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Scams and Fraud Prevention

Scams and fraud prevention covers how to recognize, avoid, and report schemes that try to take money or personal information. Scammers pose as businesses, agencies, and lenders, and use mail, phone, and online methods. The Federal Trade Commission, law enforcement, and state attorneys general take reports and bring cases.

People usually ask how to spot common scams, where to report fraud, what to do after losing money or information, how mail and identity theft are handled, and how agencies protect people from benefit and investment fraud.

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September 28last updated

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Latest in Scams and Fraud Prevention

Scams and Fraud Prevention

How to Spot and Report Common Scams

Learn the warning signs in common scams, from AI voice cloning to QR code fraud, and see where to report each type and steps that may…

Scams and Fraud Prevention

Why Mail Fraud Is a Federal Crime

Learn why mail fraud became a federal crime, tracing the law from an 1872 statute to today's rules on intent, mailings, and penalties reaching 20 to…

United States Postal Service

How to Protect Your Mail From Theft

Protect your mail from theft with daily collection habits, free USPS tools like Informed Delivery and Hold Mail, and steps to take in the first 24…

United States Postal Service

What to Do About Stolen Mail

Stolen mail can lead to check fraud and identity theft. Learn who to call, how to report it, and whether to use a fraud alert or…

All Articles on Scams and Fraud Prevention

How to Identify and Report FEMA Fraud After a Disaster

In the chaotic aftermath of a disaster, when individuals and communities are at their most vulnerable, a secondary threat often emerges: fraud. Criminals and…

26 Min Read

How to Contact the FTC: Reporting Fraud, Identity Theft, and Business Violations

The Federal Trade Commission protects American consumers from deceptive business practices and maintains fair market competition. Established in 1914, this federal agency investigates misleading…

20 Min Read

How the SEC Protects Investors from Wall Street Fraud

Before 1934, American financial markets were dangerous territory for average investors. A patchwork of state-level regulations known as "blue sky laws" governed securities trading.…

36 Min Read

Predatory Lending: How to Spot and Avoid High-Cost Loans

Predatory lending is not simply about high-cost credit. It is a system of deceptive, fraudulent, and manipulative practices designed to trap borrowers in unaffordable…

49 Min Read

Your Guide to Reporting Medicare Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Medicare is a cornerstone of healthcare for millions of Americans. Protecting its integrity is a shared responsibility that safeguards not only taxpayer dollars but…

44 Min Read

Protecting Yourself from HHS Benefit Scams

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees critical programs that provide health care, social services, and other essential support to millions…

32 Min Read

How to Spot Legitimate Online Colleges and Avoid Diploma Mill Scams

The rise of online education has created unprecedented opportunities for students seeking flexible learning options. However, the same digital platforms that connect students with…

31 Min Read

Report Mail Fraud and Scams to USPS: Protect Yourself

You check your mailbox and find a notice claiming you've won a prize—but you need to pay a fee to claim it. Or a…

14 Min Read

Got Unsolicited Stuff via USPS? Your Rights Explained

Have you ever opened your mailbox to find a package or piece of merchandise you didn't order? Whether it's free samples, promotional items, or…

10 Min Read

Mail Crimes and the Postal Inspectors Who Solve Them

The United States Postal Service (USPS) isn't just about delivering letters and packages—it also plays a critical role in protecting the integrity of the…

11 Min Read