Author Archives: virginiasmp

Peak shipping season is here, and con artists are capitalizing on it. In a new scam reported to BBB Scam Tracker, phony e-commerce websites hit shoppers with a bill for “discreet shipping.” This extra fee allegedly pays for special packaging or stamps, but it’s a trick to get online shopping scam victims to hand over more money. Here’sContinue reading “When shopping online, watch for phony “discreet shipping” fees”

Stealing a wallet, a cellphone, a car — these are threats we all understand. A thief grabs and flees. But in a rising form of fraud known as deed theft, criminals have found a way to steal no less than your home and land. Though it is still a relatively uncommon scam, deed-theft cases areContinue reading “Could a Criminal Use Deed Fraud to Steal Your Entire Home?”

As we approach Veterans Day, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. But not everyone has a vet’s best interests in mind. Whether you left the service decades ago or you’re planning your transition to civilian life, scammers will try to get you to send money or share personal information. Scammers also wantContinue reading “Veterans and scams”

Are you thinking about traveling by air for a few days?  Before clicking the button to buy tickets, BBB recommends the following: (Read More)

If you get your political news from social media, you might have seen the following stories. At an event in Maui following the island’s deadly wildfires, President Joe Biden appeared to fall asleep. At a July 4 parade in Hempstead, New York, former vice president Mike Pence was apparently struck in the head with aContinue reading “11 Ways to Fight Election Misinformation”

Did you get a message from a “brand ambassador manager” for a national company wanting to pay you to promote their products online? It could be a scam…but how will you know?  If you’re an influencer or have lots of social media followers, scammers might target you with fake job offers aimed at getting yourContinue reading “Job scam targeting influencers”

Retired Florida firefighter Mike Coombs caught Covid twice during the pandemic and didn’t have trouble finding rapid tests. But someone thought he needed a test kit—lots of them, actually. Over 10 months, Coombs received more than 60 Covid test kits in the mail, charged to his Medicare ID number. He never asked for them andContinue reading “Free Covid Tests Are Back. Expect New Fraud Schemes to Follow”

The 2023 holiday shopping season promises to be an unpredictable one.  High inflation ratesand increased prices of consumer goods are already throwing a wrench into holiday shopping. Electronics, toys, and other products will be (or already are) in short supply, and retailers are struggling to staff up as the shopping season nears. (Read More)

Scammers are like viruses: They continually evolve in response to the latest news and trends, using them for new ways to separate us from our cash. These criminals “are so adaptable, they’re going to just follow the headlines,” says Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support for AARP. (Read More)

Protecting older adults is one of the FTC’s top priorities, and a new report to Congress tells how the agency tackled fraud, scams, and other issues affecting older adults over the last year. It’s been a busy year at the FTC, so what are some of the highlights? (Read More)