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Refund and Recovery Scams

They’re the worst of the worst: scams that target people who have already lost money to a scam. If you’ve been scammed, you may be targeted by a refund or recovery scam. In these scams, someone says
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Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams

You get a call, email, or letter saying you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize — like an iPad, a new car, or something else. But you can tell it’s a scam because of what they do next: they ask you
Consumer Alert

Did someone tell you to pay with gift cards? It’s a scam

Traci Armani
Maybe someone said you’ve won the lottery, a prize or sweepstakes. Or they claim to be from the government and tell you there’s a problem with your Social Security number. And, to collect your
Consumer Alert

This “game” is a chain letter scam

Seena Gressin
Are you tempted to play “The Circle Game,” join a “Blessing Loom,” or jump on a “Money Board”? These are some of the names for an online scam that’s making the rounds at a time when millions of people
Consumer Alert

What's a money mule scam?

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
Scammers may try to use you to move stolen money. If you help them, you could be what law enforcement calls a money mule. Money mule scams happen several ways. The story often involves scams related
Consumer Alert

No prizes from the FTC

Todd Kossow
Recently, someone showed up at the door of the FTC to ask about his prize. He had a mailing saying he’d won $5 million – and the FTC had “certified and verified” it. The letter told him to act
Consumer Alert

Winners are losers in lottery & sweepstakes scams

Colleen Tressler
You get a card, call, or email telling you that you won! Maybe it’s a lottery, sweepstakes, or some other prize. The person calling is excited and can’t wait for you to get your winnings. But here’s
Consumer Alert

The FTC will never ask you to send money

Andrew Johnson
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. Report it. Spread the word to your family and friends. We’ve
Consumer Alert

New deadline for Western Union settlement requests

Karen Dodge
Did you lose money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017? If so, you can ask for money back from the FTC’s settlement with Western Union. And