March 2008 – It's tax season: Beware of tax and rebate scams. The Federal Trade Commission has issued an alert warning consumers about scams related to rebate checks. The scammers pretend to be from the IRS, the Social Security Administration, or another governmental agency and claim they need some bit of personal information to process your rebate check. In fact, all they are doing is trying to steal your personal information. The alert also outlines where to report calls or emails of this type.
November 2005 - Beware of sweepstakes scammers impersonating government officials. Federal Trade Commission publication: NEW SPIN ON SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS. Here in Alaska, the Attorney General's Office has received recent reports of sweepstakes scammers providing a local phone number for an "Anchorage Customs Postal Inspector" who "confirms" the consumer has won the sweepstakes. Remember that legitimate sweepstakes never tell you that you have to pay "taxes," "customs fees," or "insurance" or any upfront fees in order to get your prize.
November 2002 - FTC Consumer Alert: The "Nigerian" Scam Costly Compassion. If you receive an E-mail or Fax "Nigerian" Scam Offer, forward it to the FTC/U.S. Secret Service
February 2005 - Thinking about purchasing a business opportunity? For more information about this topic, please visit the Federal Trade Commission's web site Franchise and Business Opportunities or read the Department of Law publication:
"The Sale of Business Opportunities in Alaska" *New (updated March 2011)
