Who doesn’t dream of becoming an instant millionaire? You might even have some detailed plans for how you’d spend an unexpected windfall if it were to happen. Imagine if a distant relative who’d been rolling in the stuff suddenly passed on and left you as their sole heir. Your dreams could now become a reality! Wouldn’t you do anything to make that happen? That’s what some underhanded scammers are counting on. Inheritance fraud has been around for a while, but scammers have recently made their ploy even more convincing. If you’ve been targeted, you’ll receive a long-winded email from a…

The NCUA has noted an increase in check scams. These scams come in a variety of forms, but the most common ones are: From someone purchasing something online  – In this scenario, you receive a check for more than what you’re selling for, and instructed to send the extra to some third party, usually because the buyer owes that person money. It’s a convoluted story, but many sellers get trapped in it. Work from home opportunities – A fake job posting sends you an advance and asks that you deposit a portion of it a specific account. Advance on sweepstakes…

Criminals masquerading as employees of the Federal Reserve are scamming consumers, often getting money and account information out of their victims. Here’s what you need to know. Scam Details Victims are contacted about a federal grant they have access to. The fraudsters will tell them that an application fee will start the process of releasing the grant funds. Victims are instructed to pay the fee via wire transfer, GreenDot Moneypack cards, or gift cards (usually Amazon or Apple), and typically over $200. They’re also told to give their account information so the funds can be direct deposited once the application…

Last month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took a handful of firms to court for collecting illegal fees from consumers looking to better manage their debt. The firms included Howard Law, P.C., the Williamson Law Firm, LLC, and Williamson & Howard, LLP. Attorneys Vincent Howard and Lawrence Williamson ran their debt relief operation alongside Morgan Drexen, Inc. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to debt relief scams or simply pay for services they don’t really need or benefit from. Here are red flags to look out for: Upfront Fees The Telemarketing Sales Rule clearly states that firms cannot charge fees upfront.…

“Can you hear me now?” is the once-popular tagline of Verizon commercials, but it’s also the headline of a new scam. Scammers making robocalls will ask some innocuous question. Once the targeted person says “yes,” a recording is made of the response and it is used to sign up the target for unwanted, expensive services. It’s a scheme that’s been targeted at businesses before, but it has now shifted targeting to individual consumers across the country. Scheme variants Robocallers have gotten increasingly sophisticated over the years. They’re doing everything in their power to mimic real sales calls. A pleasant-sounding voice…