Scams & Fraud
A scam is defined as an attempt to defraud a person or group by gaining their confidence.
According to the law, fraud is defined as intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, or to deprive a victim of a legal right. Fraud can violate both civil and criminal law.
In 2020, the FTC received more than 2.1 million fraud reports from consumers, with imposter scams being the most common type of fraud. Other common types of fraud involve online shopping, Internet services, and sweepstakes.
Crypto scams are also growing, with crypto losses totaling $7.8 billion worth of cryptocurrency in 2021.
Latest Scams & Fraud News and Updates
FTC Warns Consumers About Voice Cloning AI Scams — How to Stay Safe
AI scams are continually evolving, and the FTC is warning consumers not to trust calls that could use voice cloning. Here's how to stay safe.
Charity Scams Do Exist — Here's How to Avoid Them
Fraudulent charities aren't always on peoples' radars when it comes to scams. Here's what to know about charity scams and how to avoid them.
If You Gave Your ID to a Scammer, Take These Key Steps Immediately
I gave my ID to a scammer. What should I do next to minimize the damage from a scammer taking my ID? Here are the crucial steps to take.
Gift Card Scams Are Becoming More Common — Tips & Strategies to Help
Gift card scams are a popular form of fraud, but there are steps you can take to protect your money. Here are tips for avoiding gift card scams.
If You Got a Text Message Asking to Buy Your House, It's Likely a Scam
The real estate market may have cooled a little, but if you received a text message asking to buy your house, you may want to investigate.
Is the National Grid TCPA Settlement a Scam? Thousands Receive Notices
Emails went out last month about a settlement for National Grid's violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Is it a scam or is it legit?
Why You Keep Getting Medicare Scam Calls and How to Stop the Robocalls
If you receive a call from what appears to be Medicare and you're asked to provide your Medicare number, it's probably a Medicare scam call.
A Geek Squad Email Scam Is Defrauding Victims of Thousands of Dollars
The Geek Squad email scam has led unsuspecting individuals to turn over thousands of dollars to scammers. Learn how to spot the scam email.
Bank of America Text Message Scams Are on the Rise – How to Spot Them
If you received a text message from Bank of America alerting you of a recent transfer or that your account has been locked, it could be a scam.
Did You Receive a Voucher From Texas Roadhouse? It Might Be a Scam
The Texas Roadhouse voucher scam is circulating on Facebook. It involves users being offered free meals in exchange for likes, follows, and shares.
How to Spot New Amazon Text Message Scam and Protect Yourself
A new Amazon text message scam is just one of many ways scammers try to get people's personal information and money. Here's how to spot the scam.
Beware of Car Leasing Social Media Scams — Red Flags, Explained
Car leasing social media scams may include promises of a lease without a credit check, which could be harmful to at-risk customers. Follow these tips.
These 10 Questions Can Separate Romance Scammers from Heartthrobs
Romance scammers are lurking everywhere from dating apps to social media platforms. Here are 10 questions to ask to help you spot a romance scam.
Fake Parking Ticket Scams Are on the Rise — How to Spot and Avoid Them
If you ever receive a parking ticket, whether it be in a parking garage or pay-for-parking lot, it might not be real. Here's how to avoid parking ticket scams.
Don't Fall for the Apple ID Locked Text — It's a Scam
If you recently received a text warning that your Apple ID is locked, ignore it. The text is a phishing scam and not an official notice from Apple.
Was Bank of America Hacked? Scam Signs to Watch Out For
Bank of America customers may worry about hackers, as they often target bank customers. Did Bank of America get hacked? Rumors have been going around.
Is It a Sale or a Scam? Watch Out for These Holiday Online Shopping Scams
Shopping online has never been easier or riskier. Here's what the BBB recommends you do to protect yourself from holiday online shopping scams.
Looking to Rent a Home? Here’s How to Protect Yourself From Rental Scams
If you’re in the market to rent a home, you should know that some rental home listings are fake. Here are some tips on how to avoid rental scams.
Secret Service Says Chinese Hackers Stole Millions in COVID Benefits
The Secret Service announced that the hacking group APT41, which is based in Chengdu, stole COVID relief benefits. How much did they steal?
TikTok User Warns of Walmart Receipt Scam — Shoppers Beware!
A Walmart receipt scam may be happening at self-checkout kiosks, one TikTok user warns. We have all the details on the possible scam.
FTX Continues to Unravel — Was It a Ponzi Scheme?
FTX, founded by Sam Bankman-Fried, lost its CEO, a deal with Binance, and filed for bankruptcy all in November 2022. Was it all just a Ponzi scheme?
Do Deals Really Come True at DealDash or Is the Penny Auction Site a Scam?
Learn how DealDash works and whether it's a ligitament website. We've got the full scoop and much more.
Card Skimmers Steal Your Banking Data — How to Protect Yourself
Scammers use card skimmers to get your banking data and rob you of your hard-earned money. Here's how to protect yourself.
Don't Fall for the Target Parking Lot Scam — Stay Safe This Holiday Season
A woman in Massachusetts says she was approached by two men in the Target parking lot who claimed something was wrong with her tires. Turns out, it was just a ploy to take her wallet.
Latest Gift Card Scam Uses Fake Barcodes — How to Protect Yourself
In one of the latest gift card scams, fraudsters are using fake barcodes to dupe you out of money. Find out how to protect yourself from the scam.
Protect Yourself From This Bitcoin Exchange PayPal Invoice Scam
A new phishing scam is using PayPal to trick people out of their money. Here's what to know about the Bitcoin Exchange PayPal invoice scam.
Homeless TikToker Falls Victim to Facebook Housing Scam, Loses Her Savings
TikToker @sillysteph01 was living in her car while working for DoorDash and saving for a home. But a Facebook housing scam interfered with her plans, and her bank, Chime, wasn't much help.
Beware: These Funeral Home Scams Are Common — and Costly
If you're planning a funeral or pre-paying for your own, watch out for these costly scams. Dishonest funeral homes may avoid providing you with a price list or urge you to spend more than you'd like.
Robert Kiyosaki Has a Million-Dollar Brand, Faces Fraud Claims
Robert Kiyosaki has made millions off his financial books and seminars. Is his advice financially sound or is he more of a fraud? Here's what we know.
TikTok Video Sparks Debate About Kroger "Mislabeling" Products
TikTok user BerryBlondae with ADHD (@sasqueen210) recently shared a video showcasing the weight discrepancy she found with Kroger’s Private Select blue cheese crumbs. Now, she thinks she's being scammed.
How to Spot and Report a Virtual Kidnapping Scam
One of the latest virtual kidnapping scams involves a person calling another, such as a parent, and tricking them into thinking their child has been kidnapped. The caller demands a ransom.
DOJ Files Charges in $250M Pandemic Fraud That Stole Money from Hungry Children
This week, the DOJ charged 47 people for running a $250 million hunger program fraud scheme in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Don't Fall for This Free Range Rover "Giveaway" on Facebook
Over 30,000 Facebook users have liked a page that promises they could win a free Range Rover. Here are more details about the Range Rover giveaway scam on Facebook.
Amazon Made It Easier to Report Phishing Emails
Phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon but don't often contain a string of numbers and letters. A real Amazon email will contain "amazon.com." Here's how to report fake Amazon emails.
Beware: Clever Scammers Are Hiding Behind “Valid” Instagram Accounts
Scammers have grown increasingly clever these days, especially on Instagram. Here's four Instagram scams you need to keep an eye out for.
A Zelle Scam on Facebook Marketplace Is Costing Sellers Hundreds of Dollars
A Zelle scam on Facebook Marketplace is costing sellers hundreds of dollars. See how the scam works and get tips on safely selling items online.
Receive a Package You Didn’t Order? It Might Be a Brushing Scam
Brushing scams involve a retailer or company (usually based overseas) that sends you items you didn’t order or agree to accept. It then writes up a positive review using your name.
Meet Jake Paul’s Betting Platform Betr — Is It a Scam or Legit?
Controversial internet personality and boxer Jake Paul has launched a new betting platform, Betr. Is it a scam or legit? Here's what we know.
Biggest Crypto Scams Operated on Simple Ideas, Cost Investors Billions
The biggest crypto scams operated on simple ideas but cost unsuspecting investors billions of dollars. What are some of the biggest crypto scams?
Don't Fall Victim to the USPS Tracking Text Message Scam
If you received a text message that appears to be from USPS regarding tracking information, including delivery issues, beware as it could be a scam.
The SkyQuad Drone Sounds Too Good to Be True — Is It a Scam?
The SkyQuad drone has created a lot of buzz with many positive and negative reviews on the internet. Is the SkyQuad drone a scam or legitimate?
Meme Coin Teddy Doge Pulls Off a "Soft" Rug Pull — Details
Teddy Doge is one of the latest popular meme coins out, inspired by Dogecoin. Is Teddy Doge a scam and should you buy it? Here's what investors need to know.
What Is a Strawman Account? Beware — It's a Scam
Every year, thousands of Americans are duped into believing that the U.S. government has some sort of secret “strawman” account. What's a strawman account?
Facebook Doesn't Giving Away Money Often — How to Stay Away From Scams
Is Facebook giving away money? Not usually, and Facebook giveaway scams can cost you money and lead to identity theft. Here's how to avoid the scams.
Is EcoPlus Fuel Saver a Scam? It Sure Looks Like One
There has been a debate about whether the EcoPlus fuel saver is a scam or legit. Let's take a look and put the debate to rest. Here's what we know.
Is Fairtrade a Scam? Company Denies Marketing Ploy "Myths"
Fairtrade claims to provide fair prices to farmers even though many believe that the organization is a scam and just a marketing ploy. Is Fairtrade a scam?
PayPal Prenote Scam: New Loophole Helps Scammers Target Bank Accounts
Scammers have found a new loophole in PayPal's system where they can wipe out bank accounts. How does the PayPal prenote scam work?
Pingora Loan Service Letter Could Be a Scam — Mortgage Lendees Beware
People across the U.S. might have received a letter from Pingora Loan Services about their information being breached. Is the letter a scam?
Scammers Are Phishing for Information With Package Delivery Texts, New Alerts Warn
Alerts about “Holding This 4 You” and “Pick Up Your Stuff” scams warn consumers of text messages leading to phishing websites.
HyperVerse Crypto Looks Like a Risky Investment, Possible Scam
HyperVerse crypto’s HVT token facilitates transactions in the project’s virtual universe where people can trade NFT items and take space tours. Is the crypto legit?