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Esta es una de las primeras preguntas que recibimos de la gente: ¿Es esto una estafa? Independientemente de lo que sea “esto”, esta es nuestra mejor respuesta a esa pregunta: ¿Alguien te dijo que solamente puedes pagar con una transferencia de dinero, con una tarjeta de regalo o cargando dinero en una tarjeta que se puede recargar? Si así fue, entonces sí: es una estafa.

Este es un video que, en poco más de un minuto, te muestra algunas de las situaciones que vemos a diario –y lo que debes hacer para enfrentarlas.

 

Si alguien te dice que debes pagar para reclamar un premio, ayudar a alguien a salir de un problema o arreglar tu problema de impuestos con el (supuesto) IRS: nunca una persona legítima te va a decir que tienes que pagar mediante el envío de transferencias de dinero, tarjetas de iTunes o cargando dinero en una tarjeta MoneyPak, Vanilla Reload o Reloadit.

De modo que: mira este video. Si alguien insiste en que tienes que pagar mediante una de esas formas, informa a la FTC. Porque esa será una estafa que queremos conocer.

Dejar un comentario es su elección. Para dejar un comentario, tiene que crear un nombre de usuario. De no ser así, no podemos publicar su comentario. La ley Federal Trade Commission Act autoriza la recolección de esta información con el fin de monitorear comentarios al blog. Los comentarios y los nombres de usuarios formaran parte del sistema de la FTC de registros públicos, los nombres de usuarios también formaran parte del sistema de la FTC de registros de usuario de computadora.

Puede que usemos rutinariamente dichos registros cómo se describe en el sistema de avisos publicados. Para más detalles sobre qué hace la FTC con la información personal que recolectamos, por favor lea nuestra política de privacidad.

El propósito de este blog y su sección de comentarios es informar a los lectores acerca de la actividad de la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC) y compartir información con los lectores para ayudarlos a evitar, reportar y recuperarse del fraude, las estafas y las malas prácticas comerciales. Valoramos sus opiniones, ideas e inquietudes y alentamos los comentarios. Pero tenga presente que este es un blog que está bajo moderación. Revisamos todos los comentarios antes de publicarlos y no publicaremos comentarios que no cumplan con nuestra política de comentarios. Esperamos que los comentaristas traten a los redactores del blog y entre sí con respeto.

  • No publicaremos comentarios fuera de tema, comentarios idénticos y repetidos, ni ningún comentario que incluya promociones de venta.
  • No publicaremos comentarios que incluyan mensajes vulgares, ataques personales que mencionen nombres, o términos ofensivos dirigidos contra personas o grupos específicos.
  • No publicaremos amenazas, declaraciones difamatorias, ni sugerencias que alienten actividades ilegales.
  • No publicaremos comentarios que incluyan información personal, como números de Seguro Social, números de cuentas, domicilios residenciales y de email. Para presentar un reporte detallado sobre una estafa, visite ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.

No editamos los comentarios para eliminar el contenido objetable, así que asegúrese de que su comentario no contenga ninguno de los contenidos mencionados anteriormente. Los comentarios publicados en este blog pasarán a ser de dominio público. Para proteger su privacidad y la de otras personas, por favor, no incluya información personal. Las opiniones de los comentarios publicados en este blog pertenecen exclusivamente a los individuos que las expresan. No pertenecen a la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC) ni representan sus puntos de vista.

Jan the Widow
January 18, 2018
I made friends with a scammer on Facebook.He said He was a sergeant in the army, and Wanted to secretly IM because He was not allowed to use the internet. He said He was deployed to Syria, so I looked up the weather in Syria, and when I asked Him about it He gave the wrong answer. I was suspicious, but I went along with Him for a while. Then I checked the scammer Site putting His supposed name on it. Sure enough, There He was!!- Next time I talked with Him I told Him My Son had charge of My finances because there are too many scammers. Then I asked Him if He ever checked the scammer site. I never heard from Him again!!
Jesus mercado
January 08, 2021
banco de América me llamo insistentemente mandándome cartas y yo reportar pagos de 15 centavos de PayPal y cheques enviados a mi casa ellos no podían hacer nada asiendo esto como posible lavado de dinero sin contar que fui más de 7 ceses a diferentes sucursales donde se me trataba con indiferencia o sin solucionar el problema errores graves con prueba... Alguien movía mi cuenta por medio de tecnologías mandava links y llamadas y al yo depositar cheques se me informa que estarían asegurados por 250 por la FDIC yo YO deposite 2 y YO también lo reporte lo sucedido y acusava insistentemente de fraudes. También tmobile cuenta default de tarjetas que me enviaban que jamas active que reclame y que solo me decían lo siento Todas las apps están defectuosas se me hablaba de trademark telecomunicaciones links y asta en llamadas me decían que solo tenían 2 minutos para hacedor ami cuenta lo cual no se si sea posible o si es esto verdad.
Confused
January 18, 2018
What are the rules when a collector or someone calling saying they are from a litigation office to confirm they are legit? Do they have to state their name and company?
Jesus mercado
January 08, 2021
4243774803 me llamavan y me recordavan el pago o me llamaban para avisarme cuando ellos jamas hacian esto. Igual el banco tiempo sin llamarme y depronto llamándome por medio de sus representantes.
FTC Staff
January 18, 2018

En respuesta a por Confused

When a debt collector contacts you about a personal or family debt, he must tell you he is a debt collector.

People who work for collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them are all considered "debt collectors" under federal law.

This article explains your rights related to debt collection.

Fabiola
January 18, 2021
En tinder me contacte con un joven de mi edad (30años)nos pasamos instagram, comenzamos a hablar y luego me pidió whatsapp, es donde de manera apresurada me pidió ser su novia, me enviaba fotos, después dijo que me enviaría un paquete que contenía ropa, anillo y dinero, al día siguiente me enviaron un correo diciendo que deposite un dinero, para recibir el paquete, nunca hice el deposito, es una manera de estafa. Tengan cuidado.
Disgusted
January 20, 2018
Thank you FTC for warning me about scams because I was going to lose my mind.
Judith
October 19, 2021

En respuesta a por Fabiola

Lo.mismo me paso a mi conocí a Un chicos así de Reino Unido a los pocos días me pido que me case con. El me dijo te he comprado una cosas y un anillo de compromiso pero cuando llegue el paquete tienes que pagar para que te lo envíen yo por más que le digo que lo voy a llamar siempre dice estoy trabajando y nada
Jess ry
January 23, 2018
I received a call from someone named Mr. Matthews. In the voicemail he said he was a claims investigator. Said he was sending my file to the sheriff and i would be served a summons unless i contacted him back. He had my social, mt birthdate, and my email address. I called back and left a message saying i did not know what this was about and i wanted information about this. He called back again and said he would email me the information. How can I tell if this is legit? He has not emailed me anything as of today. Dont they have to provide me a written statement about this before taking me to court, if he is even legit? He also said he would give instructions in the email about paying this, that it had to be paid by the date of the email. How do I know if he is real or a scammer? What should i say or ask if he calls again?
FTC Staff
January 24, 2018

En respuesta a por Jess ry

If you get legitimate legal papers, they should include instructions or a number you can call to get information. If you really get legal papers, read them and get more information.

If someone you don't know suddently calls and says you owe money, he could be a fake debt collector. A fake debt collector could have your name and other personal information and still be a fake. You might not have a debt, or he might not have a right to collect your debts.

If he calls again, ask him for his name, company, street address, and telephone number. Tell him you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." That notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you owe, and state your rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Read about Fake Debt Collectors, and learn about your rights when you deal with legitimate debt collectors.

Jess ry
January 24, 2018
I received an email with the heading "mediation offices of Mitchell's and Associates stating i had to pay $1700 by the 26th to avoid court. I do not recognize the creditor. My question is, i thought they had to give you 15 days drom the date of the letter to either settle or deny ( cant think of the right word). How can I tell if they are legit? Anyone can make a website. My other question is, is a mediator, if they really are one, able to get a summoms for a lawsuit?
FTC Staff
January 25, 2018

En respuesta a por Jess ry

Under federal law, a "debt collector" is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. Debt collectors include collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them.

If a collector contacts you about a debt, you could talk to them at least once, even if you think you don't owe the debt, or can’t repay it immediately, or think the collector is contacting you by mistake.

Within five days after they first contact you, every debt collector must send you a written “validation notice” telling you how much money you owe, the name of the creditor, and how to proceed if you don’t think you owe the money.

Read more about your debt collection rights.

Super
January 25, 2018
Usually you get a text message like "Thanks for your Reply. I need your Full Name & Address so i can Cut you a Cashier's Check. Cash-Able at your Bank. Once you En-Cash it. Then My shipper will come over to pick up .!" Followed by "Good. I will forward your address to my Secretary to cut you the check and it will be mailed out by Postal Service. You should receive it within 3 to 4 working days. I would like to request of you to please hold off on selling to others pending our transaction. Hope this is Ok by You. REPLY. Regards" then "Good day to you . have been kinda busy at work your check have been mailed out. And here is the Tracking number via www.usps.com 9405501699320145817580. I want you to keep an eye on it while i do the same. I will get back to you for more updates.best regards..REPLY" Then " Good Morning to you...i was just informed by my financial manager this morning that she mistakenly added the shipping Agent fund to the check she mailed to you,Pls has soon as you get the check. Go ahead and have it cashed. Deduct your money and have rest send to the shipper via money gram So he can be able to come for the pick up...i will let you have is info when you have the cash in hand . I hope i can trust you with This, Reply Asap" It just keeps on going. It take it as a challenge to play dumb as long as possible to waste as much of the scam artists time I can. Because I sell a few things on Craigslist per week I get 2-3 of these a week..
Leroy
February 01, 2018
I give the scammers so much *$!! they take my number off their call list. A simple hang up and you will still be called. I do get maybe 1 a month.
Lola12
January 26, 2018
Is Lexington Law a scam for fixing credit issues
Lotus
January 27, 2018
I'd been emailed by a Military intelligence that my scammed money will be refunded to me. It's in Treasury safekeeping trust which they sent me a certificate as well as I've to settle my taxes at once and my funds will be paid to my account. Anyone knows more about refunds?
FTC Staff
January 29, 2018

En respuesta a por Lotus

That offer of a refund could be another scam.

Some scammers contact victims a second time and try to get more money. They might ask you to send money to pay a tax or fee before you get the refund. That is a scam. They might ask for your bank account number so they can deposit the refund. If you tell them your account number, they can take your money.

Chris
January 27, 2018
As someone who fell for a overseas scam, save all documentation and bring the paperwork and your story to the nearest FBI office. I did and the person was caught and is now in jail in England. I worked with the London police. Don't think you're a fool or stupid and you're the only one because that's what scammers want you to think. If you were scammed, many others were also. Be brave and contact the authorities. It's their job to listen and help.
Acdtrp2469
March 09, 2018
I have been getting scammed for many years and I have my Credit on freeze and now on Feb 15, I was notified about a anthem breach settlement. I'm not sure how they got my information but I need to know if it's possible to file a TIN ? I need to unfreeze my credit so I can build credit but as for all these hospital bills which my insurance covers 100% there still charging me. As well as the online website scams such as PayPal, 30 day free trial programs that want your credit card number to do the free trial yet after 30 days I still see the whole regular membership cost deducted from the credit card on file. How can I fix this after 5 years of damage I can't seem to get credit?? Thank you
Jackie F
January 31, 2018
Hi there, I have received several calls on my mobile in Australia from Antony Bellagio who says he is from Federal Trade Commission, he is promising to return the funds I have in my Vault Option account of $89,274 USD, his email is ftc.accounting @ clerk.com, is this a scam?
FTC Staff
January 31, 2018

En respuesta a por Jackie F

Yes! This is definitely a scam. Please don't give this person any money or information. He is impersonating a US federal government agency, and you can report the details of the scam to the FTC's law enforcement database at FTC.gov/complaint.

Thank you for letting us know about this.

JUSTME
June 18, 2018

En respuesta a por FTC Staff

SCAMMERS DO NOT GIVE BACK REFUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SCAMMERS DO WHAT THEY DO BEST, "TAKE YOUR MONEY!!!!"
Small potato scammed
January 31, 2018
I was scammed by a person I met on a Facebook forum for people with Lyme disease. She never asked for money directly but she won my trust and my friendship and as she disclosed her employment and financial woes she knew I would come to her rescue. She introduced me to her spouse and was extremely flattering for an entire year. When she couldn’t pay her rent this past October I paid it, to the “landlord” I suppose. It escalated from there and I found myself buying groceries from amazon, having phone cards fill and even bought a laptop for her destitute daughter to be able to finish highschool with. I never suspected a thing but she managed to get about $1200 from me in the past 4 months. My family was furious with me and I feel like an idiot. I wonder how many other people she had providing her with this and that. It could easily equal a solid part time income. So it is not always 10s of thousands and a romance but it could be a scammer posing as a friend.
PatV
February 01, 2018
I was fraudulantly scammed by a tech imposter by NY phone number with TechGini Solutions and paid them by American Express and Best Buy giftcards. Please, if anyone receives such calls as a security breach threat or ID theft, please do not answer to such calls claiming to be legitimate technicians. Do Not Send any Money, a mistake I did! Instead, contact your local police and take your computer for a cleaning with your local technician immediately.
jojo531457
February 03, 2018
I thought all on my FB. Should read this
Jeanettec
February 09, 2018

These romance scammers are redonkulous....I mess with them back and waste their time. No sorry nobody falls in love with you in a week I don't care h o w lonely you are wake up if it is too good to be true it is. I have some idiot trying it right now. Here is his deal dad in UK died 6 years ago....divorced mom dying of cancer....wife left him with nothing after cheating on him with best friend. Lets see he is 91 % deaf because he had the exhaust of a jet blow up in his face killing 3 of his men......oh my he even sent me his drivers license not much will be done if reported they just move on to the next one

carrie 122
February 11, 2018
I was scammed by a man online claiming to be from apple. I gave up my last $400 in a very panic, and stupid manner. I am so upset with myself. I can't let myself live it down.. I don't want to vent about it to anyone, because I feel ever more dumb. But I feel at peace on this website.. As unfortunate as it is, I do not feel alone here, and that takes away some of the sting.. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. I hope all these people rot in hell
Pussy G
February 22, 2018
Got a call on my cell phone at 10:52am on 02/12/2018. A foreign-accented voice with noise in the background said I was in default & owed the IRS a lot of money. I would be arrested by IRS agents if I didn't pay up within 24 Hrs. Since 714-927-9061 didn't belong in the Washington DC area, I asked for their office location. They hung up on me. This is a Tax Agent Impersonation Scam which the FTC should investigate very thoroughly.
Won't happen again
February 16, 2018
I got a call from NYC Police Dept, saying it was my grandson, who was arrested, DUI, in accident with another car driven by a pregnant woman. Couldn't hear him well, said he had stitches on his lip. Don't tell anyone, too ashamed,but I'll have my lawyer call you. "Lawyer" called and said if we sent $3,000.00 he could bail my grandson out of jail. We sent it. It had to be sent to a Wells Fargo bank, had account number and name to send it to. Next day he said "good news bad news". My "grandson could get out, but because baby died, judge raising bail to $9,000.00...we sent it, and then just as we were about to send another $3,000.00 to get car out of impound, we found out it was a scam, so that wasn't sent. Reported all account numbers and phone numbers to local police and FBI...nothing more heard. Grandson was fine, in his office...hindsight is 20/20...working on pure emotion, not logic....and lost $9,000.00
FTC Staff
February 16, 2018

En respuesta a por Won't happen again

Thank you for sharing your story. You can also report that to the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492.

scamvictim12
February 27, 2018
I had a room available to share and I posted that ads in facebook group and this girl names REKHA CHOWDARY and her brother KIRAN DONTHIREDDY reached out to me enquiring about a room and they told me they want to send some deposit in my account to reserve a room and asked my accoutn number , and I am fool to give them my account number. They got my account info , deposited larger amount $1300 and $1400 dofferent times , made you fall into their trick and asked me to refund back that amount immediately, I was nice and ended up falling into their trick and transfered lot of money using paypal and zelle transfer in email address they provided me and after they received my money , they called my bank being me and file a ATM check card fraud for the amount they deposited into my account and my bank put temporary credit adjustment ( the deposit that came into your account disappeared and bank reversed that amounts when I told them i got scammed and I didnt filed that claim). I ended up loosing lot of money. As soon as I discovered I got scammed I reported to the bank, police , FBI (IC3) and Federal Trade Commission ( FTC). My claim in bank is still in hold and Looks like Bank will deny my claim cause they told me they made a transfer accordance to my instructions. And i feel fool and it is hurting me to loose more than $6000. I dont know what to do. I have two small children and dont have money . How could someone just plan to rip off innocent people’s hard earned money? And Please Beware of these smart scammers. Don’t fall any of their trick. my friend also got scammed by same person. These people named Rekha chowdary ( phone # +1 (929) 335-3805), email : rekha. bheemi@ gmail. com and kiran donthireddy ( phone # ‭(516) 654-7934‬) email : kiran. donthireddy9@ gmail.com and another email : ycs9klu @ gmail.com. Need to get caught and rotten into prison. this girl named Rekha was moving from Boston to Work for Pay Pal San Jose as a Intern Java developer and wanted to live in Fremont. She also mentioned that scam girl has a friend in Milpitas/Fremont area not sure if this is all true. She was originally from Hyderabad ( no idea if its true). For gods sake and innocent people’s sake , if you spotted them please report them to police so that they dont rip off hard working people’s money. HELP me get my money back.
Tired of it
February 22, 2018
I have been receiving calls as well as family saying I have several complaints being filed against me, they won't tell me the debt information just that it's from past years. How can I find out if they are true debt collectors. When I search their phone number 219-318-1200 it comes up with sites saying it's a scam. Please help, they are calling all my family and leaving the same message
FTC Staff
February 27, 2018

En respuesta a por Tired of it

You have rights when you deal with legitimate debt collectors. Read this FTC article about your debt collection rights.

Within 5 days after they first contact you, every debt collector must send you a written “validation notice” that says how much money you owe, the name of the creditor you owe money to, and what you can do if you don’t think you owe the money.

Some callers are fake debt collectors. They have some of your personal information. They try to scare people into sending money, even though they don't really owe a debt. Read this FTC article about Fake Debt Collectors.

If you think a debt collector might be a fake, ask him for his name, company, street address, and telephone number. Tell him you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice."

rocklinks
February 27, 2018
Calls saying i need to pay 978 or i will be sued for 22200 for bank fraud they are scammers but have my social security number scammers
mommea9
March 06, 2018
i've been recieving phone calls about 5 to 8 a day from unknown caller different provinces and different nos. each time.I don't answer but would like it to stop without having to change my number?
Mary
May 04, 2018
I have been the victim of a scamming computer company this years,so I know how you all feel i keep thinking about i just can not believe it. It was so convincing and i lost money to. They said i could not get my money with out the approval FTC,Consumer protection ETC, use a # 272 279 5897.
Connie D
May 04, 2018

My handyman scammed me. He always wanted the money up front. He would find little things around the house to fix. When my partner, died, I never saw him again. He never answers his phone. I know where his wife works and she can be very nasty. In the beginning she was real nice and said her husband likes senior citizens. He said he had a brain tumor and a metal plate in his head. He worked fast and did fairly good work, but always suggesting different things to do to the house. He would want money up front and he owes me about $750. His wife said he is in Virginia taking care of his grandfather. He told me that he had no grandparents and was going to call me grandmother. At Christmas he wanted $300. for Christmas gifts and I post dated the check until January 8, 2018. He cashed it immediately and it messed up my account and I got 5 NSF charges. One time later he wanted $50 to get his medicine. I have not seen or talked to him since before Christmas. I am afraid to call the authorities since he has told me he as several guns, dobermn pincher dogs, snakes, and other common creepy animals. I am afraid if I tell someone, he will retaliate. He is about 37 and I am in my middle 70s. My partner died in January and so he thinks he can get away with the theft. Women alone are targets for scammers. His wife says she has his phone. He has never called me or communicated with me. I went to his wife's work and told her if he would come and put the floor down in my bedroom we will call it even. No response. I need help, it is driving me crazy and my partner of 11 years is gone. Can you help me?

J-me
May 24, 2018

En respuesta a por Connie D

Please call your local police or senior center or aarp or anyone that can advise you. You should not feel scared! Maybe even a neighbor?
Rainbow66
March 20, 2018
Do somebody knows Johnson Stephen?
Sandy
March 23, 2018
I was contacted by someone under the name of SpeedyCash who have said to pay up front with iTunes cards. They insisted that they are working with FTC and BBB. Then they mentioned my name doesn't match with the SS card that I would be reported for identity theft if I do not pay up. Can they legally do that?
FTC Staff
June 22, 2018

En respuesta a por Sandy

That is a scam.

The FTC and BBB don't work with any company that calls people and demands iTunes cards. Only scammers call people and demand iTunes cards. The story about your Social Security card is a lie. You don't have to talk to these people or send money or iTunes cards.

kgc
March 28, 2018
Want to know more about how gift card scams work.
lopezisel
June 22, 2018

hello i recently got a email that there was a lawsuit being processed if i didn't take care of a past loan they emailed me and have been texting me and i was so frightened they said if i wanted to take care of this out of court i had to make the first payment on that coming friday that was on april 10th let me advise you the guy on behalf of mark beck (Richard Davis) stayed on the phone with me until i left the wal-mart up until i was walking out and he even asked me if i had walked out and was in my car at the Wal-mart, i wired the money to Ohio Columbus to a Nia Carter and they sent me a "receipt" that looked so fake with the information of the Federal trade commission in Washington DC

FTC Staff
June 22, 2018

En respuesta a por lopezisel

That is a scam.

The FTC does not send email that threatens people about lawsuits, or tell people to wire money. The people who called you were not from the FTC. Please call the real FTC at 1-877-382-4357 and report this, so we have a record of this scam. Thank you.

Anna
May 12, 2018
What if the situation is like this. For example, i provided my info about my bank account. I gave my name, account number and address for them to transfer money. What would happen now to my bank account?
FTC Staff
June 22, 2018

En respuesta a por Anna

If you give your name and account number, someone can take money from your account. They might say they will deposit money, but once they get access to your account, they can take money instead. Contact your bank and ask how to protect your money.

connys
September 23, 2021
Que me manda un millón que para que le compré un departamento, por qué el no puede, por ser extranjero, luego del supuesto depósito, que no aparece porciento, dice que se tiene que pagar 20000 dólares para que se libere el dinero.
J-me
May 24, 2018
The "IRS" just called me and the recording said there are 4 criminal acts that have been traced to you and if you do not call back immediately they will turn all of the evidence over to the agents to come arrest you for the criminal acts. They didn't even say a name at the beginning of the call. But it was trying to scare me. 518-636-7718 was the phone number. Don't let anyone scare you! There is no such thing as debtors prison anymore. There are many legal processes that they must go through. You should receive a court document too. And they WILL know your name!
Brisa
September 30, 2021
Me han estado mandando mensajes de Whatsapp y también llamadas diciendo que debo de un préstamo que solicité. En los mensajes de Whatsapp me mandan un link, por error entre y me dirigió a una página para descargar una app.