Whether you’re hiring a contractor, looking for an apartment, or shopping online, chances are you check out online reviews first. Many people use reviews to see the honest opinions of other buyers — and companies rely on reviews to stand out from the crowd. But some companies write, post, or pay for fake reviews —Continue reading “FTC warns businesses about fake reviews”
Author Archives: virginiasmp
How to Spot Investment Fraud
The phone rings, and a friendly, energetic-sounding stranger is on the line asking if you have a minute to learn how to triple your money in just six months by investing in gold and silver mines. Or maybe you get an email urging you to buy shares of a company whose stock price is sureContinue reading “How to Spot Investment Fraud”
Man Sentenced in $172 Million Scheme
Aaron Neil Williamsky was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for conspiring to defraud Medicare of $172 million, commit money laundering, and pay kickbacks and bribes. To generate fraudulent orders, Williamsky and his co-conspirators hired marketing companies to make unsolicited calls offering elderly patients free orthotic braces. In exchange for each patient whoContinue reading “Man Sentenced in $172 Million Scheme”
Influencers are pushing this illegal trick to “fix” your credit report
Looking for some life hacks or advice about managing money? There’s no shortage of online influencers ready to help. But not all advice is good advice (or truthful). And in some cases, what they’re telling you might be more than a bad idea — it might be illegal. CONTINUE
What to Know About Cryptocurrency Scams
Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, ethereum, solana and hundreds may be touted as an exciting, new commodity. But many people have experienced dramatic losses, some through bogus investment platforms touted by scammers as sure moneymakers. CONTINUE
How to spot an out-of-stock scam before losing money
With the holiday shopping season nearing its close and buyers wanting to get gifts delivered on time, there’s a crafty online shopping con being reported to BBB Scam Tracker. Scammers claim a product you purchased is out of stock, but they never process your promised refund. CONTINUE
Update: Doctor Sentenced for Health Care Fraud
In an update to a November 1, 2024, story, Dr. Kenneth Fishberger was sentenced to two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay fines, forfeiture, and restitution totaling more than $440,000. Read a Department of Justice press release.
Spot the scams when fixing your credit
If there’s information on your credit report that’s correct but not so great, it can make it harder to get credit with good terms. But there are things you can do yourself for free to help fix your credit. Credit repair companies also charge to do the same things. Before you consider paying, though, knowContinue reading “Spot the scams when fixing your credit”
In ‘Do Me a Favor’ Scams, a Criminal Pretends to Be Your Pal
Last year, Sonia Nofziger received an email that appeared to be from the new CEO of the small tech company in Philadelphia where she works: “Hi, Could you possibly complete a task for me before I leave for a meeting? Send me your mobile num. Thanks. Kevin.” She didn’t think twice about emailing him her number,Continue reading “In ‘Do Me a Favor’ Scams, a Criminal Pretends to Be Your Pal “
What to know before purchasing a gift card
Gift cards are a popular and convenient gift-giving option, but they are also a target for scammers. Stay one step ahead and shop carefully to avoid a scam known as “gift card draining.” CONTINUE
The Virginia SMP 