Fraud Alerts

When it comes to protecting your identity, you might think about keeping usernames to yourself, using strong passwords, and reviewing your statements. That’s all great. But it’s also important to think about what you do with documents or digital files that contain your financial information. So, let’s look at what you should keep and lock up, and what you should shred or delete.

Whether you’re a college student looking for full time or summer work, having a job lined up is a great feeling. What’s not so great? All those scammers hitting you up with fake job opportunities online and on your phone. So, how can you spot and avoid job scams?

To paraphrase Taylor Swift, buying concert tickets shouldn’t feel like a bear attack. But for many people hoping to see their favorite artist, sports team, or theatrical cast live, scoring tickets before they sell out can seem impossible. Why? Sometimes there just aren’t enough tickets available for everyone who wants to go. But sometimes, you might be competing with people who break the rules.

Paying off student loan debt takes time. That’s why getting a call from someone who says they can help you get your loans forgiven now (for a fee) might sound appealing. Is it really relief or just a scam?

Did you recently get an email about your federal student loans? Not sure about the status of your federal student loans? Start by logging in to StudentAid.gov. You’ll see information about your loan servicer and how to reach them. If you have questions or need help with your loans, contact your servicer directly.

Can you spot an investment scam if it comes from an actual friend’s page on social media? If someone you know is suddenly posting bank account screenshots, claiming they can teach you to make money quickly with little to no risk, it’s likely an investment scam. Keep scrolling to learn how to recognize the signs.

Scammers impersonating the government — is nothing new. But here’s a twist: scammers are now calling themselves “agents” and supplying fake badge numbers and ID cards to try to convince you they are who they say they are. (…They’re not who they say they are.) So how do you avoid scams like this?

Say you get a letter that seems to come from a bank. It says it’s related to your property, has the words “FINAL NOTICE,” printed on the letter, and has what looks like a refund check attached. Your first thought is that you’re getting money. But then you notice there’s no signature, and the small print says it isn’t a check. The mailer says to “Call IMMEDIATELY”. But what happens if you call?

Have you ever picked out tickets to an event or the perfect vacation rental and then ended up paying twice what you expected in fees at checkout? Help is on the way: the FTC’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees takes effect today. What might this mean for you?

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you may be looking to get the mom in your life a last-minute gift. Maybe you’re looking to get her a gift card for a favorite restaurant or spa. That’s great — gift cards are for gifts — but scammers might try to tell you otherwise.