Fraud and scam answers

A few days after my relative’s obituary appeared in the papers, I got a call from someone who said they were a debt collector and that my relative had owed money. They are telling me I have to pay and asking me for my bank account information so they can withdraw the funds. How do I know if this is a scam? What can I do?

A financial planner offered to help with my bill paying and banking, but said the only way she or he could help is if I opened a joint account with both of our names on it. Is this true?

Am I responsible for unauthorized charges if my credit cards are lost or stolen?

How can I protect myself and others I care about from fraud and scams?

How can I recognize mail fraud?

How can I spot identity theft?

How can I tell a credit repair scam from a reputable credit counselor?

How can I tell if a friend, neighbor, or family member is a victim of financial exploitation?

How do I avoid scams and fraud after a disaster?

How do I dispute a charge on my credit card bill?

How do I tell if a debt collector is legitimate or a scam?

I received an email from my bank or credit union asking me to "verify" my account information. What should I do?

I received an unexpected pre-approved offer, or live check loan, in the mail. What happens if I cash or deposit it?

I think I or someone I know was the victim of a scam or financial exploitation. Who can I contact for help?

I was offered a pension advance. What is this? What should I look out for?

Should I share personal information with a debt collector?

Someone bought something I was selling online and sent me a check or money order for more than the price of the item. They asked me to send back the difference. Should I be worried?

What are some classic warning signs of possible fraud and scams?

What are some common types of scams?

What do I do if I’ve been a victim of identity theft?

What is a money mule?

What is identity monitoring or "identity theft protection" service?

What is identity theft?