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 […]
When you need money, a promise to give you a loan or help you get one (even if you have a bad credit record) may seem like the answer to your prayers. But beware—it could be a crook trying to steal your money, not lend you money. Stay safe. Be Informed. Don’t pay upfront. If a […]
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