Author: Danielle Antosz

Complaints of crimes and missing person reports on cruises that dock at U.S. ports have surged in recent years, fueling what one security expert calls a “dark cloud” over an industry eager to protect its reputation.

Department of Transportation figures show 48 alleged incidents between Jan. 1 and March 30 of this year: 23 reports of rape, 10 of other forms of sexual assault, seven of physical assault and seven of theft greater than $10,000. One missing U.S. national was also reported.

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There were also 47 alleged incidents in each of the first and third quarters of 2024, 50 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 55 in the second quarter of 2023.

“All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry,” Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and lecturer on criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News in a story published May 15. Cruise lines “want [passengers] to be comfortable spending their money.”

A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association told Fox News that “crime is extremely rare on cruise ships” thanks to strict security vetting and training that "make cruise[s] one of the safest holiday options.”

Are cruise ships more prone to crime?

A mixture of large groups of people, alcohol and the sense of freedom that comes with being on vacation can create an environment that’s more prone to illicit activity, says McDonald.

“Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that’s at a resort, whether it’s on a cruise ship,” he said.

Among recent reports:

On March 21, two men in their 30s were arrested, accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports the Miami Herald. Both men were charged with sexual battery of a minor, exposing themselves to a minor and molestation of a child aged 12 to 16. One man faced an additional charge of not informing another person in a sexual act of his HIV status.

“We take these allegations very seriously and immediately notified local law enforcement,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the Herald.

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A month later, dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were banned after video of a brawl at a Galveston, Texas, terminal emerged on social media showing people kicking and punching one another as they disembarked, according to Fox News. Carnival told the news outlet the matter was referred to law enforcement, and stressed that the company “will not tolerate such behavior.”

How to protect yourself while on a cruise

While reports of alleged crime on the high seas may be elevated, some experts insist cruises remain a safe way to travel. If you choose to cruise, you can be proactive and make sure you understand the laws that can help keep you safe.

Know the laws for your ship

Jurisdiction on cruise ships is a constantly moving target that can change after a vessel moves away from shore. Within 12 nautical miles of the coast, the coastal nation’s criminal code typically applies; beyond 12 miles, the ship falls under the law of the country whose flag it flies. Maritime laws may also apply. Before you sail, make sure you understand which laws and regulations will apply during your trip.

Research cruise line safety records

Statistics for reports of alleged crimes of major cruise operators appear in quarterly Department of Transportation reports, and the CDC publishes sanitation scores for each ship. This can help you decide which cruise line and which ship you’re comfortable sailing on.

If you see something, say something

Cruise ships have internal emergency systems, including dedicated phone lines. Report suspicious behaviour immediately.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Thomas Dement of Wake Forest, North Carolina, is no stranger to online shopping deliveries.

But recently, he’s been inundated with packages that he didn’t order — and some don’t even have his name on them.

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He has counted more than 20 of the odd deliveries so far — small padded envelopes delivered by the U.S. Postal Service and filled with things no one would buy on purpose: handfuls of gravel, scraps of paper, even a blank greeting card that simply read “Best Wishes.”

When Dement tried writing “return to sender” and dropping them back in the outgoing mail, the stream didn’t slow.

“It just seems like we’re in a loop where constantly things are being sent to us,” he told local reporters, wondering if his address “is out on the dark web somewhere.”

After posting photos in a neighborhood social media group, Dement learned he wasn’t alone; several neighbors said they’d received similar mystery mail. Commenters pointed him to what cyber‑fraud experts call a brushing scam.

“How do brushing scams work?”

A brushing scam is a marketing con that exploits e‑commerce review systems. A seller — usually an overseas third‑party shop using a big platform — finds a real U.S. address online, ships a feather‑light trinket to prove “delivery,” then posts a glowing “verified purchase” review in the recipient’s name to boost product rankings.

“We know that it’s prevalent all over the United States,” said Sgt. Kurt Steinberger of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office’s Property and Fraud Unit.

The person receiving the package is not in danger and is unlikely to be further targeted. However, officials do recommend keeping a close eye on your credit, just in case.

“What we tell people if they are a victim of such a scam, the best thing for them to do is report it to your local law enforcement,” he said. ”The second thing is to make sure you monitor your credit."

The Better Business Bureau warns that brushing complaints are rising, including reports that now feature QR codes inside the package. These are often part of "quishing" scams, or QR phishing scams.

The classic brushing envelope was annoying but largely harmless, but the new version isn’t. When curious people scan the QR code, the code can redirect victims to a spoofed retail site that phishes for login credentials or silently installs malware. This can result in a stolen identity, fraudulent charges, and other fraud, like tech support scams.

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“What to do if you’re targeted by a brushing scam”

Random packages might seem harmless—and in most cases they are. However, it’s a sign your address is already in a scammer’s database. Here’s how to protect your personal data from being misused.

Never scan QR codes on packages you didn’t order

Treat every unsolicited code or customer service number as a potential phishing trap. If you receive a real item, the FTC says you can keep it, but don’t scan any codes, even those for a user’s manual.

Report the scam

File a complaint with Amazon, eBay, or the platform named on the shipping label (if any) so the fake review can be removed. Forward the tracking details to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or your shipper’s fraud unit.

Check your cards

Check credit card statements and enable two‑factor authentication on major shopping sites; scammers sometimes reuse scraped data for identity theft rings. Setting up text or email notifications for purchases can also help you spot fraudulent purchases faster.

Consider a delivery pause

If the boxes pile up, USPS’s free “Hold Mail” service or a delivery locker can break the feedback loop and starve the scammer of new “deliveries" that allow them to leave fake reviews. While this won’t work for everyone, it can help in some situations.

As for Dement, he is now refusing to open the latest envelopes while hoping the scammers get tired of mailing gravel across the country. Until then, the best defense for him and everyone else is the simplest one: document, report, and never give the fraudsters the click (or scan) they’re counting on.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Phyllis Anderson knew something was off with her garage door. It had started making strange noises and sometimes stopped just short of closing completely. But, she never expected that fixing it would cost nearly $5,000.

“I’m stunned. I didn’t know what to think or what to do,” Anderson, 79, told AZFamily News.

“It’s like a panic situation for me because I have no other money coming in, and it hurts.”

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Anderson, who lives alone in Fountain Hills, Arizona, was left with an almost empty bank account after paying a $4,911.88 bill for what she thought was a standard garage door repair.

The fear she felt may be all too familiar to other older Americans — especially those on fixed incomes.

What happened?

When Anderson’s garage door finally gave out and slammed to the ground, she told AZFamily News that she contacted a company by the name of Garage Door and Gates Service. A technician told her two springs and two metal drums needed replacing — an urgent fix, he said, and one Anderson agreed to. But when the invoice came, she was stunned by the total: $4,911.88.

That number doesn’t add up, according to several garage repair companies interviewed by AZFamily News, who said the job should have cost between $300 and $700.

According to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), the average garage door repair costs just $263, with most homeowners paying between $155 and $378, depending on the door and damage. That makes Anderson’s nearly $5,000 bill a glaring outlier.

To make matters worse, Anderson felt intimidated into paying.

“I was cautious,” she said, admitting she felt too nervous to dispute the bill with the technician in her house.

When reporter Gary Harper called the repair company and asked for an explanation of the bill, a woman on the line said the company would call reporters back. But that call never came.

Harper helped Anderson call her bank and dispute the charges. Her bank has temporarily refunded the money while they investigate the dispute. For now, the cash is back in her account, but the emotional and financial stress lingers.

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How to avoid getting overcharged on repairs

Unfortunately, Anderson’s story isn’t unique. While contractors are generally honest, bad actors can exploit urgent repair needs, especially among elderly homeowners. The FBI warns that home repair scams are a common form of elder fraud, which affects millions of Americans each year.

Here are a few ways to help protect yourself or a loved one.

Research vendors before you call

Take the time to find a trustworthy contractor. Look for companies with strong reviews, check the Better Business Bureau and ask neighbors for referrals.

Ask about pricing upfront

Before any work begins, ask for a written estimate. Reputable companies will explain what parts are needed and how much they cost, so you won’t be hit with a surprise later.

Get multiple quotes

It’s always smart to call at least two or three companies, even if one is available sooner. A little extra time could save you hundreds — or thousands — of dollars.

Have a trusted friend or family member present

If you’re unsure about a contractor or worry you’ll feel pressured, have someone with you during the visit. It can help discourage upselling and make you feel more confident asking questions.

If you — or someone you care about — has been overcharged for home repairs, contact your bank immediately and consider filing a complaint with the state attorney general or consumer protection office.

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Marcia and Carlton Lee’s month‑long property nightmare on Chicago’s South Side is finally over.

The couple have reclaimed their vacant house — one they’re trying to sell — after police arrested and removed a stranger who moved in with her family, with paperwork to suggest she owned it.

"I knew the ID was fake," Marcia told ABC 7 Chicago. “I knew the documentation was fake. I’m just super excited that they finally got her out."

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The woman in question — Shermaine Powell‑Gillard — now faces a stack of felony and misdemeanor charges.

The Lees have to clean up a mess of trash and some minor damage in the home before they put it back on the market, but they’re just grateful to have it back.

"It brings peace to my household," Carlton said. "That’s what I need."

Why it took four weeks for the stranger to vacate

The Lees’ trouble began in early April, when they arrived at the vacant property to show it to a realtor and prospective buyer and discovered a woman who introduced herself as “Stacy” living inside.

She presented mortgage documents and photo ID that, at first glance, appeared legitimate. Officers called to the scene treated the confrontation as a civil dispute and said they lacked the authority to remove her.

Illinois law requires property owners to evict squatters under the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, a process that can drag on for months.

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Frustrated by the situation, the Lees approached ABC7 for help. Marcia noted that on the supposed mortgage documents the woman presented, the property PIN matched a different home.

Following media coverage, police revisited the evidence and concluded the ID and mortgage file were indeed fakes.

Officers escorted Powell‑Gillard out of the home and charged her with forgery, burglary, obstructing identification, and criminal trespass. She has since been released and is awaiting her trial.

The Lees have boarded up every window and door of their vacant home to make sure they don’t have to deal with a repeat of the situation.

Meanwhile, Illinois state representative La Shawn Ford is looking to change the existing eviction legislation so owners don’t have to go through the Forceable Entry Act and go to court to evict squatters.

Under his proposed law, police could remove a squatter as soon as the legitimate homeowner can prove they own the home. The Illinois Senate has passed the bill but it awaits a House vote.

Protect your vacant property from squatters

Reports of squatting are on the rise across the United States, though it remains relatively rare.

Experts say that a tight housing market, slow civil courts, and social-media how-to guides have emboldened squatters.

Until legislation catches up, here are a few practical safeguards to protect your own vacant property:

Get surveillance cameras

Install cameras in secure, difficult-to-reach places. If a squatter claims a legal right to the home, footage can prove they broke in and move the case from civil to criminal court.

Ask neighbors to keep an eye out

Talk to your neighbors and let them know the home is vacant. Ask them to call or text you if they see anyone at the house so you can take action quickly.

Remove or replace lock boxes

If you’re using a lock box for realtor access, make sure it has a hard-to-guess code. For example, don’t use 1234 or the street number. Consider installing a keypad lock, which can have longer codes, or leaving the key with a property manager instead.

Consider the pros and cons of for-sale signs

While signs can help sell or rent your home, they also let squatters know a house is empty. If you’re worried about squatters, consider sticking to online listings.

And if squatters do move in? Get the police involved and turn over as much information as possible. Don’t take matters into your own hands — you could wind up with legal trouble of your own.

Hopefully, legal reforms will give homeowners across the U.S. more power to remove squatters. Until then, preventive measures remain your first and best line of defense.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A Maryland homeowner, who asked to only be identified by his first name, Pete, says squatters are demanding $5,000 to vacate his home after gaining access to the property through a fraudulent Instagram rental scheme.

ABC 7 News reports that two adults and two children had moved in, changed the locks and gave police a signed “Squatter Lease Agreement Addendum,” a document investigators say is part of a larger fraudulent rental scheme, and one that Pete knew nothing about.

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The purported squatters allegedly told officers they paid $1,500 to a woman they met on Instagram who claimed she could get them a house in any area they wanted. All they had to do was pay a one-time fee — no rent, no lease, no questions asked.

Organized criminal networks are exploiting homeowners through fake online listings

According to dispatch audio and police reports obtained by ABC 7, officers were called to Pete’s property on May 29 after a realtor noticed signs of forced entry.

The BCPD report states that “a realtor attempted to show the property to a prospective renter when he noticed shavings on the ground of the front door entrance, the lockbox to the property missing, and the locks changed.” Police noted visible damage to the basement door consistent with forced entry.

According to police reports reviewed by ABC 7 News, the male occupant at Pete’s home admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong — but said he felt he had no other option. He reportedly claimed the individual told him the real homeowner might eventually show up but he’d have the chance to “work something out” when that happened. In some cases, however, renters don’t know they are entering into a fraudulent lease.

Baltimore County Police say this isn’t an isolated incident. The same Instagram account that connected these squatters to Pete’s home has been mentioned in at least two other squatting cases in the area, including one in Windsor Mill and another in Baltimore City. Baltimore County State Delegate Ryan Nawrocki says these cases show a troubling trend: coordinated squatting scams that operate like organized crime.

“We have people who are doing this time and time again, and we know who they are. It’s no different than any other criminal network that we would normally hold very seriously accountable,” he told ABC 7.

Law enforcement struggles to prosecute squatting scams

As these scams grow more common, authorities say the legal system is struggling to keep up. Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger says these scams are difficult to prosecute because they often involve two sets of victims: homeowners, and tenants who believe they’ve found a legitimate place to live.

“You have a victim who signs a lease and gets ripped off—and you have a property owner who loses control of their home,” Shellenberger said. His office is pursuing charges when possible, but he says that criminals are finding ways to commit crimes that states lack laws to address.

Some states, like Florida and California, have begun passing laws to protect property owners from these situations.

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Tips for homeowners: How to protect your home from squatting scams

Realtor.com suggests that homeowners can try to protect their property from squatters with security measures, such as:

• Secure vacant homes: Use security cameras, check the property frequently and alert neighbors if your property is unoccupied.
• Make the home look occupied: Timed lights, security signs, planters and even children’s toys can make it look like someone lives in the home.
• Report tampering immediately: If locks are changed or signs of forced entry appear, notify police right away. The longer squatters stay, the harder it can be to remove them.
• Screen for your property online: Monitor real estate and social media platforms for listings using your address without your consent. Consider setting up an alert for your address that will notify you if anything about your address is posted.
• Consult a property attorney: Eviction and trespass laws vary by state, and laws are constantly changing. You may need legal help to remove unauthorized occupants.

Tips for renters: How to avoid a fake lease

For those looking for a place to rent, Experian provides tips on how to avoid falling for a bogus listing:

• Don’t trust listings from social media: Scammers prey on desperation. If it seems too easy or too cheap, it probably is.
• Tour the property: This will prove the person offering the home has access. While it’s not foolproof, it’s another step that can help protect you.
• Verify the landlord’s identity: Ask to see ID, ownership documents or work through a licensed realtor.
• Watch for red flags: Cash-only payments, no background checks, lease agreements with vague or unusual language or being told to change the locks yourself indicate something isn’t right.
• Check the property’s status: Use county records or real estate platforms to confirm if it’s actually available for rent and who owns it. If the home is for sale or lists an owner other than the person you spoke with, walk away.

Squatting scams like this are growing more common and more sophisticated. Pete’s story is a warning for both homeowners and renters: in the age of online scams and fake listings, protecting your home, or finding one, may require more vigilance than ever.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A Kentucky mom got the shock of her life when 30 giant boxes of Dum-Dum lollipops showed up on her porch, ordered by her 8-year-old son.

Holly LaFavers, a mom from Lexington, says her son Liam was playing on her phone over the weekend when he placed a massive order through Amazon: 30 cases of suckers, each packed with 2,340 pieces. That added up to 70,200 lollipops — and a bill of more than $4,200.

When the delivery showed up, Liam didn’t seem fazed.

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“My suckers are here!” he shouted, according to LaFavers. She posted a photo of her front door nearly obscured with bright red boxes labelled Dum-Dums.

Was she able to return the items?

LaFavers acted quickly, contacting Amazon to return the unintended order. But, she hit a wall. Amazon agreed to take back just 8 of the 30 cases, reported WKYT News, leaving her with another 22 — and no refund for the bulk of the purchase.

Rather than eat the cost (or the candy), LaFavers turned to Facebook to sell off the extra suckers to local families. In a follow-up post , she thanked the community.

“All of the boxes have been sold,” she wrote.

Other parents chimed in with sympathy — and a sense of humor. “I assure you, you will laugh about it later — probably while eating a lollipop!” one commenter wrote.

Amazon’s return policy allows most items to be returned or replaced within 30 days. However, they reserve the right to refuse returns, especially for bulk items. Digital books or other educational content ordered accidentally — but not yet downloaded — can typically be returned within seven days. Apple products generally only have a 15-day return window.

Amazon says many items are nonreturnable, including perishables, custom products, pharmacy items and medications.

Though suckers have a long shelf life, they may still be classified as nonreturnable food items, meaning Amazon wasn’t required to accept a return.

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How to safeguard your account from other family members

Liam’s sweet shopping spree may be an extreme case, but it’s not uncommon for kids to accidentally (or not-so-accidentally) place orders using a parent’s device. Here’s how to help avoid an expensive surprise of your own.

Turn off voice-activated purchasing through Alexa

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Open More and select Settings.
3. Select Account Settings.
4. Select Voice Purchasing.
5. Use the toggle to turn Voice Purchasing off. This will prevent kids from ordering by voice.

Set purchase permissions on kids’ devices

In Household on the Amazon app, you can set up a teen or child profile with purchase approval required before any orders go through. If your child wants to make a purchase, it will send you an email or push notification for approval.

Use biometrics for Amazon login

Require Face ID, fingerprint or a passcode to open the Amazon app, especially on shared devices. This will help prevent kids or other family members from accessing your Amazon account and making an unapproved purchase.

Remove stored payment methods

It might sound drastic, but if there’s no way to pay, there’s no way to order. Removing or locking down saved payment info can prevent unauthorized charges.

Disable 1-Click or "buy now" ordering

Turn off 1-Click settings in your Amazon account preferences to add a speed bump before any checkout.

LaFavers is lollipop-free now, but her story is a cautionary tale for parents in the digital age. A few account safeguards can go a long way toward preventing a $4,200 surprise.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

It’s enough to leave any adult child fuming with frustration. You agreed to cosign a car loan for your parents with normal expectations — a limit on how much they’d spend, say $23,000, and an understanding you’d actually get to sign the loan. You hand over your information to help with initial paperwork, then you get shut out — by both your parents and the dealer.

Now you learn the dealer upsold your parents by $10,000 and they agreed to a loan with a terrible rate.

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Most disturbingly, you’re listed as a cosigner even though you didn’t sign any paperwork. Are you legally on the hook for this loan?

Yo-Yo Financing

Your parents may have been duped by “yo-yo financing” — a technique underhanded salespeople use to hook people into costly car loans.

It starts as something that appears to be win-win: spot delivery. As Capital One explains, spot delivery plays to would-be buyers’ desire for immediate gratification, as a dealer lets customers leave the lot with a new car before financing is actually finalized.

That’s when the allure of spot delivery can turn into the less savoury ‘yo-yo financing,’ a kind of bait-and-switch.

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The seller gives buyers the impression that loan terms are set, and lets them drive off. Then the seller contacts the buyers later saying they tried to finalize the loan at the quoted rate and couldn’t — so the finalized loan comes with a higher rate.

If the buyers can’t afford the rate, they have to return the car or risk having it repossessed or reported as stolen. Or they may think they have to take a loan they might not be able to afford.

What many buyers don’t realize in these ‘yo-yo financing’ cases is that they are not obligated to uphold any loan terms the dealer imposes.

The deal isn’t actually finalized. If all parties — including an unsigned cosigner — can’t agree to the terms, the dealer must either rewrite the deal or unwind it completely and take the car back.

But you’re still exposed to some risks as a cosigner, even an unsigned one.

The legal responsibilities and risks of being a cosigner

In this situation, you would be a "ghost" cosigner. Whether you sign or not, having your name as a co-signer on a loan comes with several risks, including:

Identity and credit exposure. Even without a signature, the dealer has a cosigner’s full name, address, license number, and likely their Social Security number. That’s enough to run a hard inquiry and open an auto‑loan application in their name. A single hard pull can shave a few points off your credit score, while a loan that actually goes through — and later defaults — can torch it for years. 

Liability if the dealer “pushes it through.” Submitting forged or “ghost” signatures is illegal, but it happens. If the lender funds the contract before the fraud is caught, the cosigner becomes jointly liable for the entire balance. Federal law requires lenders to give cosigners a special notice describing that liability, but many don’t see it until the first bill arrives. 

No automatic right to return the car. There is no federal cooling‑off period for buying a vehicle. Once financing is approved and contracts are executed, the sale is final unless the dealer offers a written return policy or state law allows a cancellation window. Most do not. 

No automatic right to use the car. Cosigners share the debt but not the keys. Unless the contract spells out ownership or usage rights, you’re on the hook for payments without any legal claim to drive the vehicle. That also means if the other party defaults on the loan, you can’t just take the car back and use it yourself, unless the contract gives you that permission.

Big picture: Cosigning ties your credit and cash flow to a car you may never touch — often a lopsided deal at best. That is why it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

How to avoid becoming a co-signer on a risky deal

Avoid cosigning unless you trust the person implicitly or are financially able to take over the terms of the loan.

If you do decide to co-sign on a car loan, here’s how to protect yourself:

• Set ground rules in writing. Agree on the maximum purchase price, loan term, and add‑ons before sharing your personal info and make it clear that you must review every document before signing.
• Never text or email your license image. A photo is enough for a lender pull. Hand it over only when you’re physically present to sign.
• Consider getting lender preapproval. Walking in with a credit-union-approved deal forces the dealer to beat or match a firm offer and eliminates spot‑delivery surprises.
• Stay for the entire financing process. Finance offices move fast; being in the chair lets you refuse extras like extended warranties, service contracts, or nitrogen‑filled tires that inflate the price.
• Read (and keep) the Truth‑in‑Lending disclosures. As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains, the federal Truth in Lending Act, or TILA, requires dealers to provide you with a full TILA disclosure outlining APR, total finance charges, amount financed, and payment schedule before you sign anything. 
• Know when to say no. Cosigning can help loved ones, but you shoulder equal liability for late payments, repossession costs, and deficiency balances. If you can’t comfortably afford to make the payments, walk away. 

Being a cosigner is more than a formality; it’s a threat to your credit, wallet and relationships.

Next time, keep the paperwork — and the keys — on hold until every T is crossed and every I is dotted.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.