Scams

The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys have declared war, so to speak, on a number of companies that advertise so-called extended vehicle warranties through the use of deceptive “robo-calls” ... Have you received any robo-calls lately advertising car warranties/service contracts?

For Eva Buck, a single mother of twin girls, it was a stranger’s offer to help her save her family’s home from foreclosure. For small business owner Reuben Quam, it was a promise of big returns on his investment. For grandparents Howard and Barbara Rice, it was a call from a supposed relative in trouble. In every case, it was a scam. More from our Taking Charge in Tough Times seminars ...

Seniors reportedly receive more telephone and mail solicitations than any other age group. Those with dementia can write check after check to charities without understanding how much they’re spending or how the money will be used.

If you received a postcard in the mail saying that your prepaid package containing jewelry is waiting for you and you just need to confirm delivery, would you think it was your lucky day?

A judge ordered a notorious foreclosure rescue scammer to pay more than $3.2 million to victims he wronged plus $179,000 in penalties for violating the Consumer Protection Act ...

The Wizard of Oz hid behind a Web of lies until he was confronted by Dorothy. Here in our own Emerald City, we have an issue with another kind of deceit: SEOs that boast amazing feats.

Scammers are trying to cash in the Swine Flu frenzy. As if the threat of a pandemic weren’t enough, now we have to worry about a potential computer virus epidemic, phishing attacks and bogus prevention products.

This e-mailed advertisement for a “Foreclosure Relief Kit” clogged up a co-worker’s inbox. It looks like an attractively packaged rip-off, if you ask us.

The Washington Attorney General’s Office is leading a 40-state investigation into several businesses that send official-looking postcards warning that your car’s warranty recently expired or will soon. ...

Attorney General Rob McKenna was a guest Tuesday morning on KZOK’s Bob Rivers show. As McKenna talked about all-too-common scams involving fake checks, wire transfers and Craigslist ads, wisecrack Rivers suggested a new prevention strategy ...