- 2007 Fraudulent e-mails claiming to be from the Department of Justice, FBI or other agency could infect your computer
- Be Wary of Puppy Scams
- Phony Checks for Apartments, Other Services
- "Mystery Shopper" employment scam
- Air Crash in 1999 Continues to Fuel Scams Today
- “Phishing” Scam Takes New Tact
- Consumers Finding Romance Scams with Some Internet Dating Services
Fraudulent e-mails claiming to be from the Department of Justice, FBI or other agency could infect your computer
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently become aware of fraudulent spam e-mail messages claiming to be from the agency. Based upon complaints from the public, it is believed that the fraudulent messages are addressed “Dear Citizen.”
The messages state that the recipients of this e-mail are currently the subject of complaints filed with DOJ and the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, such e-mail messages may provide a case number, and state that the complaint was “filled [sic] by Mr. Henry Stewart.”
A DOJ logo may appear at the top of the e-mail message or in an attached file making it appear to be authentic. Opening that attachment may result in the installation of malicious software on the recipient's computer. More about Fradulent e-mails
Don’t fall for the promise of a free iPhone.
BBB warns that offers for “free” merchandise can cost you in the end
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is helping people to spot and avoid legal, but deceptive advertising that lures unsuspecting consumers with free product promotions. Offers to consumers range from low-end gift cards, to high-value items such as iPods, video gaming systems, laptop computers, high definition televisions, and even the much-anticipated Apple iPhone – despite the fact that it won’t even be available until late June. Last year, the BBB System logged more than 5,200 complaints against online and direct mail marketers. Many consumers complained that, despite jumping through the considerable hoops – which often included buying pricey merchandise and services or providing friends’ e-mail addresses – they didn’t receive the “free” merchandise they were promised or were billed for other merchandise they didn’t want. More about "free" merchansdise scam
Be Wary of Puppy Scams
People longing for a canine companion are being targeted by con artists
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) are warning consumers about scams targeting unsuspecting puppy buyers. Both the AKC and the CBBB have recently received a number of reports from consumers throughout the nation who have lost money after responding to online or newspaper classified advertising. Commonly, the scammer — posing as a breeder — will place an ad offering free or inexpensive puppies. Communicating solely through e-mails, the scammer may claim that he/she is affiliated with a religious organization and is being relocated to a foreign country and needs to find a new home for the puppies. More on Pupy scams
Phony Checks for Apartments, Other Services
After placing ads on the Internet, people are receiving bogus checks or money orders with instructions to send back thousands of dollars
Internet ads for apartment rentals are getting the attention of con artists. Posing as consumers interested in renting an apartment, these schemes are sending bogus checks or money orders to apartment owners.
The value of these bogus checks is always well above the first month's rent or deposit. The con artist asks that a large portion of this check be sent back (usually in the form of a moneygram) allegedly to cover moving expenses or other costs.
People have lost thousands of dollars because they sent back money before their bank discovers that the original check or money order is fake. More on phony check scams.
"Mystery Shopper" employment scam
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection warns that bogus checks are going to New Yorkers looking for part-time jobs as 'secret' shoppers
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection is warning job seekers to ignore letters claiming to offer a job – and a check – from a "mystery shopper" company in Canada called Service Intelligence or Service Access.
Scam artists are using the name and logo of a legitimate Canadian firm – Service Intelligence, Inc. – to mail phony job offers to be a mystery shopper. The letters contain bogus checks and the victims are instructed to deposit the checks; keep $300 as pay and return the rest to an address in Canada. More about Mystery Shopper scam
Air Crash in 1999 Continues to Fuel Scams Today
Family member joins the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection in warning that scam artists are using crash of EgyptAir Flight 990 in 'Nigerian' advance-payment scams
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers that scam artists continue to use the 1999 crash of EgyptAir Flight 990 to perpetrate so-called "Nigerian 419" scams against unknowing victims here in New York and throughout the United States.
The controversial air crash, in which 217 people died after a pilot deliberately crashed the jet into the Atlantic Ocean, has fed "419" or advance-fee scams for the past seven years. A new round of letters and e-mails are now being sent to an unknown number of unsuspecting New Yorkers, promising them a share of money allegedly left by one of the passengers. More about this scam
“Phishing” Scam Takes New Tact
New series of phony e-mails warns consumers right up front: We're phishing for your personal, financial information
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection is advising consumers to be aware of a new series of "phishing" e-mails that are boldly labeled "Phishing" in the subject header.
Division investigators have uncovered a new version of an Internet scam – using deceptive e-mails to trick consumers into providing valuable personal information with which to engage in identity theft. More about this Phishing Scam
Consumers Finding Romance Scams with Some Internet Dating Services
Use your head while following your heart
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection has released a list of Dating Service Do's and Don'ts based on the latest consumer complaints and scams now appearing in many online matchmaking services.
Scam artists are always looking to exploit vulnerable people, which is why dating services can be prime targets for financial ripoffs. With hundreds of sites available, online dating is one of the most-popular means of meeting a partner. But if one is not careful, you could end up with a broken heart and a drained bank account.
Con artists can gain the trust of people searching for soulmates online and when they meet Mr. or Ms. Right, they can be easy targets for fraud. More information about this scam