Readers of this column had a lot to say when I wrote that scam artists had sent out e-mails supposedly from Citibank. You shared your own stories and tips on how to avoid cons.
I also warned you about a scam e-mail that told recipients their bank had failed and that they needed to download a file from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. There certainly was no shortage of scams over the past year. Many of them tried to take advantage of people hit hard by the recession.
For example, the sagging economy inspired several schemes that targeted the unemployed and homeowners behind on their mortgages. In Scams Exploit Hard Times, we wrote about a woman who receive a letter promising to help prevent foreclosure on her home -- if she sent a check for $921. She sent in the money and never heard back from the company.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Identity thieves went after job hunters by posing as prospective employers and asking for the Social Security numbers and other information from people who had posted their résumés online. Work-at-home schemes promised hundreds of dollars a week for little work but delivered no job after people sent in fees. These were just a few of the many job-search scams.
Early in the year, we warned readers about stimulus-related schemes, including ads promising big checks and e-mails claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS, however, never send e-mails to taxpayers.
Consumer Reports has its own round-up schemes. Check out its list of the Top 10 Scams of 2009. And make sure you don't become a victim in 2010.
-
Focus on These Five Critical Areas in Retirement PlanningWorried about how you'll pay for your retirement? It can help to structure your finances around five key areas: taxes, income, medical, legacy and investments.
-
Is Downsizing Right for Your Retirement?The lower costs of a smaller home in retirement might sound appealing, but be ready for the trade-offs that come with making this big decision.
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study ShowsScams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
Tired of Scam Text Messages? The FCC Cracks DownNew scam text message rules from the FCC require carriers to block texts from bad numbers and protect consumers.
-
Tax Scam: IRS Warns Taxpayers Against Filing False W-2 InfoScams A new tax scam on social media advises lying on your W-2 to falsely claim credits and bigger refunds.
-
Beware Fake Disney Plus Emails That Steal Your Bank InformationFake Disney Plus billing messages enable scammers to access your bank account and drain your funds.
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane IanBuying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
-
The Best Way to Protect a Parent from ScammersScams Adult children worried about their parents’ ability to spot and avoid fraud have several options to help protect them, including a durable power of attorney, a guardianship and a revocable trust. Which might be best for your family?
