A Scammer Has My Information: What They Can Do and How to Fix It
Gave a scammer your Social Security number, bank login, card number, a code or your phone number? What each lets them do, the free fixes and your federal rights.
27 min read
Scam and Fraud Laws
81 articles · page 1 of 2
Alabama Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Alabama buyers of personal goods or services who lost money to a deceptive practice may sue under the DTPA, usually after a 15-day demand. Crypto ATM refunds.
17 min read
Alaska Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Alaska scam victims who lost money to a deceptive practice in trade can seek 3x damages or $500, plus fees if they win. Where to report, crypto ATM refunds, elder help.
17 min read
Arizona Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Arizona's Consumer Fraud Act covers deception in selling goods or services; a 1974 ruling lets people harmed by it sue. Where to report, plus elder and crypto ATM rules.
17 min read
Arkansas Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Arkansas lets a person who lost money by relying on a deceptive practice sue for that actual loss, no triple damages. Where to report, elder rules, crypto ATMs.
19 min read
Bank Refused Your Scam Refund? How to Challenge a Fraud Claim Denial
Bank denied your scam or fraud claim? See what it must give you in writing, how to push back, which regulator to complain to, and when federal law lets you sue.
22 min read
California Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
California scam victims harmed by a practice the CLRA bans can sue for damages (fees if they win) after a 30-day notice. Where to report, elder protections.
21 min read
Can I Sue a Scammer? When a Lawyer Actually Helps After a Scam
Most scam victims gain little from hiring a lawyer. Learn when one helps: a bank that broke federal rules, broker fraud, a scammer you can find, and fake law firms.
27 min read
Charity and Disaster Scams: Warning Signs and How to Check a Charity
How to spot a fake charity or disaster relief scam, check a charity with the IRS search tool, give safely on crowdfunding sites, and what to do if you already gave.
19 min read
Colorado Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Right to Sue (2026)
Colorado consumers hurt by a deceptive practice with public impact can sue for actual damages or $500, or 3x for proven bad faith. Here is where to report a scam.
19 min read
Connecticut Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report and CUTPA (2026)
Connecticut scam victims with an ascertainable loss from a deceptive trade practice can sue under CUTPA. Where to report, elder protections and crypto ATM rules.
18 min read
Crypto and Investment Scams: Pig Butchering and Bitcoin ATM Scams
How pig butchering and fake crypto trading platforms work, why you should never pay a fee to withdraw, bitcoin ATM scams, and what to do if you sent crypto.
17 min read
D.C. Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
D.C. consumers can sue a merchant under the CPPA for treble damages or $1,500 per violation. Where to report a scam in D.C., elder protections and small claims.
18 min read
Debt Relief and Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Signs and Your Rights
How to spot debt relief, student loan forgiveness and credit repair scams. Federal law bars many upfront fees. Learn your rights and where to report.
20 min read
Delaware Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Delaware lets victims of fraud tied to a sale or ad sue under its Consumer Fraud Act; victims 65+ or disabled can recover fees and extra damages. Where to report.
21 min read
Elder Fraud: Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Report Them
Elder fraud explained: the scams that cost older adults the most, grandparent and AI voice scams, warning signs, how families can help, and where to report.
22 min read
Fake Check and Money Mule Scams: Why the Victim Can Owe the Bank
A check that shows as available can still bounce, and the FTC says you can end up repaying the bank. What federal law says about fake checks and money mules.
20 min read
Florida Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Florida scam victims: where to report, suing under FDUTPA for actual damages, elder exploitation protections, bank holds, and the crypto ATM law starting in 2027.
16 min read
FTC Asks Whether Its Impersonation Rule Should Reach Platform Ad Tools
The FTC opened an advance notice asking whether its Impersonation Rule should cover platform ad-optimization tools. Comments are due November 30, 2026.
12 min read
Georgia Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Georgians hurt by deceptive consumer practices can sue under the FBPA after a 30-day demand; 3x damages only if intentional. Where to report and elder protections.
19 min read
Gift Card Scams: What to Do If You Paid a Scammer With a Gift Card
Only scammers demand payment by gift card, the FTC says. If you already paid, call the card company now, keep the card and receipt, and know what the law covers.
16 min read
Government Impersonation Scams: IRS, Social Security, Jury Duty, Police
How IRS, Social Security, jury duty, arrest warrant and Medicare impostor scams work, how real agencies contact you, where to report, and the federal law.
20 min read
Grandparent Scams and Family Emergency Scams: Signs and What to Do
How grandparent and family emergency scams work, from fake lawyers and cash couriers to virtual kidnapping, what to do in the first hour, and where to report.
18 min read
Hawaii Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Hawaii consumers hurt by a deceptive practice can sue for the greater of $1,000 or 3x damages plus fees. Where to report, elder protections, crypto kiosk ban.
18 min read
Home Repair and Contractor Scams: Signs and Your Right to Cancel
How to spot a home repair or storm-chaser contractor scam, what to do now, and when the FTC Cooling-Off Rule lets you cancel a contract signed at home within 3 business days.
18 min read
How to Get Money Back After a Scam: Your Rights by Payment Method
Lost money to a scam? Your refund rights depend on how you paid. Federal deadlines and first steps for cards, bank transfers, Zelle, wires, gift cards and crypto.
25 min read
How to Tell if Something Is a Scam: Texts, Calls, Emails and Websites
Check a suspicious text, email, call, website, QR code or payment request yourself. The tells for each channel, and the one rule that stops most scams.
20 min read
I Got Scammed: What to Do, How to Get Money Back, Where to Report
Scammed? What to do in the first hour, the FTC's four warning signs, your refund rights by payment method, recovery scams to avoid, and when a lawyer actually helps.
29 min read
Idaho Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Idaho scam victims who bought or leased goods or services can sue under the ICPA for actual damages or $1,000 plus fees. Where to report, elder holds, deadlines.
20 min read
Illinois Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Illinois lets a person with actual damage from a deceptive act in trade or commerce sue under the Consumer Fraud Act. Where to report, crypto ATM refunds, elder law.
21 min read
Indiana Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Indiana lets a person deceived by a business in a consumer deal sue for actual damages or $500, maybe more if willful. Where to report, elder rights, the crypto ATM ban.
17 min read
Iowa Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Iowa consumers who lose money to deception in a sale of household goods or services can sue under Chapter 714H. Where to report, elder rules, and crypto ATM law.
19 min read
Job Scams and Task Scams: Fake Job Offers, Red Flags, What to Do
How to spot fake job offers, task scams and reshipping jobs, what to do if you paid or gave your SSN, and what FTC and FBI data show about job scam losses.
23 min read
Kansas Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Kansas consumers hurt by a supplier's deceptive practice can sue under the KCPA for damages or up to $10,000 a violation. Where to report, elder rules, crypto ATMs.
19 min read
Kentucky Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Kentucky scam victims who bought goods or services for personal use can sue for actual damages under KRS 367.220. Where to report, elder protections, deadlines.
18 min read
Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams: Fake PCH Calls and Prize Fees
Real prizes are free. How to spot fake Publishers Clearing House and foreign lottery scams, what federal law says, and what to do if you already paid.
19 min read
Louisiana Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Louisiana scam victims who lost money to a deceptive trade practice can sue under LUTPA within one year. Where to report, crypto ATM refunds and bank holds.
18 min read
Mail Theft and Check Washing: What to Do If Your Check Was Stolen
Check stolen from the mail and washed? Call your bank right away and report it to USPIS. How check washing works, who pays, and how to protect your mail.
15 min read
Maine Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Maine household buyers who lost money to a deceptive practice can sue for actual damages, plus fees if they win, after a 30-day demand. Where to report, crypto ATMs.
17 min read
Maryland Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Maryland lets a person who lost money to a practice its Consumer Protection Act bans sue for that loss. Where to report, elder bank holds, crypto ATM limits.
18 min read
Massachusetts Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, How to Sue
Massachusetts lets a person injured by a deceptive practice in trade or commerce sue under Chapter 93A after a 30-day demand. Where to report and elder protections.
18 min read
Medicare and Health Insurance Scams: Warning Signs and Reporting
How to spot Medicare and health insurance scams, from free genetic tests and braces to broker plan switching, read your Medicare Summary Notice, and report fraud.
17 min read
Michigan Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Michigan lets a person who loses money to a business's deceptive consumer practice sue for actual damages or $250 plus fees. Where to report, elder protections.
15 min read
Minnesota Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Minnesota consumers hurt by fraud in a sale can sue for damages and attorney fees. Where to report a scam, elder protections, bank holds and the crypto ATM ban.
20 min read
Mississippi Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Mississippi lets people who bought goods or services for personal use sue the seller for their loss. Where to report scams, crypto ATM limits, and elder protections.
17 min read
Missouri Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Missouri buyers who lost money to a deceptive personal-use sale may sue under the MMPA for actual damages, no treble. Where to report, elder and crypto ATM rules.
18 min read
Montana Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Montana consumers who buy or lease can sue for their loss or $500, up to 3x if $100,000 or less, but fees cut both ways. Where to report, elder rules, deadlines.
18 min read
Nebraska Scam and Fraud Laws (2026): Where to Report, Right to Sue
Nebraska scam victims injured in business or property may sue for actual damages and fees, no treble, if the public interest is affected. Where to report.
18 min read
Nevada Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Nevada lets a victim of consumer fraud, as NRS 41.600 defines it, sue for damages with fees if they win. Where to report, elder protections and bank holds.
18 min read
New Hampshire Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report and Sue (2026)
Someone injured by a deceptive business practice in New Hampshire may sue for actual damages or $1,000 (2x-3x if willful), unless exempt. Where to report.
15 min read
New Jersey Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Right to Sue
New Jersey scam victims with an ascertainable loss from a deceptive sale may sue under the Consumer Fraud Act for triple damages. Where to report, elder protections.
16 min read
New Mexico Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Right to Sue (2026)
New Mexico law lets a buyer who lost money or property to an unlawful trade practice sue for damages or $100, and fees if they win. Where to report, elder help, deadlines.
17 min read
New York Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
New Yorkers injured by a deceptive business practice can sue under GBL 349 for actual damages or $50. Where to report a scam, elder protections and small claims.
17 min read
North Carolina Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, How to Sue
North Carolina lets a person injured by an unfair or deceptive practice in commerce sue for triple damages. Where to report a scam, elder protections, deadlines.
15 min read
North Dakota Scam and Fraud Laws: Reporting and Your Right to Sue
North Dakota lets any person sue someone who took their money through a deceptive sale, up to 3x if knowing. Where to report, elder protections, crypto ATM limits.
18 min read
Ohio Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Ohio consumers deceived by a business can sue under the CSPA for actual damages; triple damages only in some cases. Where to report, elder protections, deadlines.
15 min read
Oklahoma Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Oklahoma consumers harmed by a business's deceptive practice can sue for actual damages plus fees, not triple. Where to report, crypto ATM refunds, elder rules.
20 min read
Online Shopping and Marketplace Scams: Warning Signs and What to Do
How to spot fake online stores, social media ad scams and Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist scams, what to do if you paid, and where to report it.
18 min read
Oregon Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Oregon: if a business's willful deception cost you money, the UTPA allows actual damages or $200 within 1 year. Elder treble damages, bank holds, where to report.
17 min read
Pennsylvania Attorney General Sues Over Alleged Fake Spotted Lanternfly Permit Mailings
Pennsylvania's attorney general sued Kevin Wardell and Diverse Solutions over alleged fake spotted lanternfly permit mailings. The real permits cost nothing.
12 min read