The Top Scams of 2023 & Solutions: A Discussion with FTC Officials

The Top Scams of 2023 & Solutions: A Discussion with FTC Officials

By Linda Nwoke Many Americans are losing more money than ever to scammers, and recently, with the help of technology. In some cases, people have received fraudulent calls purportedly from reputable government institutions such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), the IRS, and utility companies. These calls, executed by impostors, threaten individuals with repercussions like […]

Scams Pretending to be Immigration Agencies: How to Protect Yourself

Scams Pretending to be Immigration Agencies: How to Protect Yourself

By Rommel H. Ojeda | November 9, 2023 Fraudulent emails and messages have circulated social media, masquerading as communications from federal immigration agencies, that falsely promise migrants legal representation for obtaining a Green Card in exchange for a small fee. Scammers specifically target Spanish-speaking, migrant New Yorkers who are in the process of adjusting their […]

CONSUMER ALERT: As the Pause on Federal Student Loans Ends, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Borrowers to Avoid Scams

CONSUMER ALERT: As the Pause on Federal Student Loans Ends, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Borrowers to Avoid Scams

Student Loan Borrowers are Reminded to Only Use Trusted Government Websites and Not Respond to Unsolicited Offers of Student Loan Relief or Assistance Secretary Rodriguez: “To protect yourself from falling victim to a scam, I urge all New Yorkers to read our tips, stay up-to-date with trusted information and remain vigilant throughout the entire student […]

Protecting Yourself from Phishing and AI-Based Scams: What You Need to Know

Protecting Yourself from Phishing and AI-Based Scams: What You Need to Know

By Linda Nwoke As the digital world advances, scams and fraud become more sophisticated and occur more frequently. While many people consider themselves tech-savvy and advanced, scammers are becoming more sophisticated and daring, discovering newer ways to exploit their victims’ trust and steal their personal information. Some ways a consumer can protect themselves and their […]

Scammers Took Consumers for $8.8 Billion in 2022

Scammers Took Consumers for $8.8 Billion in 2022

By Peter White   Ever get an email about an extended car warranty or a free gift from Home Depot? What about online service to flush out malware from your computer? It’s hard to avoid these unsolicited offers. Fraudsters send texts, they call you on your phone, and sometimes use AI to mimic a relative’s […]

Holy High Rollers: Prosecutors Take Down Phony Pastors who Targeted Immigrants in $28 Million Ponzi Scheme

Holy High Rollers: Prosecutors Take Down Phony Pastors who Targeted Immigrants in $28 Million Ponzi Scheme

By Lukas I. Alpert, MarketWatch “I’m everything you imagine me to be, as long as it’s good and it’s Godly.” That’s how Dennis Jali, a South African self-proclaimed finance guru sold his Christian-themed program of financial success to crowds of mainly African immigrants at churches and banquet halls in and around Baltimore and Washington, D.C. […]

Menendez Joins with Zelle Scam Victims and Advocates to Call for Stronger Regulations

In 2020, nearly 18 million Americans were defrauded through Zelle and other instant payment app scams.

Menendez Joins with Zelle Scam Victims and Advocates to Call for Stronger Regulations

Newark, NJ – January 8, 2019: Menendez, Booker, Sires, Payne demand end Trump shutdown during press encounter at Newark International Liberty airport terminal B. (Shutterstock) U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, joined today with advocates and victims in reiterating his call to the big […]

Keep Your Personal Information Safe in the New Year

Keep Your Personal Information Safe in the New Year

By Jim Kreidler, FTC As 2021 winds down, lots of us are making resolutions for a fresh start in the New Year — maybe to exercise regularly, get our finances in order, or spend more time with friends. But your list isn’t complete until you add “update my security software” and “protect my personal information” […]

’Tis the Season for Student Loan Scam Calls

’Tis the Season for Student Loan Scam Calls

By Emily Wu, FTC If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending. Repayments will begin again after January 31, 2022. Scammers know it, too, and are looking for ways to take advantage: they’re calling, texting, and e-mailing to try […]

FTC Warns Communities of Color: Beware of Consumer Scams

FTC Warns Communities of Color: Beware of Consumer Scams

By Linda Nwoke Have you or someone you know ever been scammed? In 2020, consumers received over $480 million refunds through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) effort. One of their missions is to investigate and ensure the reimbursement of money to defrauded or consumers turned victims of illegal business practices. Scams abound across the United States […]