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Free Credit Report Scams Aren't Going Away
By now we all know about the not-so-free nature of those FreeCreditReport.com services; a few of you even say you've fallen for its misleading practices. But even after the government publicly condemned the site, "free" credit monitoring services — which require you to sign up for a paid service, but promise you can cancel at any time — are popping up everywhere.
One friend recently had a particularly nasty experience with one of these companies while apartment hunting.
Life Experience Degrees Still Fooling People
Jefferson High School, Belford High School, and Belford University sound as real as any learning institution — except diplomas from these online "schools" aren't recognized by anyone. The Better Business Bureau is familiar with the names after receiving complaints about the programs, which offer diplomas after paying for and taking a single online test, but these diplomas are far from genuine.
People seeking to improve their lives stumble upon scammy online schools while searching for alternative ways to earn high school diplomas and even medical degrees.
Don't Let a Stripping Woman Ruin Your European Vacation
It would be tough to pass by a chaotic scene like a woman stripping down to prove her innocence against a shoplifting accusation, but in the name of your traveling cash, it's best to keep walking. MSNBC reports that one of the many scams used to trap tourists involves an attractive young woman versus a street vendor, and once she's in her skivvies, all is forgiven and the crowd disperses. The woman gets to put her clothes back on, while tourists might find their wallets have disappeared during the commotion.
Beware of Michael Jackson Scams
If you've been spending your lunch hour scrolling through the many listings for Michael Jackson memorabilia, then make sure your sentiments don't get the best of you by purchasing something unauthentic. What's more, you should have your guard up when an email enters your inbox claiming that you (yes, you!) could own a special piece of history. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), you're a fool to respond to any email offering one-of-a-kind items from Jackson's life.
Businesses Caught Playing Dirty on Twitter
Celebrities aren't the only ones with Twitter imposters. More and more businesses are using Twitter to communicate with their customers, and the results have been mostly positive. The site allows companies to quickly respond to customer complaints, which saves many hours of waiting on hold, and it gives the companies' customer service a more competent edge.
Ask Savvy: Help! My Friend Is Involved in a Pyramid Scheme
Dear Savvy,
I have a friend who just "invested" into this MTM (like Amway) business. He's been posting about it all over Facebook and trying to convince his friends and family to join. He claims that it's legit and "it's early on, so you're guaranteed to make money."
Identity Scammers Targeting Online Job Seekers
An internal red flag should go up whenever you're asked to provide your social security number. Always ask yourself why the person would need your SSN for their purposes. Sure, it makes sense for a credit card carrier to ask for the number to verify your identity.
News Flash: Questionable Charges on US Credit Cards
Have you ever heard of a NY based company called Adele Services? No? That's because it doesn't exist, but credit card holders across the country became familiar with the phantom company when it recently appeared on their statements.
Hold On to Your Money: Don't Fall For This Scam!
If you've gotten a threatening call from any of these alleged parties lately, it's likely you're a scam target: U.S. National Bank, Federal Investigation Bureau and United Legal Processing, Denzel Washington, and Steve Martin, have all been used by a group of scammers pretending to be debt collectors. They use classic intimidation tactics like impending arrest if victims don't pay their (non-existent) debts and calling people at any available number.
IRS Says Scammers Are Reaching For Rebate Checks
While you already know when you're going to get your rebate check, some scammers are doing their best to get in their way of you and your check finally coming together. The IRS just issued the top 12 tax scams — usual suspects like phishing and hiding income offshore made the list, but this year scammers have been trying to squeeze money from the economic stimulus rebate checks.
The bad guys gather other people's financial information by convincing them it's the only way to receive their rebates.
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