build trust and then ask for money to allegedly help them pay off bills or make large purchases. These scams can be tricky to spot, but a good rule of thumb is that if something feels fishy to you, it probably is!
These are just a few things to keep an eye out for. Scams can take many forms—and scammers are always evolving. Some fraudsters may even still be trying to use confusion about the pandemic throughCOVID-19 scams. How to avoid scams and protect yourself The following tips can help you pr...
Scammers often use unidentifiable or frequently changing contact details to avoid detection. Research the contact information provided to check if it’s linked to a reputable agency. If you cannot confirm the authenticity of the supposed debt collector’s contact information, don’t respond further ...
Did you get a phone call, letter, or message about unfamiliar debt? It could be a scam. Learn the latest debt collector scams and how to stay safe.
Learn about the different types of social media scams and how to avoid them to stay safe from data breaches, identity theft and revenue loss.
While paying debts so they don’t negatively affect your credit score is generally in your best interest, you might not want to reset the clock on old debt. If you’re not careful, you could reset the clock and open yourself up to legal action. You may want to avoid taking certain ...
Common Types of Consumer Debt That Go to Collections Any bill can go to a collection agency. Your best friend could hire a debt collector for the money you owe, unlikely as that is. If the money you owe does end up with a debt collector, the most likely suspects will be past due bil...
Avoid websites where the URL doesn't have a padlock or 'https' at the start Another common tactic used by phishing attacks is to imply a sense of urgency. Often, phishing scams might tell a person they have just a few short hours to respond to the message, instilling fear and makin...
Common types of debt include credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, student loans, and utility bills. How can I negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? Start by contacting the debt collector to discuss your situation. Offer a lump sum payment or a payment plan that is less ...
The most common is stealing your personal data — like your SSN or W-2 — and filing a fake tax return on your behalf. They might also pose as tax preparers and steal your information instead of helping you. One recent tax scam to be aware of is the “IRS debt collector” fraud....