Scam News Summary
Our Scam Table keeps you on top of all the scams we track each month. Learn about big-name scams that have made headline news, how they work, and what you can do to avoid falling victim to them.
2021 Scams
| Name | Summary | Date |
| Fake Unemployment Benefits Website Scam | Criminals are using websites that mimic government unemployment insurance benefits websites and trick the unemployed population to disclose their personal information, including Social Security numbers. Individuals are lured to these fake government websites through text messages and emails with malicious links. Never click links in an unexpected text message or email claiming to be from a government agency. If you need to apply for unemployment insurance benefits, find your state’s dedicated application page. | 04/2020 |
| Utility Scam | Individuals are receiving calls, emails, or texts from criminals posing as their utility company claiming they have to pay a past-due bill or services will be shut off. In other schemes, they’ll say that they’re sorry your power went out and offer a reimbursement, but they need your bank account or account login information. Utility companies don’t demand payment information by email, text, or phone. Before sharing any banking or login information, call your utility company or login to their website directly to confirm the claim. | 02/2021 |
| Paid Rent Scam | Scammers are taking are offering individuals help with paying their rent or taking care of other financial needs. They may call, email, or text, claiming you can get money for rent or legal help to avoid eviction. Research the organization offering assistance and do not pay any money upfront or share Personally Identifiable Information (PII). | 01/2021 |
2020 Scams
| Name | Summary | Date |
| Amazon Support Call Scam | Scammers are impersonating online stores such as Amazon.com and placing spoofed calls, a form of a phone scam, to collect consumer information. In the call, the person on the line, often a robot, will tell you that your credit card has been charged a large amount of money for a recent order. They will share the “Amazon Support” phone number and tell you to call immediately if you did not make that purchase. They will then ask you to verify your information. Hang up on such calls, and if you think a suspicious order has been made on your account, call Amazon with the phone number listed on their site. | 07/2020 |
| Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scam | Consumers are receiving suspicious emails alerting them that the sender has access to their email and phone and will expose sensitive videos, pictures, or compromising information public unless paid a ransom in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. If you or someone you know receives a message of this sort, do not interact with the message and report it immediately to your local police and the FBI. | 06/2020 |
| Chain Letter Scam | An online money scam has resurfaced, causing individuals to lose money and recruit others to participate in the loss. Known as “The Circle Game,” a “Blessing Loom,” or a “Money Board,” this scam involves promises of a significant return for a small investment. You may see a post online, or you are sent a message via social media, inviting you to submit an investment of $100 through PayPal. You are then required to recruit others to submit a payment, with promises of eight times your original investment once you land in the middle of the “circle.” If you recruit enough people, you can receive the return and are asked to submit another investment to keep the game going – that is, if the game is legitimate. This is an example of a pyramid scheme and has left many out of their original investment. Ignore any requests to join such games and warn your friends and family if you see they are involved. | 05/2020 |
| Accidental Electronic Money Transfer Scam | Individuals who use digital wallet apps, such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Apple Pay are receiving money transfers by “accident,” along with a message on the app asking the recipient to return the deposit. Scammers connect stolen credit cards onto these payment apps, wiring stolen money to unsuspecting users, and then requesting the money back, so it enters their bank account without a trace. If you transfer the money and it is flagged for fraud, you may be left responsible for that payment. If you receive a payment from someone you do not know, and they request the money back, ask them to cancel the transaction. Always link a credit card in payment apps, as they have offer protection against fraudulent charges. | 04/2020 |
| Microsoft and Google Business Email Compromise Scam | Cybercriminals are using Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite cloud-based email services as part of Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes. Hackers are deploying phishing attacks that mimic the email systems used by organizations, granting them access to sensitive information within business email accounts. With control of employee accounts, the perpetrator may also send emails to vendors and other businesses, requesting or redirecting payments – totaling over $2.1 billion in losses. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns that “small and medium-size organizations, or those with limited IT resources, are most vulnerable to BEC scams” and recommend businesses educate employees on how to identify phishing emails and enable security features that block malicious email. | 03/2020 |
| NortonLifeLock Phishing/Trojan Scam | Scammers are impersonating NortonLifeLock via a phishing email that will install a trojan remote access tool on victims’ computers. The fake email includes an attached document with “personal information,” requiring recipients to enable macros to enter the password provided in the email. By enabling macros, the victim is opening the door to the scammers to install additional malicious software scripts via the remote access tool, which then sends the hacker a signal that the device has been compromised. Do not open documents that you are not expecting. Do not enable macros to view “important” or “urgent” information that you have not requested. Verify the sender is legitimate by contacting the company directly. | 02/2020 |
| FedEx Delivery Notification Scam | Individuals are receiving text message alerts from FedEx notifying that a package is on the way. The message seems legitimate, but the tracking link contains malware. Avoid clicking on the link can call the shipping company directly if you have any questions. | 02/2020 |
| Coronavirus Scare Scam | Scammers are preying on fears of the Coronavirus outbreak by sending phishing emails, texts, and social media posts to steal your money and personal information. Links within their outreach method may direct you to fraudulent websites that offer fake products, ask you to donate to victims, offer treatment advice, or contain malware. Do not click on links from unknown senders and only trust the information from government health organizations. | 02/2020 |
| Data Breach Compensation Scam | Fraudulent Russian sites are claiming to offer you visibility into what data breaches have exposed your personal information and compensation if you are indeed a victim. You are asked to share your name, phone number, and social media accounts. After an in-depth search into the Dark Web, a warning claiming your information has been leaked will appear and you are eligible for compensation. To verify your identity and claim your money, you must input a bank card number and your Social Security Number (SSN). If you are in a foreign country and do not have an SSN, you may purchase a temporary one for $9! Not only does sharing this sensitive information leave your financial accounts vulnerable to account fraud, you’re also left at risk for identity theft. | 01/2020 |
| “2020” Abbreviation Scam | Abbreviating “2020” to just “20” on documents could leave you vulnerable to fraud. Scammers can now easily manipulate the year to add or modify numerals, such as making the year, “2019”. What’s the issue? This means a criminal could modify a check to a future date when funds are available (2021), or changes could be made to a contract to hold you financially obligated for expenses longer than expected (2019). | 01/2020 |
2019 Scams
| Name | Summary | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Home Security Device Hack | Home security devices, specifically Amazon’s Ring camera, are vulnerable to third party access as hackers guess system passwords. Hackers may be using passwords exposed in previous data breaches to infiltrate Ring customer accounts and hijack surveillance devices. Victims of the Ring camera hijacks have been subjected to harassment, threats and ransoms. To protect your home security devices, use two-factor authentication login, update all current passwords and avoid reusing usernames and passwords for various accounts. | 12/2019 |
| Back Brace Medicare Scam | If you are a Medicare recipient, beware of calls, letters and ads offering “free or low-cost” back and knee braces. Scammers use the scheme to collect sensitive medical information and bill your Medicare account for the full-priced braces and other medical equipment. Never share personal or medical information over the phone or online. Call Medicare directly if you receive unwarranted offers. Review your Medicare Summary often to catch fraudulent use of your medical identity. | 10/2019 |
| Zelle Money Transfer Scam | Scammers are getting around two-factor authentications when hacking consumer online bank account access. When attempting to log into your mobile bank account, they need access to your mobile number to confirm your identity. That’s when you receive a phone call from a criminal posing as your bank, alerting you of fraud in your account. The bank requires verification of your identity by sending a text code and asks you to read it back to them. That same code is used to access your bank account and allows the scammer to use Zelle, a payment app that allows users to send money to one another instantly, to transfer your money into their bank account. Consumers report having $190 to $6,400 fraudulently stolen from their accounts through this scam, according to NBC News. Report the fraud immediately to your financial institution, as federal regulations require banks to fully reimburse consumers whose money is fraudulently stolen from an account. | 08/2019 |
| Fake Equifax Settlement Websites | In July 2019, Equifax agreed to pay up to $700 million in a settlement deal with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), providing up to $425 million to help affected consumers. As of July 25, 2019, consumer claims started being accepted. Impacted individuals are instructed to submit claims at the official Equifax Data Breach Settlement Administrator site. Since then, fake websites and phone scams impersonating the official site have popped up, collecting the personal information consumers are submitting. Be sure you are submitting your claim in the appropriate page found on FTC.gov/Equifax. | 07/2019 |
| Medicare DNA Kit Scam | Scammers are disguising themselves as Medicare agents again, claiming individuals are eligible for free DNA kits. The person on the line will request your Medicare number, Social Security number and other personal information in return for a DNA kits to track family heritage and detect diseases, such as cancer. US government agencies do not call before initiating notices through mail. Do not share personal information with anyone who calls unexpectedly. Hang up and call the organization directly to see if the claim or offer is legitimate. | 07/2019 |
| Canceled Flight Scam | Be on alert this vacation season, as third-party sites are selling cheap flights from unknown airlines and stealing money from eager travelers. The websites seem legitimate, but once payment has been made, your reservation is canceled, and the company is no longer available. In another scheme, you will receive a call from the company, requesting you to verify all your personally identifiable information. Research any new airlines for negative reviews and only make purchases with your credit card, as those can be disputed. | 06/2019 |
| Credit Quick Fix Scam | Individuals looking to clean up and boost their credit score are being duped into paying high upfront fees by “credit repair” companies and getting no results. Companies advertising in search engines, social media and through phone calls, promise to remove negative items from your credit and boost your score. There is no quick fix for credit scores and consumers are advised to get a free copy of their credit score and dispute unknown charges on their own. | 06/2019 |
| Vacation Rental Scam | As we enter the summer months, scammers are preying on individuals and families who are seeking to rent vacation homes. Fraudsters are creating fake online listings and offering deals that seem too good to be true. In most cases, they’ll require an advance deposit and request payment through money wiring or a check, rather than directly through the website where the rental is listed. Only rent through reputable merchants, do your research to make sure the property exists and has reviews, and never send any personal information without having direct contact with the landlord. | 05/2019 |
| Employment Scam | Beware of “on-the-spot” job offers as the BBB warns consumers of employment scams. Online ads and emails from recruiters are baiting individuals to apply for a job at reputable companies. Individuals are hired right away, often without an interview, and asked to share Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as Social Security Number and banking information for direct deposit. Some consumers have also received a large compensation check and asked to wire the money back to the company. Research the organization or recruiter offering the job and request a contract before sharing any personal information. | 05/2019 |
| “One Ring” Scam | Individuals are receiving robocalls in the middle of the night that only last for one ring. The scammer on the line may call multiple times, hoping to get the individual to call back. A call back to the unknown number may result in fraudulent charges to their phone bill. Do not call back numbers you do not recognize and remain vigilant of charges made to your phone bill. | 05/2019 |
| Notre Dame Donation Scams | Scammers are taking advantage of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire devastation through donation requests from fraudulent organizations and crowdfunding projects. Criminals are using social media to promote disguised phishing links and fake donation pages. Research any organization inviting you to donate money by looking up the name of the organization plus the word “complaint” or “scam.” | 04/2019 |
| Global Entry Scam | Frequent travelers who are looking to apply for Global Entry are being targeted by scammers when signing up online. The Global Entry program is designed to cut down on airport security lines. Phony third-party application webpages are appearing in online searches, asking for personal information, and charging a fee on top of the $100 required government fee. These webpages are designed to look like the official government application but aim to access your personal and credit card information. Visit the official Global Entry webpage before filing with a third party. | 04/2019 |
| Tech Support Scam | Scammers are posing as well-known software companies and reaching out to unsuspecting victims claiming their computer is at risk. They claim one of their tech support agents will be able to help, for a fee, if you grant access to your computer. Once they are remotely controlling your device, they can install malware and gather your personal documents and information. Be wary that no tech support companies will call and request access to your computer. | 03/2019 |
| Phony Job Scam | This employment scam begins with a voicemail from someone who claims to have spoken to you in the past, offering a new opportunity to earn thousands of dollars working from home. The scammer then asks you to check out a website for more information. The website might contain malware that downloads onto your computer and collects your personal documents and information. The web page may also request your personal credentials for a fraudulent background check. Lastly, the fraudster could ask you to pay for a training course in advance. The reality is, the job offer is a sham to steal your information and money. Research a job offer before submitting your information. | 03/2019 |
| Romance Scams | The FTC noted a rise in scams aimed at individuals who participate in online dating apps. Romance scammers will create a fake profile and spark up a conversation. The criminal gains the victim’s trust and later asks to be sent money through a wire transfer or gift card for an emergency. Last year, people reported a median loss of $2,600 from romance scams. Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person. | 02/2019 |
| Fake Medicare Calls | Scammers are targeting the elderly with calls that appear to be from Medicare or Social Security Administration. They are offering free products or claim there has been suspicious activity on the account in order to gain personal information of the victim. Although the organization name will pop up in the caller ID, it is important to note government agencies to not place unsolicited calls. You will receive a mailed letter if there is an issue with your account. | 02/2019 |
| Fake Sale Scam | Ads on social media platforms are advertising name brands shoes, clothes, or electronics at a steep discounted price. A recent ad submitted to BBB, promoted discounts of up to 95% off. Phony e-commerce websites are scamming individuals and gathering their credit card information in exchange for cheap counterfeit products or no products at all. Only input your payment information into websites where the URL begins with “https://” and includes a lock icon on the purchase page. | 02/2019 |
| Sports Fan Gear Scam | Fraudulent websites are advertising discounted official sports jerseys and gear through social media and web searches. As BBB reports, consumers are being charged for the purchase, but never receive their order. Be wary of suspicious websites and research the company before placing an order. | 01/2019 |
| Change of Address Scam | Phony websites are populating under “Address Change” search queries. These websites mimic the USPS website, but are charging individuals a hefty fee. The fraudulent websites get away with your money and do not make changes to your record. Double check the URL of every website you submit your personal and payment information. | 01/2019 |
| Apple Phone Call Phishing Scam | Consumers have reported receiving phone calls from Apple, warning them of an Apple data breach. When answered, the call cautions that multiple servers containing Apple user IDs had been compromised. The message then demands the customer call a 1-866 number before using the mobile device. The call will appear on your “Recent Call” log as a legitimate call from Apple, including the correct address, logo, and URL. If you receive a call from Apple requesting money to reactivate or protect your device, hang up and call the Apple Support number to ensure the call was a scam. | 01/2019 |
| Suspended Social Security Scam | Numerous individuals have been receiving calls from Social Security Administration (SSA) warning them their Social Security Number (SSN) is suspended due to suspicious activity. The scammer on the phone will asks you to confirm your SSN to reactivate. Some individuals have reported to the FTC that they are often told their bank account is about to be seized and must pay the SSA using gift cards. If you receive such call, hang up and call the official SSA hotline. Do not share any personal information, especially your SSN over the phone. | 01/2019 |
2018 Scams
| Name | Summary | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix Email Scam | The FTC has identified a phishing email attack targeting Netflix customers. The email states that Netflix is “having some trouble with your current billing information”. It requests the user to update their payment method to remove the hold on their account. The email directs customers to a bogus webpage where you are asked to input your payment information. If you’ve received an email you suspect is a scam, contact Netflix’s customer service department directly. | 12/2018 |
| Holiday Puppy Scam | What a better gift for your family this holiday season then a cute puppy in need of a home? Families should be on alert for imposters posing as breeders, tugging at your heart strings with adorable puppy photos and videos. Once you decide to make the commitment and purchase, the “breeder” requires a wire for the pet fee. They may also throw in unexpected fees, including a specific airplane crate or an expensive vet visit to include vaccinations. Once the payment has been processed, the puppy never arrives, and the breeder can no longer be contacted. | 12/2018 |
| Fake Passport and ID Card Scam | It is “safe” to assume everyone’s information has been leaked into the dark web after countless large breaches occurred this year. It takes a hacker $3 and 5 minutes to find your SSN and other Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Hackers are using this information to produce fake passports and identification cards after a quick edit to the image on your document. With the falsified documents, hackers can easily manipulate access into online accounts. | 12/2018 |
| New Grandparent Cash Scam | The elderly community has been an easy target for phone scams, with fraudsters posing as family members and friends asking for gift cards and checks. Recently, people 70 and over have been tricked into sending cash in an envelope to family and friend imposters. The median cash loss for this scam is a skyrocketing $9,000. The most common ploys to phish the elderly into sending cash include someone they know being in jail or other legal trouble or a serious car accident. | 12/2018 |
| USPS Mail Scanning Scam | The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) began offering Informed Delivery in 2015 to allow residents to view scanned images of all incoming mail. ID thieves have taken advantage of this service by signing up for mail scanning in the victim’s name to hijack identities. Seven people were arrested for allegedly stealing credit cards from resident mailboxes using the Informed Delivery feature “to identify and intercept mail.” The ID thieves take out credit cards in the victim’s name using their address, and once the card is approved, they sign up for the USPS service to seize the card as it arrives to the victim’s location. Fraudsters are then accumulating $2,000 to $14,000 in credit card debt under the victim’s name without a trace. | 11/2018 |
| SMS Phishing Scam | Hackers are modernizing their phishing methods and sending text messages with embedded malware. The SMS message may include a request from your financial institution, asking you to make a change to your account by clicking the URL link provided. They may also pose as an online store offering a limited time offer. When you sign into the account, the attackers begin collecting the personal information you enter. | 11/2018 |
| Cellphone Porting Scam | Cybercriminals are using your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to contact your mobile provider, impersonating you, and informing them that your phone was stolen. They then request that your number is “ported” with another provider and device. Once the criminal has your number ported to a new device, they can gain access to accounts that require two factor authentications, or a code texted directly to your phone for security verification. | 11/2018 |
| Cash App Scam | Scammers are approaching people on the street asking to borrow their cell phone to make a personal phone call. Once they have the victim’s phone, the scam artist pretends to dial but instead begins looking through applications, searching for Cash App or Vemno. They transfer money to their bank account using the victim’s account, fakes a conversation and closes the app before returning the device to the owner. Victims do not realize the robbery has occurred until they notice a lump sum of cash being sent to an unknown recipient. Scammers have also posted fake customer service numbers online and gather personal information and account numbers once a customer calls the number. To protect yourself, go into the app settings and scroll down to “Security” to set up a pin. This will ensure you’ll be the only one to access the app. | 11/2018 |
| Spear Phishing Scam | Scammers are using two popular schemes in their recent fraud, spear phishing and caller ID spoofing. The scam starts call with your local bank displaying on the caller ID. The person on the other line rehearses the following script: “I’m calling from [pick any bank]. Someone’s been using your debit card ending in 2345 at [pick any retailer]. I’ll need to verify your Social Security number — which ends in 8190, right? — and full debit card information so we can stop this unauthorized activity…”. Fraudsters are catching victims off guard, causing them to share personal information before checking bank records. | 10/2018 |
| College Test Prep Scam | Callers are posing as employees of the College Board and contacting students and families attempting to sell test preparation products or requesting sensitive personally identifying information, such as credit card and social security numbers. College Board warns the public that their employees do not participate in telemarketing and any call requesting payment and personal information is a scam. | 10/2018 |
| Vehicle History Report Scam | The FTC is warning individuals selling their vehicle online to be aware of suspicious calls from interested buyers requesting vehicle history reports. The buyer suggests the seller retrieves the report from a specific website, where they input credit card information and pay a $20 fee. The websites often have an URL link that ends in “.vin,” which might fool the seller into thinking it is related to your car’s vehicle identification number or VIN. Once the seller sends the report, they never hear from the buyer again. | 10/2018 |
| Hurricane Charity Scam | After Hurricane Florence affected the Carolinas, scammers have taken advantage of those who want to help victims of the disaster. Some websites claim to accept donations and intend to donate funds to victims and first responders, but the FTC and its state and local partners are getting reports that these websites are linked to scams. | 10/2018 |
| Voter Registration Phone Scam | Voter registration scams are common, especially during election season. Fraudsters claim they are reaching out to help you register to vote within your state. However, officials note that voter registration will never occur over the phone. These calls are typically attempts to capture sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) such as your name, birth date, address, Social Security number and more. If you receive a call, hang up immediately. Learn more about voter registration in all 50 states here. | 10/2018 |
| Fake Check Scam | The Better Business Bureau has warned consumers of scams involving fake checks and fraudulent bank withdrawals. Fraudsters send fake checks to victims and ultimately convince them to withdraw a portion of the full amount from their own accounts. Fake checks often work in tandem with employment- or other compensation-related scams. One victim reported that fraudsters sent her a fake check for $5,000 after she had committed to a paid advertising opportunity. The gig was simple – she was told she’d be paid to place PepsiCo advertising stickers on her car. And after sending her the check, the scammer instructed her to deposit the check into her bank account, then immediately withdraw $3,500 to pay for additional installation fees. Unfortunately, once the check bounced, she was responsible for the $3,500 withdrawal she had sent to the fraudster. Be sure that a check has processed before withdrawing the funds from your account. Never accept checks from strangers at ATMs – especially if they have asked you to immediately withdraw funds. | 09/2018 |
| Football scams | The Connecticut Better Business Bureau has warned consumers of scams related to the upcoming football season. Fraudsters have been reported of scamming victims through ticket, prize, apparel and web offer scams. Always check that you are shopping on a secure, verified website. Never click on offers that seem too good to be true, or messages claiming that you have won a contest. | 09/2018 |
| District Attorney Phone Scam | A recent phone scam targets two highly-sensitive data points – Social Security and bank account numbers. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office (MCDAO) has warned the public of scammers who are impersonating the office, as well as the Social Security Office, by spoofing its main phone number. Fraudsters claim to have a warrant for the victim’s arrest. The details surrounding the arrest warrant involve a vehicle tied to a 22-pound cocaine bust. The scammer reportedly asks the victim to verify his or her Social Security number, as well as bank account numbers in some instances. The MCDAO and Social Security Office will never ask for your Social Security number or bank account information over the phone. Avoid sharing highly-sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, insurance IDs, or financial account numbers over the phone. | 08/2018 |
| Jury Duty Phone Scam | A series of jury duty phone scams were recently reported in LaGrange County, Indiana. Victims reported that scammers introduced themselves as a “Lt. Frank with the Department of Court Services,” claiming the victim is in contempt for missed jury duty. Fraudsters then demand payment from victims for “court costs and fines” by threatening to arrest them if payment is not made. Courts will never call you directly about a jury duty hearing, nor will they ever ask you for your personal/financial information over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and your local law enforcement office. | 08/2018 |
| Ticket Scam | Fraudsters are using this not-so-new scam to take advantage of ticket buyers online. The scammers pose as ticket sellers or resellers to trick victims into overpaying for tickets, or to purchase fake tickets altogether. The BBB reported over 300 ticket scam complaints in 2017. Be sure that you are purchasing tickets from an individual or company you trust. | 08/2018 |
| Moving Scam | A Florida couple recently reported Flagship Van Lines moving company for a potential nationwide scam. Fraudsters reportedly posed as a legitimate moving company, promising to deliver victims’ belongings to their new destinations. However, scammers would often take thousands of dollars in payment for the moving services, keep their belongings and disappear. | 08/2018 |
| U.S. Marshals Service Scam | The U.S. Marshals have warned consumers to report U.S. Marshals phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission. Fraudsters pose at U.S. Marshals, court officers or other law enforcement officials to scam victims out of money. U.S. Marshals will never ask for payment information, wire transfers or other financial information at any time. You can report U.S. Marshals phone scams to the FTC here. | 07/2018 |
| Fake FDA Warning Letter Scam | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers of fake letters that appear to be sent from the FDA or the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Security experts believe that these fake letters – citing that the victim has been caught illegally purchasing drug products online – are part of a larger international extortion scam. The FDA states that while it does send warning letters to illegal pharmacies and other companies that are involved with manufacturing drug products, letters are typically never sent to buyers. If you receive one of these letters, the FDA urges you to report the letter to [email protected] | 07/2018 |
| Transporting Business Scam | The Idaho Secretary of State and Department of Transportation has confirmed the fraudulent company is no longer in business. This car transportation service scam has reportedly swindled victims out of their money by posing as online car sellers. Fraudsters convince purchasers to send funds for payment via wire transfer before the car is delivered. Victims are ensured that the funds will stay in an escrow account until the car has been delivered. Victims never receive the car, and fraudsters take off with the wire transferred payment. One victim reported $11,600 lost to this scam. | 07/2018 |
| Real Estate Scam | Real estate scams are nothing new. This time, fraudsters are stealing existing property information to swindle victims out of their money by requesting fake down payments. Scammers pair existing properties stolen from other sites and databases with their own contact information so that victims believe the listing is legitimate. If you are browsing houses for sale online, be sure that you are using a secure site and that the contact information for the property matches on multiple pages. | 06/2018 |
| Apple Support Scam | Fraudsters are targeting Apple users in this new phone impersonator scam. Victims receive a call that appears to be from an Apple Support Center, with some reporting multiple calls from the same number. Fraudsters use these scams to capture a variety of sensitive information – from Apple IDs and passwords, to birth dates and Social Security numbers. Another variation of this scam convinces victims to buy anti-virus software and download it to their device. Apple Support will never call you unless you have first reached out to them. If you receive this call, hang up the phone immediately and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). | 05/2018 |
| Bitcoin Letter Scam | A new mail scam has been reported across the United States in the form of a threatening letter. Victims receive a letter that states the sender “knows a secret you are keeping from your wife.” Fraudsters request payment via Bitcoin to keep the secret safe, with some letters demanding up to $8,900. If you receive one of these letters, throw it away immediately and report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. | 05/2018 |
| Uber Driver Scam | Uber drivers are paid by linking a bank account to their Uber account to receive payment from their rides. Scammers are impersonating as Uber representatives to gain access of drivers’ accounts. If drivers allow access to their account, scammers work quickly to change the bank account information to their own and receive payment when the fares are deposited into the account. As a rule of thumb, avoid sharing any online account login credentials with others. | 04/2018 |
| Medicare Card Scam | Fraudsters are targeting Medicare recipients in this new phone scam. Medicare began issuing new insurance cards to its estimated 58 million recipients this month. This effort removes personally identifiable information (PII) from the physical cards to decrease the chances of identity theft. Historically, Medicare cards displayed a recipient’s Social Security number as the insurance “claim number.” Now, this claim number is a unique ID number not connected to the recipient’s identity in any way. The premise behind this scam plays on a victim’s fear of losing health insurance. One victim noted that the scammer she encountered “threatened to revoke their health insurance. Fraudsters pose as Medicare representatives via phone to capture personal and financial information – specifically unique card ID numbers, Social Security numbers and financial account information. Medicare has informed recipients via Twitter that no further information is needed to receive the card so long as your address is up-to-date. If you receive a call requesting your Medicare information, hang up the phone immediately and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). | 04/2018 |