Each year phone scams inflict a heavy financial burden on the United States, costing victims billions of dollars. These scams primarily affect vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, leading to severe financial hardships for individuals and families. Coming in many forms, such as telemarketing fraud, tech support cons, fake IRS calls, and bogus lottery winnings, scammers employ manipulative tactics, including pressure, deception, and fear, to trick victims into revealing personal information or making payments. The consequences of these scams extend beyond immediate financial losses. Victims often suffer long-term damage, like ruined credit scores, emotional distress, and a loss of trust in financial institutions and telecommunications.
Below are some resources to learn more about the subject.
Provided by the Federal Trade Commission this website covers common tactics used by scammers, such as impersonating government officials or requesting payment via gift cards. The site provides practical tips to recognize and avoid falling victim to…
Created by the USA.gov website, this website informs readers about imposter scams, where fraudsters pose as government officials to deceive victims. It highlights various types of imposter scams and provides protective measures, urging individuals…
Created by the USA.gov website, this website informs readers on unemployment scams educates readers about deceptive practices targeting individuals seeking unemployment benefits. It outlines common scam tactics, including phishing and identity…
The Federal Trade Commission's scams page offers a comprehensive overview of various scams targeting consumers. It covers common fraud schemes, provides tips on recognizing and avoiding scams, and emphasizes reporting incidents to the FTC. The…
A website provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for individuals to easily report incidents of fraud and scams. Users can submit details about deceptive practices, aiding the FTC in investigating and taking action against fraudulent…
A valuable tool for individuals seeking information on call blocking to prevent unwanted and spam calls. It offers resources, guides, and tips on utilizing call blocking technologies, empowering users to take control of their phone communications…
The Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division website provides information on consumer rights, offers guidance on avoiding scams, and facilitates reporting of fraudulent activities. The site empowers individuals with knowledge and…
Ponzi" by Donald Dunn is an insightful exploration of scams, delving into the infamous Ponzi scheme. Dunn illuminates the psychology behind such financial frauds, detailing historical cases and unraveling the complexities of deceit. The book serves…
"Rogues" by Patrick Radden Keefe is a riveting exploration of scams and financial deceit. Keefe delves into real-life stories of cunning individuals, exposing the intricate web of fraud and deception. This captivating book unveils the motives and…
"The Con Queen of Hollywood" by Scott Johnson unveils the gripping true story of a notorious scammer. Johnson delves into the elaborate deceptions orchestrated by the Con Queen, exposing the art of manipulation and the impact on unsuspecting victims…
"Billion Dollar Whale" by Tom Wright is a captivating exposé on Jho Low's audacious financial scam. Wright unravels the intricate web of deceit, detailing the fraudulent maneuvers that led to the misappropriation of billions. This compelling…
"The Con Men: Hustling in New York" by Terry Williams is a revealing exploration of scams and hustles in the urban landscape. Williams delves into the lives of con artists, exposing their tactics and the impact on unsuspecting individuals. This…
"Conning Harvard" by Julie Zauzmer delves into a high-stakes academic scam. Zauzmer uncovers the true story of a student's elaborate deception to gain admission into Harvard. The book explores the motives, methods, and consequences of this audacious…
"Matchstick Men" is a riveting film directed by Ridley Scott that centers on the world of cons and scams. Starring Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell, it follows two small-time con artists with a flair for deception. The movie masterfully explores the…
"Catch Me If You Can," directed by Steven Spielberg, is a captivating film based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. Leonardo DiCaprio portrays a brilliant con artist who successfully executes various scams. The movie explores his cat-and-mouse…
"Con Man," based on a true story, delves into the world of scams and deception. The film unfolds the remarkable true story of Barry Minkow, a teenage fraudster turned FBI informant. It vividly portrays his intricate schemes and the consequences of a…
