Scam Alerts

Police captain turns the tables on a scammer claiming to be a cop8/30/2019

The officer recorded the encounter and used it as a teachable moment

IRS says new phishing scam is invading consumers’ inboxes8/29/2019

The rule-of-thumb is simple: the IRS doesn’t contact consumers electronically

State attorneys general and major telecoms band together to fight robocalls8/23/2019

The new shoulder-to-shoulder effort may lead to real progress

AT&T, T-Mobile launch caller authentication technology8/14/2019

The carriers want to ‘help customers better decide which calls they answer or ignore’

Robocall volume reversed its downward trend in July8/6/2019

The hot property on the robocall lot is Social Security spoofing

FTC to refund victims of tech support scam8/6/2019

Consumers are receiving over $800,000 in total compensation as part of a settlement

FBI warns consumers to look out for romance scams8/5/2019

Online dating sites don’t always vet users, so consumers should verify who they’re talking to

FCC closes telemarketing loophole used by scammers8/5/2019

Spoofing texts and placing international robocalls are now illegal

FTC rolls out new interactive robocall data site7/30/2019

The end value for the consumer is only added awareness, not any extra help in fighting off robocallers

FTC warns Equifax customers not to file settlement claims on fake websites7/30/2019

The agency advises consumers to file through the link provided on its website

Robocall numbers continued to decline in June7/12/2019

But the FCC isn’t happy with how carriers are addressing the issue

AT&T to offer automatic robocall blocking feature at no extra charge7/10/2019

The feature is set to launch in the coming months

Scammers are changing how they spoof calls to trick consumers7/9/2019

‘Enterprise spoofing’ can cost consumers thousands of dollars

FCC chairman proposes ban on call and text spoofing7/9/2019

The agency meets next month to consider closing a loophole

FTC reports government imposter scams continue to proliferate7/2/2019

But fewer consumers are falling for them

New credit card scam combines two of fraudsters’ favorite tricks7/1/2019

The scam is showing up in Florida, and probably other states too

FTC and states launch coordinated action against robocallers6/26/2019

Law enforcement tries to stem the rising tide of illegal and annoying phone calls

At one hospital, robocalls can be deadly6/25/2019

Tufts Medical Center logged 4,500 robocalls within a two-hour period

Robocall monthly figures take another tumble6/10/2019

The FCC confirms it’s giving carriers the all-clear to bring the robo gnats to their knees

FCC votes to allow carriers to automatically block robocalls6/6/2019

The agency says it expects providers to offer the tool for free

Consumers aren’t protecting themselves from robocall scams, survey finds5/29/2019

AARP says automated tele-scams remain a big threat

FCC considers allowing phone companies to automatically block unwanted robocalls5/15/2019

Forty-two states are joining forces with the agency to stop any unwanted calls from originating within their borders

States join the effort to eliminate ‘spoofed’ robocalls5/15/2019

Attorneys general from 42 states sign onto FCC’s proposed rule-change

FCC calls on the telecom industry to speed up implementation of Caller ID spoofing protection5/14/2019

The process could take a year or two, but the results could go a long way in making consumers happy

Monthly robocall totals show some relief for consumers5/8/2019

The FCC says consumers should be wary of numbers that are similar to theirs

FCC warns consumers about ‘one ring’ scam5/6/2019

These scammers try to trick you into calling them back

Some tech support scam victims getting refunds4/30/2019

The FTC and state of Ohio are sending out average checks of $417

Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Cyber scammers are working hard to gyp online tax filers waiting until the last minute4/12/2019

One security study found an alarming rate of domain infringement and fake apps

New vacation rental scams enter the scene just in time for spring break4/10/2019

Before transferring any money, take the time to ask questions and do your research

Chinese-language phone scams return in full force4/9/2019

The U.S. government reminds consumers that they don’t make personal calls and they don’t ask for secrecy

Robocalls hit an all-time high in March4/5/2019

The FTC brings new attention to small businesses getting bombarded by service and charity scams

FTC shuts down four major robocall operations3/28/2019

The organizations were responsible for ‘bombarding consumers nationwide with billions of unwanted and illegal robocalls’

Scammers out in full force as tax filing day draws near3/22/2019

The IRS asks consumers to pay attention to scammers’ common tricks-of-the-trade

AT&T teams with Comcast to curb robocalls3/21/2019

It’s the latest sign that providers are beginning to react to public pressure

New phishing scam uses church pastors’ names as bait3/19/2019

Saving yourself from potential rip-off is easy, says the FTC

FTC shuts down phony sweepstakes scam3/11/2019

The agency seized a record $30 million in cash and assets

FTC shuts down another government grant scam3/6/2019

Consumers reportedly lost nearly $3 million to the scheme

Department of Homeland Security phone numbers being used to scam consumers3/5/2019

How good are you at spoof detection? Google has prepared a test consumers can take to improve their awareness

Robocalls don’t just target American consumers2/27/2019

A new report shows calls are up 325 percent on a global basis

FTC shuts down work-at-home operation2/19/2019

The agency warns consumers to be leery of pie-in-the-sky promises

FCC steps up pressure on telecoms to reduce robocalls2/14/2019

The agency’s chairman isn’t satisfied with telecom’s response so far

FTC says romance scams are on the rise2/14/2019

Romance scams cost consumers more than any other type of fraud

FTC freezes debt collectors seeking payment of ‘phantom’ debts2/11/2019

The agency says many of the debts were fabricated from stolen consumer data

Bipartisan group of lawmakers sets its sights on ending robocalls2/1/2019

The bill calls for a task force of heavy hitters from six different agencies

It’s tax season and the scammers are out in full force1/30/2019

The IRS reminds consumers that it never asks for financial information via email, text messages, or social media

Fake Amazon Echo app looking for user data zooms up Apple’s charts12/31/2018

Consumers should only download Echo-related apps created by Amazon

FBI issues new warning about money mules12/27/2018

What seems simple and harmless can have serious consequences

Holiday season scam activity is up 129 percent12/18/2018

A survey finds fake charity scams are the most effective

Police warn of new Netflix email phishing scam12/17/2018

An illegitimate email claims users need to update their payment method

States join the war on illegal robocalls12/11/2018

Forty attorneys general join the FCC in pressing telecoms to block some calls

The IRS forewarns of new email phishing scams12/5/2018

The agency is happy to review any suspicious email a taxpayer receives

Two new phishing scams have one thing in common12/4/2018

Both are aimed at making the recipient think they were wrongly charged

The ‘grandparent’ scam gets a new twist: send cash!12/4/2018

It’s pervasive yet preventable, says the FTC

A new gift card email scam just in time for the holidays11/30/2018

Context and timing are the angles cyber crooks are working, so beware

The top five robocall scams of 201811/29/2018

Chances are good that you’ve been targeted with at least one of them

Moneygram offers tips for avoiding holiday scams11/27/2018

Weird methods of payment should always be a tip-off

Facebook users advised to ignore ‘Secret Sister’ gift exchange11/20/2018

Police and other officials are cautioning that the social media exchange is a pyramid scheme

Utility scams flourish as the holiday season approaches11/15/2018

The nation's utilities warn consumers to be skeptical of utility employees demanding money

Robocalls hit an all-time high11/13/2018

The FCC and a coalition of states have declared war, but patience and good judgement is the mantra for consumers for now

FTC halts alleged health insurance marketing scam11/7/2018

The agency says consumers paid $100 million but got no insurance

‘Got another friend request from you’ scam hits Facebook10/8/2018

Experts say users shouldn’t forward the message or believe its claims

Court rules company can't block consumers from posting bad reviews9/26/2018

FTC intervenes in support of customers unhappy with weight-loss supplements

Phishing email claims you're locked out of your Wells Fargo account9/19/2018

Close examination of the email reveals it's an obvious forgery

By 2019, nearly half of mobile calls may be scams9/17/2018

Robocall technology is fueling the trend

Consumers received a record number of robocalls last month9/10/2018

If you own a smartphone, you undoubtedly got a few

Seniors again warned about Social Security and Medicare schemes8/24/2018

Businesses are selling services that are free

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

U.S. and European police shut down massive malware-spreading Beebone botnet4/9/2015

Servers seized in Europe infected computers in the U.S.

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

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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