Recent Scams
FTC & FDA: Warnings sent to sellers of coroniavirus treatments
Last month, we cautioned you to be on the lookout for scammers taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. Today, we have an update.
Inspector General Warns Public about Widespread Social Security Scam Texts
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning of a new tactic by government imposters to reach — and victimize — Americans by phone. We have received reports of text messages on cell phones that appear to come from Social Security. The texts warn about a Social Security number problem. They ask the recipient to call a number back to resolve the problem and avoid...
Free cruise? Try illegal robocall with an upsell.
The recorded message made it sound easy — take a phone survey and get two free tickets to go on a cruise. But, you guessed it, it wasn’t that simple. The call was an illegal robocall. And those free tickets came with a catch.
Inspector General Warns Public About New Twist To Social Security Phone Scams
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public that telephone scammers may send faked documents by email to convince victims to comply with their demands.
BBB warns of scammers pretending to be from FTC
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Better Business Bureau is warning about scammers who are pretending to be from the Federal Trade Commission and demanding money.
Top tips for avoiding scams at the holidays
Now that the holiday shopping season is in full swing, scammers are shopping too, looking for people to separate from their money. We already gave you some of the FTC’s tips for happy holiday shopping, but here are some tips to help you outsmart those bah-humbug scammers and donate safely.
Is That Email Really From the Boss?
An in-depth investigative study by Better Business Bureau (BBB) finds that business email compromise scams are skyrocketing in frequency and have cost businesses and other organizations more than $3 billion since 2016.
In the wake of Hurricane Dorian
If you suffered damage from Hurricane Dorian, or if you’re looking for ways to help those in need, start at ftc.gov/weatheremergencies. You’ll find ways to spot the scams that often follow disasters.
Is the American Community Survey Legit?
Here at the FTC, we always tell people to use caution when someone they don’t know asks them for personal information. So it’s not surprising that people are asking questions about mailings and phone calls they’re getting about the American Community Survey (ACS).
Scam Alert: Genetic Testing
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about a fraud scheme involving genetic testing. Genetic testing fraud occurs when Medicare is billed for a test or screening that was not medically necessary and/or was not ordered by a Medicare beneficiary's treating physician.
Calls Claiming To Be the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Scammers are calling, pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and saying that your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity or being involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it or will ask for money or gift cards to keep your SSN or bank account safe.
AG Elder Abuse Listening Tour Event
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Supreme Court Justices Megan Cavanagh and Richard Bernstein will be in Grand Rapids Friday, June 14 at the Kent County Probate Court to hear from the community to identify ways seniors should be protected. The Elder Abuse Task Force was created by the Attorney General to explore opportunities to tackle the issues facing the senior community – including...
Older Adults Hit Hard by Financial Fraud
Older Americans who were exploited by family, fraudsters and others in recent years suffered an average loss of $34,200, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Fake Itunes Receipt- Phishing Email
If you receive a fake iTunes purchase receipt, ignore and delete it. WA ScamNet has had reports of emails that appear to be from the Apple Store confirming expensive purchases that were made on an iTunes account and containing a link to dispute the purchase.
