Learn about the latest scams, and get advice to help you avoid, report, and recover from them.
New alert for Western Union refunds
Did you lose money to a scam, wiring the money via Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017?
A scam story: Secret shopping and fake checks
Scammers need a good story to get to your wallet. Once they find one that works, they use it again and again.
Publishers Clearing House imposters keep coming
Who wouldn’t love to be that winner you see on TV holding a great big sweepstakes check?
Scammers impersonate the Chinese Consulate
Have you gotten a call from someone saying they’re from a Chinese Consulate office? If so, you’re not alone – based on reports to the FTC and the real Chinese Consulates.
FTC asking for access to your computer? It’s a scam.
Scammers pretending to be with the FTC or with FTC refund administrators are calling, asking for remote access to your computer.
Western Union refunds scam alert
We’ve heard that people are getting official-looking emails about the Western Union settlement. The thing to know is that you cannot apply for a refund by email.
FTC continues to crack down on student loan scams
A lot of us have student loans – and some of us have trouble paying them every month.
Phishers send fake invoices
We’ve recently heard that scammers are recycling an old phishing attempt.
Stopping scams targeting older consumers
The FTC has a long history of protecting people from scams.
The FTC will never ask you to send money
If someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) contacts you and asks you to send money, it’s a scam. Do not pay.
New easy money con, same old tricks
What would you give for a turnkey system to earn six figures in 90 days or less, all while working from home? That’s what the defendants behind Digital Altitude promised.
Has an online love interest asked you for money?
Looking to start a new relationship? For some, that may mean meeting a new love interest online. Word to the wise: sometimes it’s best to lead with your head and not your heart.
That’s not your neighbor calling
When your phone rings and it looks like a local call, you may be more likely to answer. Scammers count on this and can easily fake caller ID numbers.
Do Not Call registrations don’t expire
Someone pretending to be from the FTC is sending out fake emails telling people that their Do Not Call registration is expiring.
Scammers impersonate the Social Security Administration
Your Social Security number is an important key for an identity thief. Scammers want it, and they think of all sorts of ways to trick you into giving it away.
How scammers make you pay
Here’s one of the top questions we get from people: Is this a scam?
Phantom debt collectors impersonate law firms
Getting a call from a debt collector can be stressful. But it can be downright frightening when the caller uses lies, profanity and threats to try to get you to pay.
Payments you didn’t authorize could be a scam
Usually, when I pay with a check, I write it out and sign it, or I direct my bank to send it on my behalf.