Archive | Consumer Tips

If you’re trying to clean up your credit, you’ll come across plenty of companies offering an easy fix. But any company promising instant results for a price is likely a scam. The FTC says Grand Teton is one of those companies. In its lawsuit, the FTC says Grand Teton tricked people into paying hundreds – […]

Here’s one that goes to show just how creative scammers can be. The FTC is getting reports that callers claiming to be from Medicare are asking people for their Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal information…in exchange for DNA testing kits. The callers might say the test is a free way to get […]

You can buy practically anything online, including used cars. But before you shell out any hard-earned cash, here’s a warning about scammers trying to sell cars they don’t have or own. Here’s how the scam works: Criminals post ads on online auction and sales websites, like eBay Motors, for inexpensive used cars (that they don’t […]

Just a few weeks ago, the FTC asked consumers to go to ftc.gov/Equifax to find out if your information – like your Social Security number – was exposed in the September 2017 Equifax data breach. At that same website, you can also start a claim for benefits available under the settlement that the FTC and […]

We’ve seen a new twist on the Social Security Administration (SSA) scam recently. Check out this SSA imposter robocall, which says your benefits will end. (That’s not true, by the way.) If you get a call like this, do not press 1. Instead, just hang up and remember: Your Social Security number is not about […]

Crowdfunding is one way to support a project you believe in and get rewards for that support. But the project you’re backing is only as good as the people behind it. Some dishonest people can take your money but produce nothing – no product, no project, and no reward. Here’s how crowdfunding works: People called […]

Summer is near and that means vacations. With so many services offering discount vacations, it’s important to know how to avoid getting scammed. According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are some ways to ensure a relaxing vacation: Do some research First, get recommendations from family and friends on good travel agencies, vacation rentals, hotels […]

For illegal robocallers, the goal isn’t always getting you to answer. Sometimes, it’s getting you to call back. Every so often, your phone may ring once and then stop. If that happens to you, and you do not recognize the number, do not return the call. You may be the target of a “one-ring” phone […]

A new scam targets your direct deposit info and sends your paycheck to a criminal’s account. Please be aware of a scam that has been increasing in regularity, targeting municipal, state and school employees. While seeming to spread from the Midwest at the end of 2018, Upper Freehold (Monmouth County) reported an incident earlier this […]