Here’s how it works: Someone contacts you asking for a donation to their charity. It sounds like a group you’ve heard of, it seems real, and you want to help. How can you tell what charity is legitimate and what’s a scam? Scammers want your money quickly. Charity scammers often pressure you to donate right […]

Looking for a new job can be a daunting process, and frequently involves the exchange of personal information with complete strangers–which is why job seekers are an enticing target for cyber criminals. Conduct a web search of the hiring company using the company name only. Results that return multiple websites for the same company (e.g. […]

Charity scams are a predictable feature of any major disaster. Usually, these scams have tell-tale signs such as typos, odd return email addresses and aggressive marketing language. Just to be safe, check for guidance from bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission, and avoid opening any messages with senders you don’t recognize.

The IRS is the only source of official guidance on tax refunds and stimulus payments. The agency doesn’t directly email individuals and will instead reach out only via mail. For all other information, the IRS website is your best bet, as it includes lots of FAQs and some online tools for helping you calculate tax […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a surge in charitable giving, with many high-profile events capturing the public’s attention. The iHeart Radio Living Room Concert for America, hosted by Elton John on March 29, 2020, was one such occasion: It brought in $10 million in donations and was watched by nearly 9 million viewers across the […]

Fraudsters are fond of setting up fake e-commerce sites in times of crisis. Prior to making a purchase, read reviews to hear what others say about the merchant. In addition, look for a physical location and any customer service information. It’s also a good idea to call the merchant to confirm that they are legitimate.