Savvy consumers typically have good reason to look twice if they receive a piece of mail promising a debit card from the federal government. However, as the U.S. Treasury continues to issue economic impact payments, or “stimulus checks,” to Americans affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it has begun mailing out prepaid debit cards for consumers whose banking information it doesn’t have. ...

Public health officials are rolling out COVID-19 contact tracing programs to help slow the spread of the disease by informing people who have had contact with someone who has tested positive. Of course, scammers are finding nefarious ways to use these efforts for their personal gain...

Home security systems often provide homeowners with peace of mind, and the sign in front of your residence provides a warning to would-be burglars. Unfortunately, door-to-door scammers or deceptive salespeople have been known to use alarm system sales and maintenance to take advantage of consumers...

When the heat index reaches the 100s, the last thing anyone wants is for the air conditioning to stop working – least of all when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has many consumers spending most of their time at home. But when the air conditioning does fail, you need a reliable contractor – and fast...

When cash runs short and bills are looming, some consumers look to payday loans. If not approached with caution, these loans can snowball into a significant debt obligation of their own, with high interest rates and high-pressure collection tactics...

With a vast variety of financial institutions at their fingertips, many consumers are choosing online-only banks or credit unions. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has closed many bank and credit union offices to person-to-person transactions, the appeal of an online-only bank has grown. However, financial institutions that operate only online aren’t without their pros and cons...

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended the global economy, disrupted countless companies’ operations and shaken many Americans’ personal finances. If the coronavirus crisis has affected your finances to the point that you’re having difficulty repaying a loan, you should reach out to the lender right away to discuss your options. ...

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic stretches the limits of the health care system, demand for certain medical equipment is far outpacing the supply of these items. This shortage creates a ripe environment for scammers. Even businesses, medical providers and government agencies have fallen victim when trying to obtain ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, and more, according to a new warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)...

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s destructive impact on the U.S. economy has landed millions of workers in the unemployment line. Compounding the situation, social distancing has forced work online in many industries. Unfortunately, online employment scams are rampant, and job seekers must exercise caution in their hunt...

With most Americans under orders to stay at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many people are turning to social media for a fun distraction. Taking a Facebook quiz about how well you know a friend or what character from your favorite TV show best matches your personality may seem like a harmless way to pass the time while quarantined, but it could also give scammers your personal information for nefarious purposes...

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has closed countless offices and driven thousands of Americans to work from home. But working out of your home is no occasion to relax your computer practices. You should be just as diligent about protecting your files and personal information from fraud as you would in the office...

As the federal government prepares to send relief payments to Americans affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, consumers must be wary of scammers who may take advantage of media reports on the initiative...

When spring storms cause roofs to spring a leak or the house needs a new roof altogether, a roofer is one of the most critical contractors a consumer can hire...

As the United States tries to halt the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), scammers look to make money off the global pandemic...

The snowballing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has led to skyrocketing prices for high-demand items like hand sanitizer and face masks. Price gouging is not only deeply unethical, but likely illegal...

Watch Out For Travel Scams During Spring Break...

By now, many high school seniors have finished their college applications and are waiting for results. That means it’s time to start thinking about how a family or individual is going to pay for it...

Finding a house or apartment to rent can be a time-consuming, frustrating business, especially in areas where rentals are in high demand...

Once warm weather settles in, summer will be right around the corner. For parents, it’s time to look for camps – day or overnight – that will keep their children safe and engaged when school is not in session...

According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, Valentine’s Day spending this year is expected to top $27 billion. Special dinners, jewelry and flowers all account for large percentages of the spending...