Latest Consumer Scams

From the Washington State Office of the Attorney General: Press Release “Fresh Start Opportunities” reeks of scam Details: “If a young person knocks on your door and says they’re selling magazines for a charity, wait before reaching for your pocketbook. Fresh Start Opportunities claims to be a “job business training company” that sends… »

Cyber Security Awareness Tips for Protecting Children Online

Children present unique security risks when they use a computer, and need advice, guidance, and protection. Talk to your child and let him or her know you can be approached with questions about behaviors or problems encountered on the computer. Teach your child how to safely use the computer and the Internet. There are… »

Online Auction Fraud

One in four complaints in 2008 to the Internet Crime Complaint Center involved online auction fraud.

Computers, sports memorabilia, rare coins, designer fashions, and even cars.

These are just a few of the items offered for sale every day on legitimate online auction sites. They’re also just a small sample of the items used to lure unsuspecting… »

“Operation False Charity”

In a nationwide, federal-state crackdown on fraudulent telemarketers claiming to help police, firefighters, and veterans, the Federal Trade Commission, together with 61 Attorneys General, Secretaries of State, and other law enforcers of 49 states and the District of Columbia, today announced “Operation False Charity.” Federal and state enforcers announced 76 law enforcement actions against 32… »

Consumer Federation of America’s “Fake Check Task Force” Helps Consumers Avoid Fraud

Consumer Federation of America’s Fake Check Task Force launches a national campaign to combat fake check scams. Consumer Action is a task force partner.

Authentic looking checks and money orders are the draw that tricks millions of consumers into sending money to crooks for what seems to be a legitimate deal.

At least 1.3 million consumers have… »

FTC To Work With Law Enforcement

In conjunction with a joint federal/state law enforcement initiative, the Federal Trade Commission will hold a press conference on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at 11 a.m. to announce a law enforcement sweep cracking down on frauds fueled by the economic… »

Consumer Scam Alert

The Federal Trade Commission and other law enforcement agencies in the United States and Jamaica are turning up the heat on Jamaica-based telemarketing scammers. The rip-off artists pose as lawyers, customs officials, or lottery representatives, and target U.S. residents with phony promises of sweepstakes or lottery… »

California Sues Police-Firefighter-Veteran Charity Fundraisers

California has sued 17 telemarketers and 12 other organizations, state Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown said Friday, as part of a national crackdown on charity fundraisers accused of passing little or no money on to legitimate charities.

Brown said the 53 individuals named in the state’s suits “shamelessly exploited the goodwill of decent citizens trying to help… »