scams

Friday, February 28, 2025

Scams related to recent LA wildfires surging

Suzanne Potter, producer/reporter, California News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.   Scams are rising in the wake of the Los Angeles fires, according to a warning on social media from the Pasadena Police Department – so experts have some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. There have been reports of people pretending to be fire victims, approaching shoppers […]
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Don’t let scammers ruin your Valentine’s Day

  Alex Gonzalez, producer/reporter, Arizona News Connection, a bureau of Public News Service.   Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and experts want to caution everyone to be careful with whom they are talking to online. The National Retail Federation estimated more than 50% of consumers will spend more than $27 billion on the holiday. Some will get caught up in online fraud […]
Monday, December 30, 2024

Warnings about end-of-the-year scams

Suzanne Potter, producer/reporter, California News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.   Many people in California are still expecting holiday packages this week and the U.S. Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for “smishing” scams. John Hyatt, strategic communication specialist for the United States Postal Service, said smishing is the practice of sending fake text messages to […]
Saturday, September 7, 2024

Watch out for election scams

  Shanteya Hudson, producer/reporter, North Carolina News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.    Scammers are on the prowl this election season. They target the emotions of voters to steal donations, seek polling information, or gain their financial data. The Better Business Bureau is warning residents about bad actors impersonating campaigns and nonprofit organizations. Meredith Radford, senior communications specialist […]
Saturday, July 27, 2024

Burbank Police seeking information on grand theft suspect

Burbank Police are on the hunt for a grand theft suspect who reportedly carried out a phone scam. The victim lost a lot of money because he mistakenly believed he was purchasing a well-known computer anti-virus software from a legitimate source. However, that was not the case. In a news release this week, the BPD revealed details of the scam, […]
Sunday, June 30, 2024

Watch out for summertime scams

  By Edwin J. Viera, producer/reporter, Connecticut News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.   Amid the fun in the sun, residents everywhere should be on the alert for summertime scams. Fake utility workers Utility company impostor scams are prominent this time of year. Scammers might pose as utility company employees offering a home energy audit. Homeowners are asked […]