Protect yourself by knowing common or ongoing scams
COVID-19 scams
Protect yourself from ongoing scams during this pandemic.
Child Tax Credit Scam
Scammers are always keeping up with the news. A new warning from the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau says scammers are now targeting the new child tax credit payments.
The first round of child tax credit checks started going out in mid-July to millions of American families. Scammers may call, text or email people saying they’re “here to help.” They’ll either say that you’re owed more money and they can help you get it or that they can help you get your money earlier than everyone else.
Helpful tips:
Avoid falling victim to these scams. Remember, the money for the child tax credit comes directly from the IRS. Do not respond to anyone reaching out to you. The IRS will not call, text or direct message you, asking for money or information. They won’t ask for wire transfers or gift cards either. Keep the following tips in mind if someone reaches out to you:
- Keep your personal information to yourself.
- Never give out your Social Security number.
- Never give out your bank or credit card information.
Tax/IRS scams
Did someone contact you claiming to be from the IRS and ask for personal information? See our page on Tax Scams and Frauds to be sure it really is the IRS.
Section 8 housing waiting list scams
If you search online for a Section 8 voucher waiting list, the top search results often are fake, scam websites. Protect yourself by reading about the details here provided by the FTC.
Scam Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
What to know and do about scams in the news from the FTC.
FTC sends DeVry refund checks
by Bridget Small
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
As part of its settlement with DeVry University, FTC is mailing 173,155 refund checks worth more than $49 million to some students who attended the school between 2008 and 2015.
Fake loan-matching site put consumers at risk
by Bridget Small
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Some scammers build and market websites that claim to offer loan-matching services. The sites convince people to share personal information, but instead of delivering help, the
