Current Scams

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.

Romance scams can happen to anyone. And with the help of AI and other tech, they might not be so easy to spot. AI or not, here are some signs you’re dealing with a scammer:

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.

Back to school is a great time to start having conversations with your family about creating good online habits. Rather than telling kids what they should or shouldn’t do online, consider making it a parent versus kids challenge. Find out who in your house knows more about protecting their personal information online — and bring in a little healthy competition.

Today’s sophisticated fraud criminals are serious about stealing your money; you need to get serious about protecting yourself.

The American Bankers Association Foundation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service today released three new infographics on money mule scams and check fraud as part of their shared ongoing initiatives to protect consumers from scams. 

As the holiday season approaches, it seems like there are more and more fake shopping sites. The ads on social media show expensive products like electric scooters, designer bags, and other popular toys and gifts at unbelievably low prices. Many of these bogus sites use photos and logos the scammers steal from legitimate businesses, but they won’t send you authentic products. If you’re wondering how to avoid these phony offers, there are a few ways to help you detect them.

Looking to make changes to your Medicare coverage? Now’s the time: Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period started October 15 and goes until December 7. But as you compare your coverage options, keep an eye out for scammers — they know about Open Enrollment, too.

We recently shared advice to help you safeguard the personal information in your accounts, on your computer, and on your phone to protect it from identity theft. But scammers aren’t just after your data. They want your hard-earned cash, too. Here are some common scams to watch out for.

The ABA Foundation, working in collaboration with the FBI and other federal agencies, released a new infographic to educate consumers on the warning signs of cryptocurrency investment scams.

For college students and parents, paying tuition is often at the top of the to-do list each semester. Imagine getting a call from someone who supposedly works at your school, saying you haven’t paid the bill. They threaten to drop your classes unless you send money right away. The call might raise alarm bells, but slow down — you might end up paying a scammer instead of the real tuition and fees.

Did you get a message on social from an “artist” asking to pay you for permission to paint your photo? It’s a scam. They don’t want to pay you — they want to take your money.

No one thinks their online love interest is going to scam them, but scammers are good at what they do. They establish an emotional connection with you so you’re more likely to believe that they’re an expert in cryptocurrency investing, for example. But that online love interest is a scammer. People have lost tens of thousands ― sometimes millions — of dollars to romance scammers.

The phone rings. Your caller ID says it’s the Social Security Administration. You hesitate. You’re not expecting a call from them, and you’ve heard about impersonation scams. But something inside you makes you pick up. And everything you’re about to hear is designed to scare you into doing whatever the caller says. 

People are losing big money to scammers running complicated scams. 

You’ve probably heard about identity theft, but have you heard about Identity Theft Awareness week?

With all eyes on the severe weather moving around the country, scammers are paying attention, too. And they’re likely following the path of the storms to target the people affected. So, how do you protect yourself against weather-related scams?

QR codes seem to be everywhere. You may have scanned one to see the menu at a restaurant or pay for public parking.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has issued an alert for financial institutions and the broader public on a virtual currency investment scam known as “pig butchering.” In the scams, bad actors use fake identities to build personal relationships with victims they call “pigs” so they can steal their assets.

What’s one of the best ways to spot a scam? Know how scammers tell you to pay. Scammers want you to pay them in ways that are hard to trace and hard to get your money back: like through a gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. Here, we’ll focus on that last one — cryptocurrency — and how to avoid cryptocurrency-related scams. 

If someone asked you to mail them $200 in cash, would you do it? Probably not. Wiring money is just like sending cash in the mail. Once it’s gone, you probably won’t get it back — which explains why scammers tell you to pay that way. You’d think twice before mailing your hard-earned money — do the same thing before you wire money. Here’s what to know.

Scammers know how valuable your personal and financial information is — and they’ll do or say almost anything to get it. What can you do to keep it safe?

The best way to protect your info from scammers is to recognize a phishing scam, but how do you know what to look for? Here’s an example.

Crypto investment talk is everywhere — even in your local community groups in real life or online. But scammers join these groups, too. Their mission? Gain the group’s trust…and then exploit relationships and trick you into crypto investment scams. But how do you spot and avoid these scammers?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ve already sent a card to your grandmother, grandfather, or the older adult in your life. But if you haven’t told them lately that you love them, pick up the phone and call, too. While you’re catching up, remind them that you’ll never pressure them to wire you money or buy you gift cards — but a scammer might.

You might not be a cryptocurrency investor, but that doesn’t mean criminals won’t ask you to send them crypto. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission received reports of more than $1 billion in losses to crypto scams since the beginning of 2021.

In 2021, America experienced an unprecedented increase in cyber attacks and malicious cyber activity. These cyber attacks compromised businesses in an extensive array of business sectors as well as the American public. As the cyber threat evolves and becomes increasingly intertwined with traditional foreign intelligence threats and emerging technologies, the FBI continues to leverage our unique authorities and partnerships to impose risks and consequences on our nation’s cyber adversaries.

With technology, it’s easier than ever to connect with others and people are just a click or call away. Nobody knows that better than scammers — who might try to contact you about a supposed virus or malware they’ve “found” on your device. So, during this Older Americans Month, remember — if someone unexpectedly calls or messages you, claiming your computer’s security is at risk, it’s a scam.

If your credit isn’t as good as you’d like, a company that promises to boost your credit score by hundreds of points in as little as 45 days might seem like the perfect answer. That’s the result that a business called The Credit Game claimed it could deliver with “credit piggybacking” and other credit repair services. But according to the FTC, The Credit Game took people for a ride.

When it comes to romance scams, Patrick Wyman, a 13-year veteran of the FBI, has seen it all. He’s investigated, helped on or supervised about 300 romance fraud cases.

Welcome to Identity Theft Awareness Week 2022. During the week, the FTC and its partners will host free webinars, podcasts, and other events focused on trending issues in identity theft. We’ll talk about how to detect identity theft, protect against it, and recover if identity theft occurs. We’ll also highlight the top identity theft scams — and how to avoid them. We hope you’ll join us!

There's a new spin on scammers asking people to pay with cryptocurrency. It involves an impersonator, a QR code, and a trip to a store (directed by a scammer on the phone) to send your money to them through a cryptocurrency ATM.

If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending. Repayments will begin again after January 31, 2022. Scammers know it, too, and are looking for ways to take advantage: they’re calling, texting, and e-mailing to try to use any confusion around restarting your student loan payments to steal your money and personal information.

Mobile payment apps can be a convenient way to send and receive money with your smartphone. These apps have become very popular — and scammers may try to use them to steal your money. Find out how mobile payment apps work and how to avoid sending money to a scammer.

as Amazon contacted you to confirm a recent purchase you didn’t make or to tell you that your account has been hacked? According to the FTC’s new Data Spotlight, since July 2020, about one in three people who have reported a business impersonator scam say the scammer pretended to be Amazon.

Cryptocurrency has gotten lots of attention as a new way to invest. But here’s the thing: scammers are taking advantage of people’s understanding (or not) of cryptocurrency investments, and how they work. And younger people are losing big.

The Federal Trade Commission has been getting reports about scammers pretending to be Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. They’re trying to get your money and personal information by using alarming phone calls to do it. The DEA is alerting people to the scam. Their message: It’s not the DEA calling. You can read more about this scam by clicking the image above.

You’ve heard of romance scams. But do you know how they happen? They start when scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media. Then, those scammers strike up a relationship with their targets and work to build trust. Sometime later, they make up a story and ask for money.

In the Federal Trade Commission's article titled, "More Money from the Government?" they explain the importance of being cautious with this new round of stimulus money. They identify three key factors on how to spot a scammer, and re-enforces what the Government won't be asking you, and what scammers may try asking or getting out of you. Click the above link to read the full article.

Are you planning on doing your holiday shopping online this year? Read this article from the Federal Trade Commission for tips during this holiday shopping season. Click the image above, and remember to be cautious and safe when you're shopping online! 

Tell your fraud story! Why? Because it can help others avoid falling for the same scam. Click the above image to read an article from the Federal Trade Commission on the importance in reporting a scam you fell for.

No, you did not get an email from the real Joseph Simons, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers are pretending to be him sending you emails asking for your personal information! Click the above image to read more from the Federal Trade Commission's website.

How much do you really know about Money Mules and the current Pandemic Scams that are happening? Watch this informative video from the Electronic Payments Core of Knowledge to learn!

Are scammers calling you telling you that your computer has a virus? Or are you getting pop-ups telling you your computer has a virus? The Federal Trade Commission's article titled, 'How can you spot a tech support scam' explains what you should be on the look out for to spot these tech support scams. Click the above image to read the article. 

With the potential of a second stimulus package being finalized by Congress, scammers will be out trying to gain your bank account and personal information. Learn more by clicking the above image and reading the article from the Federal Trade Commission on how you can protect yourself from these scammers.

Scammers want to get your money from you as fast as possible, and they want to make it hard to be tracked back to them. Click above to watch this video from the Federal Trade Commission to learn how scammers make people pay, and how you can use this information to avoid scams.

A scam to be aware of involves an email that claims—falsely— it came from the Federal Trade Commission. It might say you’re entitled to some money from a phony “Global Empowerment Fund.” Do not fall for this! Learn more by clicking the above image and reading the article from the Federal Trade Commission.

Be aware of work from home scam - if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a video that outlines these scams. Click the above image to view the video on the FTCs site. 

Is a scammer getting unemployment benefits in your name? The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information article explains the steps necessary to protect yourself and your credit. Learn more by clicking the above image.

Did you know that if you still haven't received your Economic Impact Payment, you could be getting it on a debit card instead of a check in the mail? You can read more from the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information article by clicking the above image. 

Scammers are trying to sell you treatments for the Coronavirus - if there is a medical breakthrough, an ad on social media or a sales pitch over the phone isn't where you should buy the treatment from. Get informed by reading this article from the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information.

This is an alert for small business owners who are looking to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”).

The American Bankers Association (ABA) provided the Top 5 Scams to watch out for upon receiving your Economic Impact Payment. Click the above image to read more about these scams.

The Pennsylvania State Police issued a Community Awareness Bulletin regarding COVID-19 stimulus related scams. Please click the above image to read their bulletin and be careful!

There are many scams happening, the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information created BINGO cards to help you identify the scam. Click above to read more!

Scammers are pretending to be the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) with fraudulent use of the FDIC name. Read this article directly from the FDIC for more information. 

The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information (FTC) wanted to make everyone aware of scams surrounding possible checks from the government. Click the above image to read exactly what the FTC recommends. 

Money Mule Scams are happening everyday. Learn what a Money Mule Scam is from the ABA Foundation and the Federal Trade Commission, and what they suggest you do if you spot this scam. 

Everyone is on social media now, it's important to take the time to protect yourself against scammers. Please watch AARP's video on How to Avoid Social Media Scams!

There is an increase in Social Security scam attempts. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers five ways you can recognize a Social Security Scam.

National Slam the Scam Day is coming up on March 5th. Read more about "Slam the Scam" from the Office of the Inspector General Social Security Administration by clicking the image above.

Are you getting lots of scam calls? The Social Security Administration scam is the number one scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Watch this video from the FTC on the Social Security Imposter Scam.

The U.S. Secret Service is launching a counterfeit operation that they are calling "Quick Glance" ahead of this holiday shopping season. Read their Press Release by clicking the above image.

Scammers are now calling you and demanding that you pay them with Bitcoin? Read more about this scam from the Federal Trade Commission by clicking the above image.

Beware of scammers impersonating the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Click the above image to go to the Erie County website for more information.

The Federal Trade Commission provides you with tips to fend off hackers from getting your personal information.

Don't fall for Love Scams! They are on the rise and the Electronic Payments Core of Knowledge (EPCOR) helps you identify techniques from scammers.

What is the Dark Web? How-To-Geek explains the Dark Web and what to look out for.

Are you getting robocalls? Rest assure Social Security is not trying to take your benefits! Click the link above to learn more.

Fraudsters are now calling elders pretending to be a grandchild, relative or friend in need of money. Read tips from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help protect them!

Protect yourself from fake check scams with these tips provided by the FDIC Consumer News.

It's time for your kids to go back to school. Click the link above for some back to school online safety tips.

Renting a home or apartment for the first time? Here are some helpful tips from the FDIC for first-time renters.

 Romance Scams are happening daily, check out the FDICs video on the latest romance scams happening.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation explains how cyber actors are using online dating sites to conduct confidence/romance fraud.

Beware of fake settlement websites looking to cash in on the Equifax data breach. Read more from the FDIC.