Fraud Alerts

The IRS has released its annual list of top scams to keep an eye out for ahead of Tax Day. Called the Dirty Dozen, the agency highlighted trends ranging from impersonation fraud to inflated tax returns.

Did you get a call or text saying you’re eligible for thousands of dollars in unclaimed property? Don’t get excited yet. It might be a scammer looking to steal your money or personal information. Here’s how to avoid that scam — and find out if a government agency has money, stocks, or another asset that belongs to you.

If you’re dealing with a lot of debt, you might be looking for help. Some companies offer a range of free and paid services, like budget counseling and debt management classes. But others are dishonest and will take your money for the promise of getting rid of your debt — just to leave you even worse off. So, how can you avoid scams while you’re trying to pay off your debt?

With global attention focused on the conflict in Iran, it’s no surprise scammers have already added that situation to their story lines. Some recent reports to the FTC about imposter, romance, and fake charity scams include an Iran twist. The details change, but the scammer’s goal is always to trick you into paying or sharing your personal information. Here are some examples of these scams — and how to protect yourself.

Top Ten Scams of 2025 report reveals troubling trends. Phishing scams surged and investment scams–especially those involving cryptocurrency–caused devastating financial losses, and reports from younger consumers increased sharply.

As the holiday season becomes an ever more distant memory, the holiday bills might not be. If you’re looking to pick up a side gig to make extra cash, pay down debt, or catch up on some bills, know that scammers are looking to make money, too. One of their hustles is advertising fake jobs. So how do you tell a legit gig from a scam?

Unemployment benefits can be a life saver if you’re between jobs. But what happens if a scammer misuses your personal information, like your Social Security number (SSN) to file a fraudulent unemployment claim? That’s identity theft.

Met someone new online…but you still haven’t met in person? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great time to make sure you know how to recognize a romance scam.

If a debt collector calls, do you know what to do? You have rights. Debt collectors can’t harass, lie, or treat you unfairly — even if you owe the debt. Before you pay, confirm a debt is actually yours — not someone else’s or a scam to get your money. Consider talking to the collector at least once to find out, even if you don’t think you owe the money. To help you avoid a scam, here’s what to do next.

Your phone rings and what the caller says next sends you into a panic. They claim there’s fraud on your credit card, someone hacked your bank account, you owe a tax debt, or your benefits will end today. Your adrenaline is pumping, and your mind races a hundred miles an hour. They sense this—and they say they can help. Should you trust them? No.