When your computer life is held for ransom
Imagine if everything on your computer was “kidnapped” — including all of your precious family photos and important personal documents. And the only way you could access any of it again was if you paid a lot of money — or bitcoins — to a hacker. Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee you’ll get […]
What is your phone telling your rental car?
When I rent a car, it’s fun to get all the bells and whistles – like navigation, hands-free calls and texts, streaming music and even web browsing. But did you know that cars with these features might keep your personal information, long after you’ve returned your rental car? Here are some things to keep in […]
“Free trial” scammers settle, surrender millions
In 2010, the FTC sued Jeremy Johnson, his company IWorks, and nine others for allegedly taking more than $280 million from people with a deceptive “free trial” scheme. Now Johnson, his family members, and more than two dozen corporate defendants have settled FTC charges and will give up millions of dollars in cash, stock, jewelry, […]
Academics and scientists: Beware of predatory journal publishers
If you’re a scholar or scientist, you know the value of being published in an academic journal. Unfortunately, some dishonest publishers also understand this — and have used it to profit from rather than promote legitimate advancements in research and academia. In its lawsuit against OMICS Group — which operates hundreds of online journals in […]
The top three ways to avoid fraud
In pretty much every article and blog post we put out, you’ll find tips to help you avoid scams. The idea is that, if you can spot a scam, and know how to avoid it, you and your money are more likely to stay together. Today, we’re releasing a brochure that distills those tips down […]
Early VW buyback offers could cost you
Lately, we’ve been hearing from people who have gotten offers for their VW or Audi 2.0 liter diesel cars. Recent offers. Sometimes even using the term “buyback” – which isn’t exactly normal car trade-in language. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Early VW buyback offers could cost you
Shopping for a car? Be alert for flood damage.
It seems to happen after every major flood… damaged cars are cleaned up and taken out of state for sale. In fact, some experts estimate that, typically, half of all vehicles damaged by flooding eventually return to market. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Shopping for a car? Be alert for flood damage.
Surviving a flood — Dealing with the aftermath
Once the floodwaters have receded, it’s time to take stock and develop a recovery plan. It can seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips and links to resources to help make the task less burdensome. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Surviving a flood — Dealing with the aftermath
Helping Victims of the Flooding in Louisiana — Make Sure Your Donations Count
It’s heartbreaking to see people lose their lives, homes, and businesses to the ongoing flooding in Louisiana. But it’s despicable when scammers exploit such tragedies to appeal to your sense of generosity. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Helping Victims of the Flooding in Louisiana — Make Sure Your Donations Count
Car ads broke the law — again
You’ve seen the ads — car dealers hyping big discounts, low prices and low monthly payments, and great financing deals. Ads about good deals on cars? Not a problem. Leaving out important details about how you qualify for those deals? That’s a problem. By law, dealers’ ads must clearly disclose any “catches” — like if […]