Scam Alerts: Beware Unattended ATMs, Down-Payment Fraud
Fresh hustles and cons you need to avoid.
Hucksters and scammers are constantly on the move trying to get at your money — and stay one step ahead of the law. Here are a couple of the latest scams:
Suspect ATMs. If you need cash for a visit to a ballpark, concert or festival this summer, you may want to swing by your bank first rather than withdraw money from an unattended ATM at the event. If you do use one, look for skimming devices on the card-insertion slot. Skimming fraud, in which crooks grab your debit card information by installing stealth devices on ATMs, has reached an all-time high, rising 546% from 2014 to 2015, according to FICO Card Alert Service. Most vulnerable are nonbank ATMs, which accounted for 60% of compromises.
Disappearing down payments. Some consumers are showing up to close on a home purchase only to discover that their down payment is lost in the ether, warn the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Realtors. Scammers hack into the e-mail accounts of real estate and title agents and send buyers instructions to wire funds to an alternate account. Before you respond to a credible-looking e-mail with wiring instructions, call your contact at a verifiable phone number to confirm.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
How to Max Out Your 401(k) in 2026 (New Limits are Higher)In 2026, the maximum contribution limits for 401(k) plans have increased, giving you an excellent shot at maximizing your retirement savings.
-
Don't Trade After-Hours Without Reading ThisAre you a night owl or an early bird with a yen for active trading? Before you transact after-hours, consider these tips and potential traps.
-
8 Ways to Declutter Your Life: Retirement 'Non-Resolutions'Here's how to stop wasting your energy on things that don't enhance your new chapter and focus on the things that do.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Now if You Think Your Identity Was StolenIf you suspect your identity was stolen, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself, but make sure you take action fast.
-
The 8 Financial Documents You Should Always ShredIdentity Theft The financial documents piling up at home put you at risk of fraud. Learn the eight types of financial documents you should always shred to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity TheftIdentity Theft Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.
-
12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud and ScamsIdentity Theft Think you can spot the telltale signs of frauds and scams? Follow these 12 tips to stay safe from evolving threats and prevent others from falling victim.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This SummerIdentity Theft These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against Identity Theft in 2025Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study ShowsScams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
