Category Archives: Uncategorized

You may have heard us say when you’re shopping online, check things out before checkout. The same advice applies to giveaways on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Here’s why: One in four people who reported losing money to fraud since 2021 said it started on social media. Scammers make it hard to tell what’s realContinue reading “Slow your scroll: Spot and avoid social media giveaway scams”

As the holiday shopping season grows near, consumers should be extra alert to scams. More people reported gift card fraud to the BBB Scam Tracker this year, with a 50% increase compared to last year. Online shoppers were hit the hardest. (Read More)

A Houston-area couple received a call last month from their adult son — or at least they thought it was him: The voice sounded exactly like him. He said he’d been in a car accident where he hit a woman who was six-months pregnant, had just been released from the hospital, and now was inContinue reading “Chatbots and Voice-Cloning Fuel Rise in AI-Powered Scams”

Found a job listing to telework as a Spanish translator or a data entry clerk with great benefits and pay? Scammers are impersonating real employers on legitimate platforms like ZipRecruiter and Indeed. When you respond, they might even schedule interviews and send you paperwork that looks legit. But it’s all a scam to get yourContinue reading “Searching for a job to work remotely? Avoid scams and identity theft”

Every year, there are always a few “must-have” toys on most kids’ holiday wish lists. The hot toy sells out fast and becomes expensive and hard to find. In 2023, the hot toy lists, such as this round-up from CNET or this article from Today.com, include Furby, Barbie Dreamhouse, Fingerlings, Bitzee, Lego, Elmo Slide, Dog-E, Teenage Mutant NinjaContinue reading “Looking for this season’s hot toy? Beware of scams”

Joyce and Benjamin F., a teacher and school principal in their 60s, were ready to downsize in 2017: They’d lived for almost 25 years in their home in Sparta, New Jersey, and were pleased when they found a smaller townhouse for sale near their two grown children and grandkids where they could enjoy their retirement.Continue reading “Wire Fraud in Real Estate: Beware of Criminals Targeting Your Down Payment”

Scammers speak your language. That’s why the FTC now takes reports in multiple languages. To report in Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, Polish, and many other languages, call the FTC at (877) 382-4357. Press 3 to speak to an interpreter. To report identity theft, call (877) 438-4338 and choose the option for yourContinue reading “New help for spotting, avoiding, and reporting scams in multiple languages”

Some retailers turn to outdoor pop-up shops during the holiday shopping season at local festivals and events. These temporary storefronts give shoppers the opportunity to browse for merchandise in person, and indoor pop-up shops allow landlords to fill vacant retail space in downtown areas and suburban malls.  The Better Business Bureau receives complaints each year about temporary retail locations, reporting everythingContinue reading “8 tips for dealing with holiday pop-up shops “

A few months ago, Sonia Nofziger, 59, 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 emailingContinue reading “In ‘Do Me a Favor’ Scams, a Criminal Pretends to Be Your Pal”

Today we’re focusing on how dishonest “advisers” may try to get your pension benefits and disability compensation, including benefits under the PACT Act. Applying for VA benefits is free and you can also get legitimate free help. How can you protect your benefits and get free help filing your claim?  (Read More)