Author Archives: virginiasmp

American adults lost $47 billion to identity fraud and scams in 2024, an increase of $4 billion over 2023, according to a new report produced by Javelin Strategy & Research and cosponsored by AARP. Based on a survey of 5,023 U.S. adults, that total includes $27 billion lost to traditional identity fraud, which affected more people — 18 millionContinue reading “Identity Fraud and Scams Cost Americans $47 Billion in 2024”

Many students are still searching and applying for grants and scholarships to fund their college education. For students struggling to pay tuition, a sudden offer of a grant or scholarship can look like a dream come true. But it could be bait for a scam. Scholarship scammers trick victims with the promise of money, butContinue reading “Beware scholarship scams when searching for financial aid”

The United States has filed a civil complaint under the False Claims Act against Dr. Shayasta S. Mufti, alleging that she caused the submission of false claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic laboratory tests. The United States alleges that Mufti had no medical relationship with the beneficiaries she referred for genetic testing, never examinedContinue reading “Feds File Complaint Against Doctor”

Having a lot of debt can be stressful at any age. But if you’re retired or about to live on a fixed income, paying off debt can sometimes be more challenging. As you explore your options, know that scammers might promise to take away your debt — for a fee. If you pay them beforeContinue reading “Spot scams while getting out of debt”

A dream trip to Europe can quickly become a nightmare — as I recently learned from personal experience. I was in the final days of a three-week trip to Europe, waiting for a bus at Italy’s Venice airport en route to Verona, when a couple backed into me. The woman, laughing, fell backward onto myContinue reading “I Was Pickpocketed in Europe; Here’s What I Should Have Done”

Regarding tree care, some jobs are too big and dangerous for DIY. Tree trimming and tree removal are usually best handled by a professional arborist. But arborists do much more! They can help you revive a damaged tree, set up a newly planted tree for success, and advise on insect and disease control. These tipsContinue reading “How to hire a reputable arborist or tree service company”

Looking for health insurance? Make sure that’s what you’re really getting. Some dishonest marketers make it sound like they’re selling health insurance – when you’re really just getting a discount plan. Read a story from the Federal Trade Commission about what to know. (Read more)

Discharged from the military, retiring, or transitioning to civilian life? Once you leave active duty, you might be interested in new career opportunities to put your valuable skills and experience to work. Scammers are also looking for opportunities — specifically, to steal your money. Reports to the FTC about job scams have tripled from 2020Continue reading “Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search”

McKenna, chief innovation officer for Point Predictive, a San Diego-based fraud-prevention company, interacts with scammers to better understand how they work. Hiding his identity, he responds to criminals’ emails and texts to analyze their sophisticated manipulations, then uses that information to hone prevention methods. (Do not do this at home: If you suspect a scammerContinue reading “3 Key Things to Know About Scams in 2025”