Category Archives: Uncategorized

In the photograph, Lionel Messi holds an Israeli flag. A screenshot showing the image on the soccer star’s Instagram page Oct. 31 was widely shared on Facebook and X. But the photo was a phony. In the actual shot, he held a sign for Icons.com, a sports memorabilia company — not a flag. And theContinue reading “How to Tell if an Online Photo Is Fake”

With so many purchases during the holiday season, it can be easy to miss a fraudulent credit card charge or two – especially if it appears to be from a charity. Keep a close eye on your credit card statement this time of year. How the scam works You review your credit card statement andContinue reading “‘Tis the season to donate, and scammers are taking advantage”

Donating is a great way to help people affected by natural disasters like the earthquake that hit Japan on New Years Day. But you know scammers try to take advantage of people recovering, and those who try to help. So, how can you be sure your money goes where it’s needed? (Read More)

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”