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Consumer Alert

Self-defense against scams

Bridget Small

To everyone who hangs up on unwanted calls, learns about the latest scams, and checks with friends about suspicious offers: good news!

Consumer Alert

Notarios are no help with immigration

Kati Daffan

Now and then, it’s helpful to remind ourselves of things we already know: Nobody legit will ever demand payment with a gift card. Dark chocolate is superior to milk chocolate.

Consumer Alert

Using Match.com? Read this

Rosario Méndez

Online dating sites are a common way people seek romance. But what if, instead of a potential match, you find a scammer?

Consumer Alert

That attorney’s ad might be bad for your health

Colleen Tressler

You see the ads on TV, hear them on the radio, or read them in print and online: attorneys telling you about the dangers of certain prescription drugs.

Grandkid and Family Scams

Here’s how they work:

You get a call: “Grandma, I need money for bail.” Or money for a medical bill. Or some other kind of trouble. The caller says it’s urgent — and tells you to keep it a secret.

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Government Impersonator Scams

Here’s how they work:

You get a call, email, or text message from someone who says they’re from the Social Security Administration or Medicare. They say something alarming — like your Social Security

Romance Scams

Here's how they work:

Someone contacts you on social media — and they’re interested in getting to know you. Or maybe you meet someone special on a dating website or mobile app. Soon the person wants

Tech Support Scams

Here’s how they work:

You get a call or message from someone who says they’re a computer technician. Or a number appears in a pop-up message on your screen. Or maybe you’re looking for tech support

Charity Fraud

Here’s how they work:

Someone contacts you asking for a donation to their charity. It sounds like a group you’ve heard of, it seems real, and you want to help.

But how can you tell what’s a scam

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