Scam Alerts

Scammers are preying on consumers this Valentine’s Day

Consumers need to stay vigilant to detect phony offers and other schemes

Fake check scams are causing young consumers to lose big money

Regulators say the average amount lost is close to $2,000

Google Docs users face a new phishing scam

Two-factor identification can keep most people out of harm’s way

IRS launches new website to help inform consumers about identity theft

Treat your identity like cash and don’t leave it lying around, the agency says

Sprint and T-Mobile unite to block robocalls

The two prospective merger partners are the latest to implement SHAKEN/STIR

Scammers are posing as Airbnb hosts to trick travelers, report suggests

Some consumers complain that the property they rented was not what was presented online

FTC warns companies that only ‘assisting’ illegal robocall operations is still illegal

The agency has sent letters to 19 companies who may have done just that

FedEx warns consumers about package tracking scam

The object is to steal your credit card information

FBI warns that cyber crooks are targeting job applicants’ personal information

Consumers need to take appropriate steps to protect themselves in the digital era

2019: The Year of the Robocall

Despite a couple of good months, 2019 turned out much worse than people thought when it came to robocalls

Scammers heat up over cold weather by threatening to turn off consumers’ utilities

Consumers confused over their utility bill should call the local utility company for confirmation before they pay anyone else

Kroger warns consumers about a free grocery holiday scam

In spite of what you see on social media, Kroger is not giving away free groceries

U.S. Senate passes TRACED Act to crack down on illegal robocalls

Don’t celebrate too soon says one telecom leader -- the robocallers aren’t quick to run and hide

Beware of puppy scams that are spreading this holiday season

Many consumers who buy a pet online never receive it after paying

Don’t fall victim to these three common holiday scams

Fraudsters are out in full force during the holidays

Visa warns that gas pump skimmers have gotten a lot more sophisticated

New high-tech methods have made it easier and less risky to steal credit card data

Is Congress finally cracking down on robocalls?

A Senate-passed bill would order providers to find ways to block them

Data breaches have made phone scams more dangerous, experts say

Scammers are using bits of personal information against consumers this holiday season

UL warns consumers about counterfeit fire extinguishers

The rating organization says the products use misappropriated brand names

Officials see increase in Medicare scams pushing expensive medical braces

It’s another reason to never answer a robocall

Costco warns consumers about coupon scam circulating on social media

A voucher promising Costco shoppers $75 is a ‘recurring hoax,’ the retailer says

Robocalls continue to inch higher despite the government’s efforts to shut them down

If October is any indication, the robocall flim-flam is not slowing down, not even a little

Firefox browser bug allows hackers to scam consumers

Mozilla says a fix is currently being developed

FTC report suggests older consumers are still very vulnerable to scammers

Keeping your network of friends in the know may be the best way to keep a lid on fraud

Sophisticated new bank scam poses new threat

One consumer who was almost a victim has a warning for others

Watch out for this scam claiming your Netflix account is about to be suspended

It’s actually just an attempt to steal your credit card information

Consumers put up with 4.5 billion pesky robocalls in September

The #1 government scam threatens Social Security benefits, and it’s already fleeced consumers for $17 million

Millennials are more likely than older generations to report losing money to fraud

Online shopping fraud complaints are more common for those in their 20s and 30s

Justice Department sues 35 defendants claiming massive health care fraud

The feds say Medicare was billed $2.1 billion in unnecessary charges

Grandparent scam gets a dangerous new twist

Scammers are spoofing a federal court’s phone number

Authorities remind consumers to be aware of Venmo scams

Criminals continue to try to take advantage of the payments platform

FTC takes action against student loan debt relief operation

The agency says consumers paid upfront fees for empty promises

A new genetic testing scam is hitting Medicare patients

If anyone other than your doctor offers you a genetic test, don’t take the bait

Police captain turns the tables on a scammer claiming to be a cop

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

IRS says new phishing scam is invading consumers’ inboxes

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

State attorneys general and major telecoms band together to fight robocalls

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

AT&T, T-Mobile launch caller authentication technology

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

Robocall volume reversed its downward trend in July

The hot property on the robocall lot is Social Security spoofing

FTC to refund victims of tech support scam

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

FBI warns consumers to look out for romance scams

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

FCC closes telemarketing loophole used by scammers

Spoofing texts and placing international robocalls are now illegal

FTC rolls out new interactive robocall data site

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 websites

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

Robocall numbers continued to decline in June

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

AT&T to offer automatic robocall blocking feature at no extra charge

The feature is set to launch in the coming months

Scammers are changing how they spoof calls to trick consumers

‘Enterprise spoofing’ can cost consumers thousands of dollars

FCC chairman proposes ban on call and text spoofing

The agency meets next month to consider closing a loophole

FTC reports government imposter scams continue to proliferate

But fewer consumers are falling for them

New credit card scam combines two of fraudsters’ favorite tricks

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

FTC and states launch coordinated action against robocallers

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

At one hospital, robocalls can be deadly

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

Robocall monthly figures take another tumble

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 robocalls

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

Consumers aren’t protecting themselves from robocall scams, survey finds

AARP says automated tele-scams remain a big threat

FCC considers allowing phone companies to automatically block unwanted robocalls

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’ robocalls

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 protection

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 consumers

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

FCC warns consumers about ‘one ring’ scam

These scammers try to trick you into calling them back

Some tech support scam victims getting refunds

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 minute

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 break

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

Chinese-language phone scams return in full force

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 March

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

FTC shuts down four major robocall operations

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 near

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

AT&T teams with Comcast to curb robocalls

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

New phishing scam uses church pastors’ names as bait

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

FTC shuts down phony sweepstakes scam

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

FTC shuts down another government grant scam

Consumers reportedly lost nearly $3 million to the scheme

Department of Homeland Security phone numbers being used to scam consumers

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 consumers

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

FTC shuts down work-at-home operation

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

FCC steps up pressure on telecoms to reduce robocalls

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

FTC says romance scams are on the rise

Romance scams cost consumers more than any other type of fraud

FTC freezes debt collectors seeking payment of ‘phantom’ debts

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

Bipartisan group of lawmakers sets its sights on ending robocalls

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 force

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 charts

Consumers should only download Echo-related apps created by Amazon

FBI issues new warning about money mules

What seems simple and harmless can have serious consequences

Holiday season scam activity is up 129 percent

A survey finds fake charity scams are the most effective

Police warn of new Netflix email phishing scam

An illegitimate email claims users need to update their payment method

States join the war on illegal robocalls

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

The IRS forewarns of new email phishing scams

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

Two new phishing scams have one thing in common

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

The ‘grandparent’ scam gets a new twist: send cash!

It’s pervasive yet preventable, says the FTC

A new gift card email scam just in time for the holidays

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

The top five robocall scams of 2018

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

Moneygram offers tips for avoiding holiday scams

Weird methods of payment should always be a tip-off

Facebook users advised to ignore ‘Secret Sister’ gift exchange

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

Utility scams flourish as the holiday season approaches

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

Robocalls hit an all-time high

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 scam

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

‘Got another friend request from you’ scam hits Facebook

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

Court rules company can't block consumers from posting bad reviews

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

Phishing email claims you're locked out of your Wells Fargo account

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

By 2019, nearly half of mobile calls may be scams

Robocall technology is fueling the trend

Consumers received a record number of robocalls last month

If you own a smartphone, you undoubtedly got a few

Seniors again warned about Social Security and Medicare schemes

Businesses are selling services that are free

Twitter goes after Elon Musk impersonators

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 marketers

The agency claims the firms’ free trial offers are deceptive

Robocalls hit an all-time high in May

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 calls

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

Scammers increasingly 'spoof' numbers to ensnare victims

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

FCC hands down $120 million fine against serial robocaller

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

Consumers got nearly 5 billion robocalls in the first quarter

A Senate committee is looking into ways to curtail these annoyances

Scammers are targeting seniors receiving new Medicare cards

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

Feds seek permanent ban against telemarketer

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

Taxpayers vulnerable to new phishing scams

A report shows scammers are impersonating legitimate tax prep websites

Millennials may be more likely to fall for scams than seniors

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

IRS warns sophisticated new tax scam has emerged

The agency is warning tax preparers to increase their cybersecurity

Tech support scam gets a new wrinkle

In some cases, scammers can actually freeze your Chrome browser

W-2 phishing scam targets consumers' tax refunds

Employers urged to limit access to employees' tax records

Home-based business marketer settles deception charges

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

SEC busts alleged Ponzi scheme targeting seniors

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

Telephone scams more numerous and dangerous in 2017

‘The neighbor scam’ shows a triple-digit increase

Advance fee loan schemes target people who overspend during the holidays

Scammers typically target consumers with little or no credit

Hotel industry warns travelers of growing reservations scam

Consumers urged to stay alert and aware when searching online

Beware of phishing scams this holiday season

Consumers need to prioritize cyber security over snagging the best deals

Dangerous scam targets home buyers at closing

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

New scam targets tax professionals and their clients

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

More scams moving to social media, experts warn

Millennials, as well as seniors, could be at risk

Watch out for scammers pretending to be from Equifax

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

Scammers are now masquerading as the Better Business Bureau

Spam emails accuse small businesses of violating laws and regulations

Avoiding Amazon-related phishing scams

One of the latest promises $50 for writing a review

Harvey hits Texas -- and so do the scammers

How to make sure your charitable donations go where you intend

Price-gouging widespread in Hurricane Harvey's wake

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

FTC announces refund process for victims of alleged tech support scam

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

Delaware warns consumers about unclaimed property scams

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

IRS warns of the increasing popularity of W-2 scams

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

Three scams that target seniors

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 restitution

Claimants need to file by November 3 to be eligible

New Jersey couple accused of scamming Lowe's for thousands in free merchandise

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 scam

Scammers reportedly hit victims twice in one call

FTC charges online operation of running a negative option scam

Consumers were allegedly misled into paying hundreds of dollars per month

FTC warns consumers of a new government imposter scam

Scammers are impersonating officials from the National Institutes of Health

Text message scam targets owners of lost pets

What to remember when posting online about a missing pet

Here's the latest utility company scam

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

New Social Security scam making the rounds

Scammer promises victims a 1.7% benefit increase

FTC charges debt collectors with illegally collecting 'phantom debt'

The agency offers advice on how to avoid fake debt collectors

Think it can't happen to you? Think again

Phone scammers are out there and nobody is immune

IRS impostor scam tries to scare you into paying

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

Illinois sues phony basketball academy for defrauding families

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

The Federal Trade Commission doesn't need your bank account number

The latest email scam tries to make you think it does

Bogus breast cancer charity shuttered

Breast Cancer Survivors Foundation closes down in settlement with NY

Washington AG warns consumers of deceptive tobacco settlement ads

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

FBI warns consumers about ATM skimmers

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

Trampoline reviews bounced a bit too high, feds find

Phony review sites just happened to recommend a single brand

Green Coffee buyers getting refunds

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

A new wrinkle in an old scam makes it very dangerous

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

Illinois charges a 'wealth-building' scheme is a scam

Wealth Partners Publishing is a pyramid scheme, the state alleges

U.S. government steps up focus on cybercrimes

FBI report finds these crimes are under reported

Another sophisticated phishing scam targets Gmail users

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 million

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

Feds warn 14 companies to stop making cancer-cure claims

It's illegal to sell products that claim to cure diseases without FDA approval

Lowe's warns of new Facebook scam

Fake $50 coupons are showing up in timelines

Feds seal deal to stop envelope-stuffing scheme

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

Taco Bell restaurant falls victim to phone scam

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

The IRS comes knocking, but who is REALLY at your door?

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

FTC takes action against tech support scammer

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

California business scammed immigrants, district attorney alleges

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

Why older adults may be more vulnerable to scams

Researchers say the reason may lie in how the brain ages

Target employees praised for stopping scam

Elderly couple almost became victims of 'grandpa scam'

FCC alerts consumers to the "Can you hear me?" scam

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

Government grant scam still claims victims

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

T-Mobile to roll out scam call blocker

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

FCC wants to cut off malicious robocalls at the start

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

Bank of America email scam still going strong

Here are the telltale signs that the email is bogus

FTC settles with affiliate marketers over deceptive and bogus weight loss claims

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

Robocallers increasingly turn to artificial intelligence

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

'Drinkable" sunscreen and mosquito repellent are bogus, Iowa charges

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

'Business opportunity' to return $7.5 million to consumers

Consumers thought they were investing in online businesses

For-profit college chain and owner to pay $22 million for defrauding the government

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

Technology scams becoming more numerous and creative

Scammers play on growing fears of hacking and cyber threats

Fake news talk show used bogus experts to push dietary supplements

FTC settles with CogniPrin and FlexiPrin promoters

Women's group used deceptive recruitment, NY charges

Email appeals made it sound like recipients had been carefully chosen

Robocalls promised free cruise but delivered high-pressure upsells

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

Promoter of 'free prize' scam nabbed in international crackdown

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

Louisiana supplement maker agrees to stop selling unapproved drugs

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

Profile of an investment fraud victim

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

Scam artists impersonating immigration agents to extort money, NY warns

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

FTC: Florida man collected funds for India-based scam telemarketers

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

'Wine futures' turned out to have no future

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

Feds and state stop debt relief operation in Florida

It's the second such settlement in recent weeks

Magazine subscription scammers fined $23 million

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 charges

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

Another reason to file your tax return ASAP

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

Utility phone scams make strong comeback

Security firm says it was the fastest growing scam of 2016

Internet fraud again tops the list of scams in 2016

Financial loss was double that of 2015

Western Union reaches settlement with 50 states

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

Don't fall for the 'can you hear me' scam

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

Western Union forfeits $586 million in money-laundering bust

FTC charges the company failed to adequately protect against criminal activity

Gmail users vulnerable to sophisticated phishing scam

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

Feds shut down rental scam that peddled expensive credit reports

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

Checks going out to 350,000 Herbalife distributors

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

Why people still fall for phishing emails

Security expert says overconfidence plays a huge role

Latest email scam targets PayPal and Amazon users

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

State officials crack down on professional fundraisers

Attorneys general warn professional fundraisers keep much of the donation

Scammer lured women into posing nude and having sex with him, state charges

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

Seven plead guilty in online romance scam

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

Attorneys preyed on porn consumers, indictments allege

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'

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

How to stay safe from holiday scams

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

Report says holiday-related scams are surging

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

'Tis the season for the Fed Ex delivery email scam

Scammers are exploiting the fact that more consumers are expecting packages

Immigration scams flourish in post-election climate

Immigrants are fearful and anxious, making them vulnerable to fraud

Retailers on the lookout for return fraud this holiday season

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

Debt relief scammer pleads guilty to fraud charges

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

Green coffee pitchman faces $30 million judgment

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

Researchers look to eliminate fake reviews from the online marketplace

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

Fake apps become more pervasive as the holiday shopping season begins

Consumers should beware of fake apps that steal financial information

Feds warn of gift card scam

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

Feds make arrests in major international scam

Elaborate scheme was based out of five call centers in India

Feds shut down 'business opportunity' scam falsely linked to Amazon

Victims were promised huge profits for doing next to nothing

Red light camera fraud draws prison sentence

Campaign contributions were funneled to local politicians to win contracts

Elder law attorney, radio personality swindled seniors, NJ charges

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

Scammers cashing in on election season

Fraudsters exploiting loophole in Do Not Call law

Consumers far from perfect at detecting phishing emails

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

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

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

Feds charge 'tech support' pop-up ads were phony

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

Telemarketers raised $9 million with get-rich-quick scheme, feds charge

Consumers were talked into investing in schemes that promised lavish returns

Backpage CEO arrested, charged with pimping

California brings criminal charges against the site's executives

Joint pain supplement Supple agrees to dial back its claims

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

Laptop buyback offers were scams, feds charge

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

Trump Foundation isn't properly registered, New York charges

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

States slap retailer who hoodwinked military members

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

Court finds Grey Defence doesn't defend against gray hair

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

Beware the Hotwire travel scam

Travel deal site warns consumers that scammers are using its name

Feds launch crackdown on mass mailing fraud schemes

Millions of elderly Americans have been duped by the schemes

NutraClick ordered to change billing procedures

The supplement marketer was the subject of more than 70,000 complaints

Dangerous new scam targets children

Sextortion demands sex instead of money

Why you shouldn't use your debit card at a gas pump

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

Are you giving away too much information?

Survey estimates 10 million Americans reveal their Social Security numbers

How to avoid a fake shipping scam

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

Iowa cracks down on 'toner pirates'

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

Fake law firm scammed troubled homeowners out of $9 million

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

Robocalls make scammers more efficient and dangerous

One scammer can contact thousands of victims in just seconds

Florida settles with another alleged tech support scammer

It's the second such settlement in as many months

Feds charge Elimidrol doesn't cure opioid addiction

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

Feds draw blinds on Mercola tanning beds

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

Alleged Amazon phishing scam is scarily sophisticated

Email contains no overt tells that set off usual scam alert

States settle with MoneyGram in scam case

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

Survey: 11% of adults lost money to a phone scam last year

Millennials were one of the most victimized groups

Beware of strangers offering to make loans

Those email offers aren't what they appear to be

TaxAct notifies customers of possible data breach

An unspecified number of customer records were "compromised," company says

Florida shuts down “debt relief” companies

Complaint alleges firms defrauded consumers nationwide

Timeshare donation scheme is a scam, feds charge

Appraisals are inflated and tax savings are questionable, lawsuit alleges

FAA warns of drone registration scam

An official registration program isn't even set up yet

Promoter of "alcoholism cure" found in contempt, could face prison sentence

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

FBI: Wells Fargo employees staged reverse bank robberies

Employees allegedly used customer account info to pilfer accounts

Microsoft attacks fake tech support scams

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

Roca Labs threatened, sued customers who complained about its weight-loss potions, feds charge

The company claimed its contracts barred customers from speaking their minds

Average “grandmother scam” victim loses $4,000

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

Job scam alert: real company name, fake company job offer

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

Your smartwatch motion sensors could tell hackers what you're typing

“Motion Leaks” are the latest potential smartphone privacy threat

“Collect Call From Prison” scams: snagging two categories of victims

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 users

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

Pension loan companies duped consumers, feds and NY charge

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 customers

American Automobile Association issues a mid-Atlantic warning

FTC tries to define "unfair competition"

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

Costa Rica scam artist sentenced to prison

Twelve defendants charged in business opportunity scam

Tech firm loses $47 million to business email compromise scam

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

Deceived consumers will receive $33.4 million

"Thin green line" scam allegedly made millions for scam artists

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 die

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 pig

You may be getting in over your head

California case illustrates dangers of annuity frauds

Palm Desert insurance salesman ordered to pay $3.4 million in restitution

Vending machine scam victimized hundreds

Two salesmen sentenced to prison, fined millions

Jobseekers beware: don't fall prey to this advance fee scam

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”

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 money

Survey scam asks for your personal and credit card information

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

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

FBI warns against dangerous CryptoWall ransomware

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

"Miracle Mineral Solution" promoter convicted of selling bleach as a miracle cure

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

New mass retail/business hacking: customer data stolen from Harbortouch Point-Of-Sale systems

How many businesses are affected, and which businesses are they? That information is not yet available

Scam warning: watch out for fraudulent Nepalese-earthquake charities

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

Like-farming Facebook scams: Look before you “like”

What harm could there be in “liking” a Facebook post? Potentially a lot.

Feds charge Floyd Nutrition with selling misbranded drugs, money laundering

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

U.S. and European police shut down massive malware-spreading Beebone botnet

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

States file lawsuits to stop phony subscription renewal scams

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

Ukrainian identity thieves snag a victim in their money-laundering scam

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

Scam alert: the company is real, but the job offer is fake

Searching for the company online is only the first step in protecting yourself

Beware those scammy friend requests on Facebook

It's easy for scammers to impersonate genuine Facebook identities, including your real-life friends and relatives

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

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 scheme

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 payment

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

"Rachel from Cardholder Services" pays up

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

Don't ShipYourEnemiesGlitter, despite what this site tells you

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

Beware of scammy census surveys (but don't ignore the real ones)!

Census workers genuinely exist — but they won't ask you questions like these

Beware the burglary scams popping up all over the country

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

Scam alert: New ransomware puts child pornography on victims' smartphones

Investigators in Tennessee uncover disturbing new twist on old ransomware scam

Malware alert: beware fake shipping notices and order confirmation emails!

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!

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

Watch out for the “letter from Santa” scam

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

Woman almost loses $40K to online dating scammer

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

Malware alert: ignore that order confirmation email!

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"

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

Feds red-light alleged green coffee bean scams

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

Newspapers, magazines warn of deceptive renewal notices

Scam artists con readers into sending them bogus subscription payments

New Jersey fines Extreme Energy Solutions $1.1 million

The company claims to make devices that reduce auto emissions

FTC wins shutdown of online high school diploma mill

The operation made made $11 million selling worthless diplomas

“Your Baby Can Read” promoters settle FTC charges

Use of that term is barred in future marketing

Amerisave to pay $19 million for alleged bait-and-switch mortgage scheme

Eligible consumers will be contacted once a procedure is established

Police seeking victims of the latest landlord scam

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

FTC: T-Mobile made hundreds of millions of dollars through cramming

The No. 4 carrier collected fees for bogus SMS subscriptions, the feds allege

Don't fall for utility bill scams

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

How to tell if your elderly parents are being scammed

Change in financial behavior is one of the clues

Seven simple secrets scammers don't want you to know

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

Digital printers let counterfeiters operate with ease

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

Kidnapping scam exacts a heavy price, both financial and emotional

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

The warning signs of a scam

Remember these rules to protect yourself and your finances

Miss Annabelle's money pit: Neothink, the League and the Twelve Visions

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 posters

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

"Like farming" on Facebook: scammers never give up

What harm can there be in clicking "like"? More than you think

Robocallers pitched "free" medical alert devices to seniors

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

Online 'Yellow Pages' scam halted

Feds say small businesses and churches were targeted

Beware the tech support scam

Despite what a caller tells you, your computer is fine

Home security seller charged with misleading consumers

The company is also accused of misrepresenting costs and outright lies

New Jersey gas stations sued in fuel scam

Motorists were sold leaded aviation fuel instead of unleaded gasoline

Checks being mailed to "free government grant" scam victims

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

Seniors an especially attractive target for scams

Here are some common scams and suggested defenses

Stay away from 'forensic mortgage audits'

Consumer authorities call them the latest form of mortgage rescue scam

'Cramming' appears to be migrating to cellphones

Wireless accounts are vulnerable after crackdown on landline cramming

John Beck Promoters Ordered to Pay $478 Million for Deceiving Consumers

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

Kirby Vacuum Salesman 'Imposter' Arrested in Nevada

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

Cash Rewards Inc. Founder Gets 10-Year Prison Sentence

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

Watch Out For Vacation Scams

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

Credit Repair, Food Stamp Promoters Found in Contempt of Court

Marketers violated a 2010 settlement with the FTC

Magic Jack Being Used In Phone Spoofing Scam

Scam shows up in Mississippi

Beware Of Chimney Repair Scams

They usually appear with the first sign of cold weather

New York Training Firm Accused Of Running Scam

Allegedly trained consumers for phony security guard jobs

Colorado Consumers Warned About Restitution Scam

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

Internet Explorer IQ Hoaxer Says He'll Do It Again

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

West Virginia Sues 'Modeling Agency'

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

Scam Artists Discover the MoneyPak

Consumers being swindled when they give out their MoneyPak number

Beware The Apple App Scam

Scammers seem to have discovered Apple

Consumers Not Required To Return Unsolicited Products

What marketers don't want you to know

Blogger Calls Out Facebook On Security Issues

Says Facebook should take initiative to protect users

Bogus 'Complaint Removal' Sites Prey on Small Businesses

Scam artists mislead business owners targeted by angry customers

California Pyramid, Stock Scam Netted Millions

Promoters convicted and face more than 20 years in prison

'Free Tickets on Southwest' Scam Hits Facebook

Realistic looking design might dupe more people into clicking malicious link

New Scam Targets Netflix Subscribers

New face on old scheme

'Free' Poster Costs $29.99 Per Month, Lawsuit Charges

Wozo, Tatto, Adknowledge named in class action suit

'Reporter Has Stroke On TV' Turns Into Facebook Scam

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

Casino Cheating Ring Dismantled

'False shuffle' used to beat casinos out of millions

Never Pay A Fee To Collect A Prize

Maryland Charges Synchronicity with deception

Missouri Indicts Companies On Real Estate Fraud Charges

Complex deal resulted in homeowners losing homes

Feds Shut Down Immigration Scam

Scammers used fake Websites to confuse consumers

Nevada Issues Alert On Property Deed Service

Consumers aggressively marketed service they can do themselves almost for free

The Latest Scam: Hijacking Your Phone Number

Scammers use technology to hide from telephone screeners

Massachusetts Settles With Cape Cod Timeshare Sellers

Four companies accused to failing to record deeds

Pennsylvania Seniors Warned About Rebate Assistance Scam

Seniors misled into thinking they must pay a fee to apply

African American Seniors Abused, Swindled More Often, Study Finds

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

Internet 'Modeling Job Scam Warning Issued

Applicants lured with enticements of easy money, little work

Beware of Door-To-Door Security Alarm Sales

Cold-call con artists don't like taking 'no' for an answer

'Questionable' Home Improvement Contractors Pursued In Pennsylvania

Wave of legal actions filed by attorney general involving 'shoddy' practices

Three More Suspects Nabbed in Home Refinance Scam

Million-dollar bait-and-switch operation took advantage of desperate homeowners

FreeLotto.com to Pay New York $1.5 Million

Attorney General accuses firm of bait-and-switch

Top 10 Scams Of 2009

Scam artists go upscale, adopt corporate image

Computer Experts Deconstruct FDIC Email Scam

"Bank failure" email delivers virus

Feds Charge Five in $70 Million "Dream Home" Scam

Defendants accused of complex scheme that bilked homeowners out of thousands

Beware the 'Property Fraud' Scam

Seniors are often targets of this fast-growing scam

FBI Warns of Online Car-Sales Scam

Scam artists pose as military personnel about to be deployed

Text-Phishing Scam Making the Rounds Again

Scam artists try to capture ATM, credit card numbers

FTC Busts 'Free' Sample Scams

Weight-loss supplement makers settle deceptive marketing claims

Top 10 Scams Of 2008

Financial meltdown creates opportunities for scammers

Class-Action Scam Threatens Consumers

Supposed lawsuit settlement is bogus

Court Stops International Spam Network

World's largest "spam gang" has assets frozen

FTC Bans Pre-Recorded Telemarketer Calls

New rules said to protect consumer privacy

Getting Top Dollar For Jewelry Requires Knowledge, Patience

Sellers should appraise value objectively and protect their assets

Losses From Cybercrime Nearly $240 Million in 2007

Agencies find new trends in Internet fraud

Art Dealers Indicted in Alleged Global Scam

Counterfeit prints sold to unsuspected art lovers

More Counterfeit Money Order Scams Reported

Midwest has the latest infestation of the fast-spreading scam

Top Ten Scams of 2007

Old reliables and nervy newcomers fleece rich and poor alike

Email Scam Spoofs FTC

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

Scammer Claims To Be 'Verified By Visa'

Phishing emails try to trick consumers into revealing passwords

Online Job Postings May Lead To Phone Scam

Job-seekers need to be careful when listing contact info

Skepticism The Key To Avoiding Locksmith Scam

Advance Fee Scammers Move Into Real Estate

Scam uses phony lottery to lure its victims

ConsumerAffairs.com's Top 10 Scams of 2006

2006 Top 10 Scams

"Grandparents Scam" Exposed

Con Artists Pretend to be Grandchildren in Trouble

Author Finds Sport In Tricking Scammers

Engaging the scammers wastes their time, amuses author

Medco Settles Fraud, Kickback Charges for $155 Million

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

BP Charged With Propane Market Manipulation

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

Texas Drains Fake Fuel Pill Scheme

Claims of Increased Mileage Called Bogus

Vertrue's "Negative Option" Sales Attract Scrutiny

Make sure to read the fine print

Yahoo Implicated in Spyware "Click Fraud"

Yahoo Implicated in Spyware "Click Fraud"

"Smiling Bob" Not Smiling Anymore

Erectile Dysfunction "Cure" Must Pay $2.5 Million

Home Improvement Complaints Increase

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

Colorado Claims Genealogy Book Is Bogus

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

"Freedom Tower" and "American Mint" Coin Scams Halted

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" Companies

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

Older Americans Hit Hard by Consumer Fraud, ID Theft

Older Americans reported $152 million in fraud losses

Illinois Charges Hail Storm Chaser

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

72# Scam Spreading

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

Free Money? Don't Think So

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

135 Arrested in Telemarketing Scams

Biggest takedown ever, feds say

Government Grant Scam Still Active

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

FTC Admits Altering Affidavit in Alyon Case

FTC misrepresented terms of a court order

Court Seizes Internet Treasure Chest

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

Q-Ray Claims False, Feds Charge

Think a bracelet can cure pain?

Breast Cream Developer Settles Federal Charges

Results are notably lacking, FTC charges

Miss Cleo Settles for $500 Million

"Miss Cleo" has seen the future ... and it does not include her

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