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Refund and Recovery Scams
If you’ve been scammed, someone might promise to help you get your money back –– if you pay in advance. That’s another scam.
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Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams
You get a call, email, or letter saying you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize — like an iPad, a new car, or something else.
Consumer Alert
Did someone tell you to pay with gift cards? It’s a scam
Maybe someone said you’ve won the lottery, a prize or sweepstakes.
Consumer Alert
This “game” is a chain letter scam
Are you tempted to play “The Circle Game,” join a “Blessing Loom,” or jump on a “Money Board”?
Consumer Alert
What's a money mule scam?
Scammers may try to use you to move stolen money. If you help them, you could be what law enforcement calls a money mule.
Consumer Alert
No prizes from the FTC
Recently, someone showed up at the door of the FTC to ask about his prize. He had a mailing saying he’d won $5 million – and the FTC had “certified and verified” it.
Consumer Alert
Winners are losers in lottery & sweepstakes scams
You get a card, call, or email telling you that you won! Maybe it’s a lottery, sweepstakes, or some other prize. The person calling is excited and can’t wait for you to get your winnings.
Consumer Alert
The FTC will never ask you to send money
If someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) contacts you and asks you to send money, it’s a scam. Do not pay.
Consumer Alert
New deadline for Western Union settlement requests
Did you lose money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017?