Scams
10 Worst Things to Keep in Your Wallet
10 Worst Things to Keep in Your Wallet
Storing a spare key, your passport book or card or any of these other important items in your wallet leaves you open to identity theft – or worse.
May 4, 2022
Romance Scams: “I Love You; Send Money”
Romance Scams: “I Love You; Send Money”
Sweetheart swindlers are busier than ever. Be wary of falling in love online.
February 11, 2022
National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins Wants to Help
National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins Wants to Help
Your tax dollars are at work funding a government bureau to help you deal with the IRS. Strange but true! Also, the price of Amazon is going up.
February 10, 2022
Con Artists Target People Who Owe The IRS Money
Con Artists Target People Who Owe The IRS Money
In one scheme, thieves will offer to "help" you pay back taxes, only to leave you on the hook for expensive fees in addition to the taxes.
January 24, 2022
Scammers Target Last-minute Shoppers
Scammers Target Last-minute Shoppers
Products may be in short supply, but potential thieves are not. Be “scam smart” to keep your holiday happy.
December 14, 2021
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How to Help Tornado Victims (Safely)
How to Help Tornado Victims (Safely)
Help is needed, and getting it there quickly matters, but make sure your well-intentioned charity doesn’t end up in the wrong pockets.
December 13, 2021
Watch Out for Job Listing Fraud
Watch Out for Job Listing Fraud
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to find new employment in 2022, be on guard against job-listing scams.
November 22, 2021
Scammers Have Retirees in Their Sights
Scammers Have Retirees in Their Sights
Older adults tend to lose the most money to scams because criminals target them with costly schemes. Here's how you can protect yourself.
November 10, 2021
After Storms, Beware of Flooded Cars for Sale
After Storms, Beware of Flooded Cars for Sale
There's a chance the used car you have your eye on could have been damaged. Here’s what to watch out for.
October 29, 2021
Penny Stocks: Why You Should Always Stay Away
Penny Stocks: Why You Should Always Stay Away
With the exception of some large foreign firms, investors should generally avoid stocks that trade over-the-counter.
August 18, 2021
Keep Momma Away from This Financial Adviser
Keep Momma Away from This Financial Adviser
When a family member wants to be your financial adviser, watch out!
July 16, 2021
Beware of Gift Card Scams
Beware of Gift Card Scams
Threatening calls that you will be arrested or your electricity will be turned off can sound so real. But don’t go running out to buy a gift card to k…
June 27, 2021
Scam Alert: 4 Types of Fraud That Target the Elderly (and How to Beat Them)
Scam Alert: 4 Types of Fraud That Target the Elderly (and How to Beat Them)
Scams target people of all ages, but the most vulnerable tend to be older adults — and the money they lose can have a big impact on their retirement. …
June 10, 2021
Protect Yourself Against New ID-Theft Schemes
Protect Yourself Against New ID-Theft Schemes
Crooks are using more-sophisticated tricks to steal your data. It's time to improve your armor.
May 27, 2021
Pandemic Brings New Scams, Too
Pandemic Brings New Scams, Too
Billions in stimulus funds create new opportunities for fraud ranging from unemployment benefits to vaccine cards.
May 24, 2021
How the Senior Safe Act Protects Your Finances
How the Senior Safe Act Protects Your Finances
The law encourages employees of financial services firms to report cases of suspected elder financial abuse, hopefully leading to more prosecutions of…
May 21, 2021
Tax Refund Scam Targets College Students and Staff
Tax Refund Scam Targets College Students and Staff
The IRS says there's a new phishing scam aimed at people with email addresses ending in ".edu."
March 30, 2021
How to Get Hacked and Become a Victim of Identity Theft
How to Get Hacked and Become a Victim of Identity Theft
Yes, online security can be a drag, but if you’re tempted to click on that fun Facebook quiz or skip your phone update just this one time, here’s what…
March 12, 2021
Retirees, Protect Yourself From Thieves Online
Retirees, Protect Yourself From Thieves Online
Scams targeting the elderly are frequent. Here are some expert ways to build your protection from scammers.
January 27, 2021
Taxes on Retirees — What’s New?
Taxes on Retirees — What’s New?
In this episode of Your Money's Worth, senior tax editor Rocky Mengle talks about the latest update of the Kiplinger Retiree Tax Map. Will states with…
January 26, 2021
Got an Invention? Don’t Fall for These Patent Scams
Got an Invention? Don’t Fall for These Patent Scams
Getting an idea for a cool new product patented is a dream for many creative thinkers, but unfortunately there are plenty of scammers out there ready …
January 14, 2021
Watch Out for Stimulus Check Texting Scam
Watch Out for Stimulus Check Texting Scam
Scammers are sending text messages that trick people into disclosing bank account information to get a $1,200 stimulus check.
November 4, 2020
10 Worst Things to Keep in Your Wallet
10 Worst Things to Keep in Your Wallet
Storing your passport book or card, a spare key, or any of these other important items in your wallet leaves you open to identity theft -- or worse.
October 9, 2020
The Psychology of Being Scammed
The Psychology of Being Scammed
Are you nice? Trusting? Well, you also might be scammed one day, if you’re not careful.
October 5, 2020
Watch Out for COVID Cons
Watch Out for COVID Cons
Isolated seniors are particularly vulnerable to pandemic-related scams.
September 30, 2020
Beware Crooked Contact Tracers
Beware Crooked Contact Tracers
If someone claiming to be a contact tracer asks you for money or requests your Social Security number, that’s a red flag.
August 26, 2020