What scams should we look out for in April?

In April, be particularly vigilant about the following scams:

1. **Tax Scams**: As tax season wraps up, scammers often impersonate the IRS, claiming you owe taxes or threatening legal action if you don’t pay immediately.

2. **Phishing Emails**: Look out for emails that appear to be from legitimate companies, especially tax preparation services or financial institutions, asking for personal information.

3. **Charity Scams**: With various spring events, be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations, especially around major causes or disasters.

4. **Investment Scams**: Spring can bring new investment opportunities; be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers, particularly in emerging industries like cryptocurrency.

5. **Online Shopping Scams**: Be cautious when shopping for spring deals online. Fake websites may offer attractive prices but deliver nothing.

Stay informed and always verify sources before sharing personal information or making payments!

If you encounter a scam, you can report it to the following organizations:

1. **Federal Trade Commission (FTC)**: Report consumer fraud and identity theft at [reportfraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov).

2. **Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)**: For online scams, report to the IC3 at [ic3.gov](https://www.ic3.gov).

3. **Better Business Bureau (BBB)**: Report scams and check for business reviews at [bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org).

4. **Your Local Consumer Protection Office**: Many states have consumer protection agencies where you can file a complaint.

5. **State Attorney General**: Report scams to your state’s Attorney General’s office, which often handles consumer protection.

6. **Social Media Platforms**: If the scam occurred on social media, report the account or post to the platform.

Taking these steps can help protect others and raise awareness about ongoing scams.