Financial Fraud Prevention

Ignore Bogus COVID Vaccine Survey

People across the country are getting emails and texts, asking them to complete a survey about the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine. In exchange they are offered a "free reward," but asked to pay shipping fees. This is a scam to obtain your credit card or bank account information. No legitimate survey would ask for personal financial information to pay for a “free” reward.

Learn more from the Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Information

Home Warranties and Service Contracts

Homeowners should be aware of a scam in which home warranty companies try to sell service contracts through direct mail or email. Typically, the sales pitch warns that the current home warranty is expired, and renewal is required by their mortgage company. In some states, it is unlawful to sell service contracts without being registered with the state insurance department.

See Order to Cease and Desist the Solicitation and Sale of Service Contracts in Nevada (PDF)

Fake Unemployment Benefit Websites

Be alert to websites that mimick unemployment benefit websites, such as state workforce agency (SWA) websites, for the purpose of unlawfully capturing consumers’ personal information.

To lure consumers to these fake websites, fraudsters send spam text messages and emails purporting to be from an SWA and containing a link. The fake websites are designed to trick consumers into thinking they are applying for unemployment benefits and disclosing personally identifiable information and other sensitive data. That information can then be used by fraudsters to commit identity theft.

Learn more and see an official list of SWA websites (PDF)