer account info to pilfer accounts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vending machine scam victimized hundreds7/17/2015

Two salesmen sentenced to prison, fined millions

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

Hotel guests: be on guard for the “front desk scam”7/6/2015

The front desk will not call your room to ask for credit card information

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

FBI warns against dangerous CryptoWall ransomware6/24/2015

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scam alert: Be wary of gift cards sold on a retailer's rack!12/19/2014

Thieves can steal the numbers but leave the cards in the store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scam artists con readers into sending them bogus subscription payments

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

The company claims to make devices that reduce auto emissions

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

The operation made made $11 million selling worthless diplomas

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

Use of that term is barred in future marketing

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

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

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

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

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

Change in financial behavior is one of the clues

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

Digital printers let counterfeiters operate with ease5/7/2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feds say small businesses and churches were targeted

Beware the tech support scam9/25/2013

Despite what a caller tells you, your computer is fine

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

Motorists were sold leaded aviation fuel instead of unleaded gasoline

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

Seniors an especially attractive target for scams4/2/2013

Here are some common scams and suggested defenses

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

Consumer authorities call them the latest form of mortgage rescue scam

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

Wireless accounts are vulnerable after crackdown on landline cramming

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

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

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

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

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

Watch Out For Vacation Scams3/21/2012

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

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

Marketers violated a 2010 settlement with the FTC

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

Scam shows up in Mississippi

Beware Of Chimney Repair Scams10/5/2011

They usually appear with the first sign of cold weather

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

Allegedly trained consumers for phony security guard jobs

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

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

Beware The Apple App Scam5/25/2011

Scammers seem to have discovered Apple

'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

Blogger Calls Out Facebook On Security Issues4/19/2011

Says Facebook should take initiative to protect users

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

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

Realistic looking design might dupe more people into clicking malicious link

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

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

Complex deal resulted in homeowners losing homes

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

Nevada Issues Alert On Property Deed Service1/12/2011

Consumers aggressively marketed service they can do themselves almost for free

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

12th such case in five years

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

Pennsylvania Seniors Warned About Rebate Assistance Scam10/8/2010

Seniors misled into thinking they must pay a fee to apply

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

Internet 'Modeling Job Scam Warning Issued9/20/2010

Applicants lured with enticements of easy money, little work

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

Attorney General accuses firm of bait-and-switch

Computer Experts Deconstruct FDIC Email Scam10/28/2009

"Bank failure" email delivers virus

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

Defendants accused of complex scheme that bilked homeowners out of thousands

Beware the 'Property Fraud' Scam4/17/2009

Seniors are often targets of this fast-growing scam

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

Scam artists pose as military personnel about to be deployed

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

Scam artists try to capture ATM, credit card numbers

FTC Busts 'Free' Sample Scams2/11/2009

Weight-loss supplement makers settle deceptive marketing claims

Top 10 Scams Of 200812/28/2008

Financial meltdown creates opportunities for scammers

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

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

Art Dealers Indicted in Alleged Global Scam3/25/2008

Counterfeit prints sold to unsuspected art lovers

More Counterfeit Money Order Scams Reported3/24/2008

Midwest has the latest infestation of the fast-spreading scam

Top Ten Scams of 200712/10/2007

Old reliables and nervy newcomers fleece rich and poor alike

Email Scam Spoofs FTC10/30/2007

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

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

Phishing emails try to trick consumers into revealing passwords

Skepticism The Key To Avoiding Locksmith Scam7/12/2007

Advance Fee Scammers Move Into Real Estate3/21/2007

Scam uses phony lottery to lure its victims

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

"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

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

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

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

Texas Drains Fake Fuel Pill Scheme5/19/2006

Claims of Increased Mileage Called Bogus

"Smiling Bob" Not Smiling Anymore3/2/2006

Erectile Dysfunction "Cure" Must Pay $2.5 Million

Home Improvement Complaints Increase1/24/2006

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

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

"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 "Alternative Medicine" Companies9/21/2005

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

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

Older Americans reported $152 million in fraud losses

Illinois Charges Hail Storm Chaser5/4/2005

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

72# Scam Spreading3/21/2005

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

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

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

135 Arrested in Telemarketing Scams10/6/2004

Biggest takedown ever, feds say

Government Grant Scam Still Active8/30/2004

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

FTC Admits Altering Affidavit in Alyon Case4/28/2004

FTC misrepresented terms of a court order

Court Seizes Internet Treasure Chest7/2/2003

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

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

Think a bracelet can cure pain?

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

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