Receive a call saying you overpaid your utility bill? That’s probably a scam!

November 17, 2020

If you get a robocall saying you paid too much on a utility bill, then it could be a scam. They’ll usually say you’ll get a cash refund, but utility companies typically don’t give cash refunds. That’s your first sign it’s fraud.   GET THE DETAILS FROM THE FTC

Health Fraud

October 19, 2020

Health Fraud* As COVID-19 spread, coronavirus scams spread, too, many of them plugging phony cures. The companies touting colloidol silver as a defense against the disease or selling bogus COVID-19 testing kits are part of a long and ignoble tradition of exploiting people’s health fears for profit. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines health fraud as the deceptive advertising, […]

Common Elder Fraud Schemes

October 19, 2020

Common Elder Fraud Schemes* Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companions. Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information. Grandparent scam: Criminals […]

Employment scams target college students*

October 19, 2020

Many college students are on the lookout for flexible, part-time employment to help cover their school expenses. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic and many other people out of work, finding a job may be even more difficult and may create more pressure to find work quickly. If this situation describes you or a student in […]

10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud

September 10, 2020

Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine new technology with old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. Here are some practical tips to help you stay a step ahead. Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family […]

Watch Out for Gift Card Scams

September 2, 2020

Many of us give gift cards to our family, friends, and colleagues as presents during the holidays. But as safe as they sound, fraudsters have figured out ways to compromise them using various schemes such as false pin code stickers and buying stolen cards. Here are a few tips to identify gift card scams and […]