If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not
Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That’s a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back. But now, some gift card companies are flagging fraudulent transactions and freezing stolen gift card money so that scammers can’t get it. And those gift card companies want to give that money back. So, if a gift card scam happens to you, act fast...
Scammers impersonate well-known companies, recruit for fake jobs on LinkedIn and other job platforms
Scammers are lurking on LinkedIn and other job sites, posing as “recruiters” for well-known companies. But instead of looking to hire you, they’re really looking to take your money and personal information. After they offer you the job, they’ll push for your money and personal information. You’ll get an invoice (it’s fake) for equipment like a computer they’ll order for you, but tell you to pay for — using cash, Zelle, or PayPal. They promise to reimburse you. But they won’t because it’s a scam. Keep reading here.
Asked to wire money? Cut the cord
If someone asked you to mail them $200 in cash, would you do it? Probably not. Wiring money is just like sending cash in the mail. Once it’s gone, you probably won’t get it back — which explains why scammers tell you to pay that way. You’d think twice before mailing your hard-earned money — do the same thing before you wire money. Here’s what to know.
Is it a legitimate investment opportunity or a scam?
Investment scams create the impression that you can "make lots of money" with "little to no risk." They often start on social media, online dating apps, or from an unexpected text, email, or call. This Military Consumer Month we’re talking about ways to avoid investment scams and bogus money-making schemes. Here’s what to know...
Joining forces to help stop scam calls
Nobody likes getting bombarded with robocalls. Not only are they annoying, but they’re often pushing scams for things like fake auto warranties and credit card debt relief programs. The FTC and law enforcement agencies from all 50 states are taking action to stop them. And you can help, too. Read here to learn how.
The best way to protect your information from scammers? Recognize a phishing scam
Scammers know how valuable your personal and financial information is — and they’ll do or say almost anything to get it. What can you do to keep it safe? The best way to protect your info from scammers is to recognize a phishing scam, but how do you know what to look for? Here’s an example.
Veterans: You don’t have to pay for help filing for your benefits
Scammers often pretend to help, but they’re just following the money. And now that veterans and servicemembers exposed to toxic substances get expanded benefits and health care through the PACT Act, dishonest businesses and scammers are trying to get a cut. Read more to protect yourself against these scammers.
High school grads: protect yourself from scams
Congratulations — it’s time to graduate! Whether you or someone you know is off to college in the fall, already has a job lined up, or is still figuring out next steps, there’s a lot to do to prepare. The FTC’s Financial Adulting 101 webinars and materials offer advice to help protect you or your favorite recent graduate from scams. Keep reading to learn more.
Medicare fraud prevention: What’s on your statement?
People report that they don’t remember agreeing to orders or recognize the names of the companies that charge them. Frauds like this, along with mistakes and abuse, cost Medicare an estimated $60 billion each year and steal people’s time and energy. During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, we’re joining the Senior Medicare Patrol Program in looking for ways to help prevent fraud, errors, and abuse. If you have Medicare, here are some things to consider...
Have you been getting scammy text messages?
The latest FTC Data Spotlight explores how text scams try to get you to act NOW. Whether it’s the thrill of getting a free item or the panic about a large unauthorized charge, scammers know that these texts are hard to ignore. The most-reported text scam looks like a fraud alert from your bank, but it’s fake. Click here to read more.
Scammers are hijacking job ads. Here’s how to spot the fakes
Scammers are taking outdated ads from real employers, changing them, and posting them on employment websites and career-oriented platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn. The modified ads seem to be real job offers with legitimate companies. They’re not. In fact, their goal is to trick you into sharing personal information. So how do you know if you’re dealing with a scammer? Read here to find out.
FTC halts two student loan debt relief schemes
Paying off student loans can feel like a big undertaking, especially since it’ll take most people years to see a zero balance. When debt relief companies call promising quick loan forgiveness, you may be tempted to hear them out — but don’t. These scammers claim they’ll lighten your load (for a fee) — but their schemes often leave you deeper in the hole. Learn more here.
Is it really the IRS?
The “IRS” is on the phone. They’re saying you owe back taxes and need to pay immediately using cryptocurrency, or you’ll be arrested. You reach for your wallet but then think — WAIT — is this really the IRS? Or is it someone impersonating the IRS? Read more here.
No — HHS didn’t reach out about free grant money
Did you get a message from a friend on social media about a US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant opportunity? Or from someone saying they were an HHS employee? Well…they weren’t who they said they were. They were a scammer. Read more here.
Crypto investment scammers are targeting your community groups
Crypto investment talk is everywhere — even in your local community groups in real life or online. But scammers join these groups, too. Their mission? Gain the group’s trust…and then exploit relationships and trick you into crypto investment scams. But how do you spot and avoid these scammers?
This NCPW, let’s talk about impersonation scams
It’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2023 and it couldn’t come at a better time. The FTC’s recently released top frauds of 2022 have impersonation scams at #1 again. So, this NCPW, let’s talk with friends, family, and neighbors about spotting and avoiding these impersonation scams.
South Jersey Residents Targeted in Latest Iteration of 'FBI' Phone Scam
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is again warning the public to be on alert for a phone scam that spoofs, or fakes, the FBI’s name and real telephone number on the recipient’s caller ID. Recently, a scammer has targeted South Jersey residents, claiming to be with the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency in Cherry Hill. Click here to read more.
Have I told you lately that I love you — and how to avoid scams?
It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ve already sent a card to your grandmother, grandfather, or the older adult in your life. But if you haven’t told them lately that you love them, pick up the phone and call, too. While you’re catching up, remind them that you’ll never pressure them to wire you money or buy you gift cards — but a scammer might. Here’s what you might say to help an older adult in your life spot a scam...
Did your dating app match just ask you for money?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you or your friends might be thinking about love. But not everyone is — some are just looking to get into your pockets. Read on so you can spot and report scammers before they trick someone you care about out of money.
Looking for a job? Scammers might be looking for you
Recent layoffs in industries like the tech sector have scammers fine-tuning their approaches to take advantage. They may advertise jobs online, sometimes setting up fake websites, or look for targets on social media — all to try to steal your money and personal information. Read here to learn more.
Identity Theft Awareness Week events focus on how to reduce your risk
During Identity Theft Awareness Week 2023, join us to talk about how identity theft affects every community and also look at ways people of different communities — like veterans, students, older adults, and small business owners — might encounter identity thieves. We’ll examine common scams that target personal information and discuss how to detect identity theft, help protect against it, and recover if identity theft occurs. Click here to read more.
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