See my research, posts, and articles on fraud, including common scams, warning signs, and steps to protect yourself. Click the link to learn more!
Amazon just paid a record FTC penalty for hiding fraud records from identity-theft victims. The law it broke gives you a right you can use today.
The FTC is mailing 1,659 checks to consumers defrauded by the Sanctuary Belize real estate scheme. Average refund: $16,462. This is the second round of payments totaling nearly $23 million.
Fraudsters are impersonating local government planning staff via email, demanding fake approval fees from property developers. They mine public meeting agendas for real project details. Multiple cities affected.
MultiCare Health System will pay $3.7 million to settle DOJ fraud allegations over medically unnecessary spine surgeries. Two physician assistants warned management about patient safety. Management ignored them and kept billing.
Quick Answer: Contrary to common belief, young people aged 25-35 are three times more likely to fall for scams than those over 65, according to Harvard Journal research comparing COVID-19 fraud experiences. This challenges assumptions behind protective laws that focus primarily on seniors while leaving younger adults more vulnerable.A paper published in the Harvard Journal …
Quick Answer: Yes, free credit monitoring for military is legitimate through a 2019 FTC rule requiring Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to provide these services to active duty and National Guard members. Military personnel can sign up directly through each credit reporting agency’s website to receive alerts about potential identity theft or credit report errors.Starting October …
Quick Answer: SNAP fraud is not a major problem, with data showing that 60% of overpayments and 90% of underpayments result from state errors rather than recipient dishonesty. The overwhelming majority of SNAP errors stem from mistakes by recipients, eligibility workers, or computer systems, not intentional fraud.It’s been quite a while since I wrote about …
Quick Answer: Capital Currency Control Certificates are fraudulent documents used in scams claiming the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency holds funds requiring administrative fees for release. The OCC never participates in fund transfers for individuals or entities, and any correspondence claiming otherwise is designed to steal money and personal information for identity theft.Fictitious …
Quick Answer: Teresa Giudice and her husband faced federal criminal charges including bank fraud, tax fraud, and bankruptcy fraud following their unsuccessful 2009 bankruptcy filing. The government alleged they conspired to defraud lenders through false representations, with her husband also facing potential deportation as an illegal alien.Teresa Giudice, one of the stars from Real Housewives …
Quick Answer: Risk-takers and people experiencing negative life events like divorce, job loss, or family illness are most targeted by scammers, according to an FTC survey. The 2011 study found 25.6 million adults were fraud victims, with the internet being the primary source for fraudulent offers.Consumers who were more willing to take risks and those …
Did this conversation help?
Thank you. I'm glad you reached out.
You took an important step today. Come back any time.
Think of this as me — just in AI form. I've walked in your shoes. I filed bankruptcy myself in 1990, and in over 30 years of experience I haven't seen a situation that can't be worked through or a person who deserves judgment. Everything here is built on that experience, that research, and genuine care for you. I can't be there in person. But I can be here.
Conversations are saved anonymously. Personal details are automatically removed before storage. This is an AI — not a financial advisor, attorney, or therapist.
Not sure where to start?
Been here before?
