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Tips on Scams

Important!

Scammers often take advantage of vulnerable people during times of crisis and distress. It is important that you be aware of any potential scams in order to protect yourself and your money.

Jump to section for:

10 Things Every Consumer Should Know
10 Worst Everyday Scams and How to Avoid Them
AI or Deep Fake Telephone Scams
Buying a Used Car
Buy Now, Pay Later
Charity
COVID-19 Scams
Credit and Debit Card Fraud at ATM and Credit Card Machines
Credit Repair Scams
Email
False Advertising
Funeral Homes
Gas Stations
Holiday Shopping
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
Internet Scam Guide
Pet Scams
Predatory Lending
Targeting Seniors
Targeting September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)
Tax Scams
Telephone Scams
Travel

10 Things Every Consumer Should Know

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10 Worst Everyday Scams and How to Avoid Them

DCWP warns New Yorkers about 10 Worst Everyday Scams and How to Avoid Them

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AI or Deep Fake Telephone Scams

Artificial intelligence (AI) can clone voices to sound like someone you know. Get tips to avoid AI scams and learn what to do if you are a victim.

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Buying a Used Car

If you’re planning to buy a used car, make sure to protect yourself from recalled cars, flood damaged cars, and other deceptive practices by dealerships. Read Buying a Used Car Tips.

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Buy Now, Pay Later

Read What You Need to Know about Buy Now, Pay Later Loans.

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Charity

Avoid charity scams by doing research on the organization before you donate. Get more tips from DCWP.

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COVID-19 Scams

Read tips issued by DCWP for National Consumer Protection Week 2021

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Credit and Debit Card Fraud at ATM and Credit Card Machines

Learn how to protect yourself from card skimmers

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Credit Repair Scams

Learn how to spot a credit repair scam

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Email

Don't click on links in an email unless you know who sent it. Beware of ransomware, a malware that prevents you from using your computer until you pay money to the scammer. Learn more from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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False Advertising

The New York City Consumer Protection Law prohibits deceptive trade practices. Learn how to spot it and what you can do about it (in PDF)

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Funeral Homes

Planning a funeral can be a vulnerable and difficult time, but some unscrupulous funeral homes will take advantage of that. Read Funeral Planning Guide.

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Gas Stations

Get tips when pumping gas

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Holiday Shopping

Be on alert for scams during the holiday season – unfortunately scammers try to take advantage of people and their generosity. Read Holiday Shopping Tips.

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Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Protect your identity. Download tips (in PDF) in different languages:

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Internet Scam Guide

Beware of attractive online ads such as free trial offers to work-at-home opportunities that could be scams to steal your money and identity. Download the guide (in PDF).

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Pet Scams

Seen an ad for a free puppy but then turns out you need to wire money to ship it? It could be a scam! Get tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on scammers pretending to sell real pets.

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Predatory Lending

Predatory lending is a growing concern in New York City and nationally, one that is disproportionally affecting immigrant New Yorkers and those with low incomes who are already struggling to make ends meet. Combating predatory lending, beginning with the used car industry, is a strategic priority of DCWP. Learn how DCWP can help you avoid a bad deal at a used car dealership.

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Targeting Seniors

Grandparent scams can cost seniors an average of $30,000. Don't become a victim, get tips from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on Money Smart for Older Adults (in PDF).

Older adults face unique consumer challenges. Read Consumer Protection Tips for Older Adults

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Targeting September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

Callers were pretending to be with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and spoofing their caller ID to make it seem like they are calling from a New York area code. These callers ask questions about the status of a VCF claim, state that you may be entitled to money, and/or ask for personal information (e.g., Social Security Number) in order to mail a claim package or file a claim on your behalf. If you suspect the caller is not VCF staff, HANG UP and call the VCF Helpline directly at 1-855-885-1555 or visit www.vcf.gov.

Note: You can file a complaint about imposter/scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

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Tax Scams

March 3, 2023: Common tax scams and tips to help taxpayers avoid them
Read press release

Stay up to date on the latest IRS scams by visiting irs.gov/alerts.

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Telephone

Scammers are manipulating caller ID to show they are calling from a utility company or government agency and demanding money or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number). Don't fall for it!

If you encounter an imposter caller or scam call, hang up and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

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Travel

Planning a vacation? Beware of travel scams that can lead to a vacation nightmare, such as phony vacation giveaways or rental listing scams. Get tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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