Latest Scams
Search and websites
Dated alerts about look-alike websites and ads that appear in search results, with the safer next step and the published source.
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Search result ·
Store Site Says Your Card Was Declined? Don't Enter Another One
A store website that says your card was declined and asks for a different card, or whose web address has an extra letter or another small difference from the real store's, is a reason to stop.
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In person ·
A Notario Who Isn't a Lawyer Offers Immigration Help for a Fee
Someone who is not an attorney or an accredited representative offering to fill out your immigration forms or give legal advice for a fee is the sign to stop.
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Phone call ·
A Cheap Health Plan Says It Is Not Insurance? Walk Away
A health plan with a very low price whose fine print says it is not insurance, or a caller who wants your bank or Social Security number before sending any plan documents, is a reason to walk away.
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Mail ·
A For Sale Sign on Property You Own? Someone Is Posing as You
A "for sale" sign, a listing, or a recorded document for property you own that you never arranged means someone is posing as the owner.
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Search result ·
Landlord Won't Show the Home but Wants a Deposit? Walk Away
A landlord who won't show you the home in person but wants an application fee or deposit first is the sign of a fake rental listing.
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Search result ·
Service Charges Thousands to Stop Sextortion? Free Help Exists
A company that charges thousands of dollars to track down a sextortionist, and tells you not to block the person threatening you, is a red flag.
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Text message ·
Game Tickets Sent as a Screenshot or PDF? Real Ones Move in the App
Real tickets for major games transfer inside an official app, so treat a ticket sent as a PDF, a scanned printout, or a barcode screenshot as a scam.
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Mail ·
A Mailer Demands Pay for Spotted Lanternfly Permits That Are Free
An unexpected letter or website that demands payment for a spotted-lanternfly "commission" permit or short online training, and threatens fines or criminal penalties, is a sign of a scam.
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In person ·
Generator Franchise Takes Deposits, Then Closes Without Refunds
Be wary of a home-generator seller that takes a large deposit up front and then stalls on delivery.
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Search result · Updated
Scammers Are Building Convincing Fake Car Dealership Websites
A dealership or auction site that looks real but has a slightly wrong web address, pressure to wire money, or no way to see the vehicle in person is a reason to stop.
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Search result · Updated
Search Ads Can Fake a Bill-Pay Page or a Government Login
The top search result can be a paid ad, so type the company's or agency's address yourself or use the link printed on your bill.
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Search result ·
Shopping for a Health Plan? Scammers Pay for the Top Search Result
A top search result that looks like Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov but carries a small "Ad" or "Sponsored" label can belong to scammers or dishonest businesses.
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Email ·
VA Message Asks for Your Social Security Number? It's a Scam
An unexpected email, call, text, or QR code that claims to be from VA and asks for your password, Social Security number, bank details, or VA file number is phishing.
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In person ·
Door-to-Door Solar Pitch Promises Free Power Bills? Slow Down
Slow down if a door-to-door or online solar pitch promises free power bills or rushes you into a loan.
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Phone call ·
Someone Says They're FBI and Can Recover Your Lost Money? Hang Up
Hang up if someone who says they are the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center—or an FBI agent handling an IC3 report—contacts you about recovering money or updating a complaint.
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Search result ·
Website "Are You Human?" Check Says to Press Keys? Close the Page
A real CAPTCHA asks you to pick pictures or type a few characters.
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Search result ·
A Tractor Priced Well Below the Rest? Check the Dealer First
A farm equipment listing priced well below comparable machines is worth checking before any money moves, however complete the paperwork looks.
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17 alerts in this group. See every recent alert.