Identity fraud (also known as ID fraud or ID theft) refers to types of crime in which someone wrongfully uses another person’s personal data fraudulently or deceptively. Identity fraud is typically used for economic gain by the fraudster. Stay safe. Be Informed. If you know that your identity has been stolen as a result of […]
There’s another kind of fraud on the rise and you’ll find it in your grocery store: food fraud. This can include deceptive labeling, the lack of food purity, and more. Stay safe. Be Informed. According to the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, a critically important entity protecting food and drug purity, the amount of fake ingredients has increased […]
In a typical Grandparent Scam, a con artist calls or emails the victim posing as a relative in distress or someone claiming to represent the relative (such as a lawyer or law enforcement agent). The “relative” of the grandparent explains she is in trouble and needs their grandparent to wire them funds that will be […]
You want to help people in need, but you also want to be sure that your charitable donation isn’t simply going into a crook’s pocket. Stay safe. Be Informed. If you’re approached by an unfamiliar charity, check it out. Most states require charities to register with them and file annual reports showing how they use donations. […]
Magazine sales scams typically begin with a knock at the door and a young person on the other side selling magazine subscriptions to “raise money” for a charity, school trip, or other seemingly worthy cause. Consumers who take the bait and sign up, however, often report receiving nothing in return. Stay safe. Be Informed. The […]
Prospective college students often look to scholarships as a way to lessen the financial burden on parents and to avoid taking out student loans. Unfortunately, scam artists know how stressful paying for college can be and they’ve tailored scholarship scams to separate eager students and their families from their money. Stay safe. Be Informed. Know who […]
The phantom debt collection scam comes in a number of variations, but the common element in almost all of them is a claim that a consumer owes money on a debt and needs to pay or else face serious consequences. Regardless of whether the consumer actually takes out a loan, he or she may receive a […]
Claims of “free government grants” from the US government asking for personal information such as your Social Security and bank account numbers or pay a “processing fee.” But instead of giving you a grant, the plan is to steal your identity, your money, or both. Stay safe. Be Informed. The government doesn’t telephone people or […]
Good credit is important—a bad credit history can prevent you from getting a loan, housing, or a job. Promises to “fix” your credit report may be tempting, but they’re not true. Stay safe. Be Informed. No one can erase negative information if it’s accurate. Only incorrect information can be removed. Accurate information stays on your record […]
If your credit card is lost or stolen, it can certainly be inconvenient. But beware of crooks that use scare tactics and false information to sell protection that consumers don’t really need. Stay safe. Be Informed. Know your rights. Under federal law, you’re not responsible for any charges if you report your card missing before someone […]
