Latest Scams & Rip-Offs
![scam text message](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/scam-text-message.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Have you ever received a random text message with a link in it? If the sender is unknown, money expert…
![How to spot financial abuse of an elderly relative or friend](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/elder-abuse.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Using a variety of ruses and common scams, criminals are steadily trying to trick America’s oldest citizens out of their…
![Ask Clark money column](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Ask-Clark-money-tips-from-Clark-Howard-Podcast.png?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Data breaches are unfortunately a common part of our modern digital life. However, Hackers grabbing one of your old passwords…
![OfferUp scams-What you need to know about OfferUp scams](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/dreamstime_xxl_246521016-1.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
With inflation hitting everyone’s wallet, it's not surprising if you're seeking ways to stretch your budget. Extra income doesn’t need…
![Facebook Marketplace Scams: Everything You Need to Know](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/dreamstime_xxl_220511202-1-scaled-e1668104856416.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to sell unwanted items without all the haggling you often have to endure…
![Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Social-Security-number-on-form.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
When should you give your Social Security number and when should you not? Giving out your Social Security number is…
![Magnifying glass inspecting phone](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/phone.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
How many times have you heard the phone ring but didn't want to pick it up because it could be…
![4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them!)](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/payment-app-phone-e1663355268876.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment sites let you transfer money from your bank account or credit card account to someone else using…
![Scam Alert: Think Twice Before Scanning QR Codes](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Scan-QR-code-e1658170069537.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Quick Response codes (QR codes) are all around us. From restaurant menus to advertisements to sporting events, codes are a…
![How To Avoid a Tricky New Home Energy Audit Scam](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/scam-alert-e1652379298222.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that a new scam uses homeowners' energy bills to target them, and falling for…
![Landline phone](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/phone-landline.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Saving money is a way of life for money expert Clark Howard, and that’s why he spends so much time…
![How To Avoid Common Social Security Scams](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Social-Security-payments.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Social Security scams are a major issue and can be extremely dangerous for your wallet. How common is it? AARP…
![Ask Clark money column](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Ask-Clark-money-tips-from-Clark-Howard-Podcast.png?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Welcome to Ask Clark, a column designed to answer your financial questions, bymoney expert Clark Howard. A $25 Webinar on…
![Scam Alert: Don’t Fall for This Fake Package Delivery Text](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Packages-on-porch.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
If you're among the millions of online shoppers waiting for packages to be delivered to your door this holiday season,…
![Area Codes IRS Scam Calls](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ScamCalls.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
IRS scammers are up to their old tricks again! One of the most common phone scams every year happens when…
![Roku remote device used in setup](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/roku-scam.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
So you've purchased a Roku device and can't wait to watch all the TV shows, movies and other content you…
![Scam Alert: How to Avoid Fake Coronavirus Tests](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/coronavirus-testing-scams.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
If you’re one of the many people trying to get a COVID-19 test due to the coronavirus pandemic, the first…
![Scam Alert: Why You Should Never Abbreviate 2020](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/abbreviate-2020.jpg?resize=480%2C400&ssl=1)
It may be a new year, but criminals are up to their old tricks in new ways — and one…
![Index Annuities Are Poison for Your Pocketbook](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Annuity.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
For years, Clark has warned people about something known as index annuities. They're one of the hottest products in the…
![Can Credit Repair Companies Really Raise Your Score?](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Fair-credit-score-560.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
The promise of credit repair outfits is an alluring one — they say they'll remove bad credit marks from your…
![Drivers License Online](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dreamstime_m_84466225.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Renewing your driver's license used to be kind of a pain. It almost always involved a trip to the DMV…
![Watch out for this Medicare phone scam](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Copy-of-Newsletter-Story-Image.jpg?resize=480%2C400&ssl=1)
Older Americans are being targeted by scam callers that ask for the personal information found on Medicare cards, a government…
![Using a voice assistant to make calls? Here's how not to get scammed](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Siri-voice-assistant.jpg?resize=480%2C401&ssl=1)
The Better Business Bureau is warning that voice search scams are on the rise as criminals have found a way…
![Fake scam websites: How to avoid](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fake-scam-websites.jpg?resize=480%2C399&ssl=1)
The hurry associated with booking an airline ticket can have disastrous results if you're not careful. That's because fake airline…
![Approached by a parking lot repairman? How to avoid dent repair scams - Dent repair scam how to avoid](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dent-repair-scam.jpg?resize=480%2C394&ssl=1)
An old scam is back on the streets and people are still falling for it. The dent repair scam works…
![Worst area codes for spam calls: Report](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/dreamstime_m_42206517.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Are you getting bombarded with spam calls on your cell phone? You're not alone. A new report from call blocker…
![Credit card statement - This scam is another reason to check your credit card statements](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/dreamstime_m_7851369.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
Criminals are using Apple iTunes purchases to steal from unsuspecting consumers, according to news reports. The way this particular crime…
![How to stop junk calls on your landline - The government is finally getting serious about robocalls](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Internet-phone-VOIP.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
We've told you how to stop junk calls on your cell phone, but you may be having the same problem…
![USPS change of address scam: How to spot it](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dreamstime_m_140455702.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
If you're relocating into a new apartment or home, you need to be aware of a relatively new version of…
![Microsoft Windows tech support scam call: 4 ways to protect yourself](https://i0.wp.com/clark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dreamstime_m_137213973.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1)
A particular type of scam phone call is making the rounds again and victimizing unsuspecting people. This time, it's the…