Practical guides on "Scams and fraud". Plain language, with examples for the Polish community in the USA.
How to identify fake emails and SMS in the USA: signals according to the FTC and CISA, reading website addresses, typical SMS about packages, toll fees, and bank alerts, QR codes. A flowchart on what to do after clicking and where to report: reportphishing@apwg.org, 7726, ReportFraud.ftc.gov, IC3.
A brief, practical plan for families regarding a faked voice: how to establish a family password in minutes (FBI recommendation), why to always call back to a saved number (FTC), which payments reveal a scammer, and what technology can and cannot do. A printable note to keep by the phone.
An overview of how the grandparent scam operates in the USA today, involving arrests after accidents, fake lawyers and bail agents at the door, couriers collecting cash and gold bars, and what to do if money has already been sent.
The IRS usually starts with a letter, does not demand gift cards or wire transfers, and does not threaten deportation; learn how to verify a letter and a collection agency, recognize a legitimate visit, understand the purpose of the IP PIN, and where to report fraud: TIGTA 800-366-4484, phishing@irs.gov.
Investment clubs on WhatsApp or Telegram, often promoted through ads or unsolicited messages, are rapidly growing scams in the U.S., involving ramp-and-dump schemes and fake platforms.
Fake exchanges and apps, 'taxes' for withdrawals, scammers 'recovering' crypto, and irreversible transfers. We show how to check an exchange in FinCEN, NMLS, and the ESMA register, what the Polish virtual currency register means, and what to do after a loss.
A 'mistaken' message on WhatsApp, weeks of pleasant acquaintance, and then 'joint investment' in crypto on a fake platform; we describe a scheme known as pig butchering, data from the FBI and FinCEN, and where to report incidents in the USA and Poland.
An advertisement featuring a celebrity 'recommending' an investment is usually a scam involving deepfake technology; we explain what happens after clicking, how to verify offers in official U.S. and Polish registries, and where to report the ad and loss.
What families can do in advance: conversation and simple rules, a trusted person for the account (FINRA 4512), reasonable power of attorney, call blocking, credit freeze, along with warning signs, action plan in case of suspected fraud, and where to report it.
A step-by-step guide on what data to collect, when to search in FINRA BrokerCheck, when to use SEC IAPD, how to read the Disclosures section, and what Form CRS, SALI, state regulators, CFP Board search, and state insurance agent registries provide, along with a registry selection flowchart.
Guaranteed profit, urgency, request for discretion, 'SEC certificate,' and initials after the name. Learn how to identify a fake or dishonest financial advisor in the USA, what 'fiduciary' really means, and what questions to ask before signing a contract.
Fake cryptocurrency platforms, 'safe accounts', gold for couriers, promissory notes, and pyramid schemes in communities. How scams operate that cause seniors in the U.S. to lose the most, what the FBI and FTC data for 2025 indicates, and what to do when money has already been lost.
A window displaying a 'Microsoft technical support' number is always a scam; we explain the Phantom Hacker scheme, refund scams, cash and gold couriers, and the step-by-step actions to take if someone gained remote access to your computer or if money has already been sent.
An SMS about an 'unpaid toll' with a payment link is a widespread scam warned against by the FBI, FTC, and toll agencies; this article explains how real toll bills are issued, how to identify a fake, where to check your balance, and what to do if you've already clicked or paid.
How to protect online accounts: a password manager with a master password of 16+ characters, two-factor authentication (SMS, app, hardware key, passkey), backup codes, protection against SIM swapping, and an IRS IP PIN checklist, based on recommendations from CISA, FTC, and FCC.
No legitimate entity asks for payment via gift cards; learn about scams involving Apple and prepaid cards, why criminals favor them, and what to do immediately if you've shared a code: contact the card issuer, keep the card and receipt, report to the FTC.
Why the promise of high returns 'without risk' is a typical sign of fraud, how true guarantees (FDIC, EE bonds) differ from a seller's word, how to check an advisor on Investor.gov and BrokerCheck (and in Poland on KNF), and what to do if your money is already gone.
In 2025, Americans reported a record $15.9 billion in fraud losses, highlighting the importance of verifying official sources and avoiding scams targeting immigrants.
Learn how card skimming thieves operate, the methods they use, and how you can protect yourself from data theft; understanding the threats is the first step to safer card usage.
Learn how to effectively freeze your credit report with the three major credit bureaus in the USA, making identity theft protection easier than ever!
Identity theft is a serious issue that can affect anyone; learn how to respond if someone uses your SSN to secure your finances and regain control over your identity.
Learn how to quickly and effectively respond if your bank account has been hacked; this step-by-step guide will help you secure your finances and regain control.
USPS-related SMS scams are one of the most common forms of phishing in the USA; learn how to identify fake messages, secure your data, and safely verify package statuses.
Learn how to identify rental scams in the USA, recognize fake listings, deposit traps, and other threats to protect your money.