So, summer’s over, and maybe you’re looking at that timeshare with a side-eye, thinking, “Do I really need this?” You flip on the radio or scroll through your feed and bam! An offer appears like magic, promising to whisk away your timeshare troubles painlessly. But hold on to your flip-flops—because what sounds like a sweet escape might actually be a scam! Getting out of a timeshare is about as easy as untangling Christmas lights from last year. The scammers, though, will tell you it’s a breeze! They might even say they have buyers lined up, but…there’s a catch. They need you to pay a few thousand dollars upfront for “taxes” or “closing costs.” They promise you’ll get it back later. Spoiler alert: You won’t. It’s like promising a cat a lifetime supply of tuna, but delivering an empty can. ...

Alright, folks, let’s talk about something we all love—a good cause! But what if I told you not every charity is as charitable as it seems? Get ready for a tale of deception, car donations, and a charity that apparently thought “breast cancer screenings” were just a suggestion. Kars-R-Us.com: The Charity That Wasn’t Once upon a time, Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. was a charity that just wanted to help fight breast cancer. Or so they said. According to the FTC, this group raised millions through ads on TV, radio, and online, all in the name of the United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF). They promised their car donations would “save lives” by funding free or low-cost breast cancer screenings. ...

Hey there, job hunters and career crusaders! If you’re on the prowl for your next big gig, it’s time to sharpen those senses. The job market is not just a jungle of opportunities—it’s also teeming with scams waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through it with humor, tips, and a sprinkle of caution. Phony Business Opportunities and Work-At-Home Scams: Imagine this: you’re scrolling through job listings, and one screams, “Make $10,000 a week from home! No experience needed!” Your eyebrows raise, and you think, “Is this real life?” Spoiler alert: it’s probably not. Scammers love to lure in hopefuls with promises of easy money. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. ...

Surviving a Disaster and Dodging Scams: A Quick Guide for Everyone Ah, September! The month that ushers in the cozy vibes of fall and… National Preparedness Month? That’s right, folks, it’s time to dust off those emergency plans and make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way. But wait—there’s more! While prepping for disasters, you also need to be on the lookout for sneaky scammers who love to strike when you’re most vulnerable. Let’s dive in and arm ourselves with knowledge and maybe a tin foil hat or two. ...

Hello, Internet wanderer! Today, we’re diving into a guide straight from the folks at the FBI. No, this isn’t a top-secret mission, but it does involve dodging some sneaky scams. Ready to play detective? Let’s go! The IC3 Conundrum: Navigating Safely First things first, if you’re trying to reach the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — and really, who wouldn’t want to hang out there? — type www.ic3.gov directly into your browser’s address bar. Pretend you’re in an action movie and typing a secret code. No search engine shortcuts, okay? Those “sponsored” results are like the bad guys in disguise, just waiting to lead you astray. ...

Hey there, savvy reader! Ever received a call from someone claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) telling you to move your money because it’s in danger? News flash: That’s a scam! And these scammers are as fake as a three-dollar bill. Let’s dive into how these fraudsters operate and how you can avoid becoming their next victim. The Lowdown on Imposter Scams Scammers love to play dress-up, pretending to be someone important to get their grubby hands on your hard-earned cash. And who better to impersonate than the big shots at the FTC, the very people who are supposed to protect you from fraud? These scammers have no shame! ...

Hey there, fellow guardians of the galaxy! Today, we’re diving into a topic scarier than any horror movie villain: identity theft. But plot twist, it’s not just adults who are at risk. Even kids—especially those in foster care—are prime targets for this digital pickpocketing. These young ones often find themselves moving around more than a game of musical chairs, which unfortunately means more folks have access to their info. So, how can we protect these vulnerable kiddos? Let’s break it down. ...

Picture this: You’re sipping coffee, skimming through your unread emails, and suddenly you notice a message about a credit card you never applied for. Panic sets in as you wonder, “Did someone steal my identity?” Before you start imagining yourself as the lead in a spy thriller, there’s a simple tool you can use to protect yourself: a credit freeze. What is a Credit Freeze? In the world of identity theft, a credit freeze is like putting your credit report in a deep freeze. No one—nada, zip, zilch—can open a new credit account in your name while it’s frozen. This freeze is your personal bouncer, turning away any unwanted guests trying to crash your financial party. ...

In a plot twist that sounds like it came straight out of a daytime soap opera, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Utah Division of Consumer Protection have teamed up like a dynamic duo to tackle the darker corners of the internet. Their latest victory? A settlement with Aylo, the company behind over 100 porn sites, including the infamous Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube. Why? For distributing some seriously illegal content, including child sex abuse materials and non-consensual images. Yikes! ...

Picture this: You’re casually living your best life when bam! – a voicemail from a mystery caller reminds you about a $52,000 loan application you never made. Spoiler alert: It’s a scam! But hey, no worries. Let’s laugh in the face of danger and arm ourselves with the know-how to dodge these crafty crooks. Here’s how the scam goes down: You get an unexpected call from someone claiming you’re “prequalified” for a loan. Plot twist: you aren’t. These tricky callers want you to spill your personal secrets like your Social Security number, bank account digits, or even your birth date. They might spin a tale about an almost-complete application that just needs a smidge more info. Spoiler: still not true. They’ll sprinkle in phrases like “I hope you don’t miss out” or “no pressure” to speed up your decision-making. (Translation: “Hurry up and fall into our trap!”) ...