Author: Danielle Antosz

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.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

“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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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.

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 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.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

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

Imagine you’re a diligent parent who, haunted by your own student debt, maxes out a 529 college savings plan for your kids every year to afford a pricey private college.

Then life veers off script: Your kids picked more affordable in‑state schools, graduated early and even received help from a generous grandparent.

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Two decades later, the 529 still bulges — largely from investment gains. Cashing out for non‑education expenses would trigger ordinary income tax plus a 10 % penalty on the earnings portion, according to the IRS.

Now, you’re asking the same question many savers face: How much is too much to save for your kids’ college, and what are your options if you overshoot?

Here’s what you need to know about 529 plans and what to do with what’s left over.

What are 529 plans and how do they work?

A 529 plan is a tax‑advantaged investment account specifically for education costs. Anyone can open one and name a beneficiary (like a child, grandchild or even yourself). There are typically two types of 529 accounts:

• Savings and investment plan: You save money in a 529 investment account. Growth is tax-free if used for qualifying expenses. This is the most flexible plan, as it can be used for K-12, college and apprenticeships.
• Prepaid tuition plan: This plan locks in today’s tuition rates, usually for in-state, public colleges, and is less flexible.

There are several benefits of a 529 plan, including tax breaks and the ability to control investment options. You can also switch the beneficiaries of a 529 investment plan, too. For example, you can change it from yourself to your child, and then your niece or nephew, depending on how you plan to use the funds.

However, there are also a few drawbacks. If you pull the money for non-educational expenses, you’ll pay income tax plus a 10% penalty on the earnings. There is also some market risk. If the market crashes when your kids head to college, you could end up with less cash than expected.

And there’s a chance you won’t need all the funds. So, what happens if there is money left over? There are a few ways to use it.

First, you can save money and pull it out during your own retirement. Your income will be lower, so you’ll pay less income taxes. You will still pay the 10% penalty, but remember, that is only on growth. Other options include:

• A Roth IRA rollover: Under SECURE 2.0, up to $35,000 of a 529 (held at least 15 years) can migrate to the beneficiary’s Roth IRA, subject to annual IRA limits and income requirements.

• Other qualified training: Graduate school, trade programs, student‑loan repayment (up to $10,000 per lifetime) or even qualified international study count, too.

• Changing the beneficiary: Swap the account to cover college costs for another child in your family — a niece, nephew or even a grandchild down the line. Or, switch it to yourself and get that pottery certificate in Tuscany you’ve always dreamed of. (Just make sure it’s eligible first.)

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to make the most of 529 plans — and avoid common mistakes

Consider using these strategies to hit the sweet spot — big enough to cover most costs, but small enough to sidestep penalties and wasted growth.

Set a realistic target

Estimate the cost of four years at your state university, then add a small cushion (maybe 20 %). Adjust annually as tuition data updates. If your child ends up choosing a pricier school, you can cash‑flow the gap, apply for aid or take out student loans. This will prevent over-saving and give you more flexibility to save more for retirement or finance other goals.

Coordinate with relatives early

Ask grandparents and other family members if they plan to pay directly or fund their own 529 plan. It can be tough to have these conversations, and people may not know yet how much — or if — they can contribute. However, starting the discussion early can help you balance savings.

Time your contributions

Front‑loading (saving more when your children are very young) can turbocharge growth and reduce the risk of overfunding if plans change. Revisit the goal each year and decide how much is right to contribute. By high school, for example, you might realize your child is likely to attend a trade school, so you may readjust your contributions.

Limit risk as you get closer to graduation

Consider reshuffling the portfolio during each year of high school to mitigate risk. That locks in gains and shields you from a late‑cycle crash. Much like moving to reduce risk as you get closer to retirement, this helps protect your funds before you need them.

Know your escape plan

Even with careful planning, you could end up oversaving. Make sure you have a plan now for where the funds will go. Leftover funds can be rolled to another relative, converted to an IRA for your kids, pay for your own training or used to bolster your retirement savings.

Aim for moderation when funding a 529; save enough to cover a solid in‑state education, keep other savings on track and stay flexible. That way, you won’t end up with a tax headache when those Ivy League dreams turn into a state school reality.

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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.

Suppose you’re 24 and earning a steady salary for the first time in your life.

Your goal is clear: save $10,000 per year and eventually buy a house. But like many in their 20s, you’re unsure whether you should prioritize retirement savings or homeownership.

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Max out my IRA now or put all my savings toward buying a home? It’s a question increasingly common among young adults navigating early financial decisions.

It’s not a stupid question at all. In fact, it’s a smart one — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Here’s a closer look at the tradeoffs of investing in retirement early versus saving aggressively for a home.

Pros and cons of maxing your IRA

Opening and contributing to an IRA in your early 20s is one of the most powerful moves you can make for your long-term financial security. Thanks to the magic of compound growth, even small contributions made early can grow into significant savings by retirement.

Upsides of maxing your IRA

• Early growth = less pressure later. A dollar saved in your 20s has decades to grow. For example, if you invest $6,000 at age 24 and earn an average annual return of 7%, that single contribution could grow to nearly $45,000 by the time you’re 65.

• Tax benefits. Depending on the type of IRA you choose, you could see tax advantages now (traditional IRA) or in retirement (Roth IRA).

• Flexibility with Roth IRAs. If you choose a Roth IRA, you can withdraw your contributions (not your earnings) at any time without taxes or penalties. That gives you some wiggle room if you later decide to use the money for a down payment.

That said, using an IRA as a piggy bank for home savings isn’t ideal — and comes with major risks.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Downsides of maxing your IRA

• Market volatility. Unlike a high-yield savings account, your IRA is invested in the market. If you plan to buy a home in the next few years, a market decline could drop your savings just when you need them. Remember, with investments, you don’t truly "lose" money until you withdraw.

• Retirement money should stay retirement money. Even if you technically can pull Roth contributions early, you shouldn’t unless you absolutely have to — if, say, you’re facing eviction or medical emergencies. The earlier you raid retirement accounts, the harder it is to rebuild your savings.

• Complex withdrawal rules. While the IRS does allow you to withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA for a first-time home purchase without penalty, it only applies under certain conditions and may still involve taxes.

The takeaway? An IRA is a powerful tool for long-term financial growth but it’s not a substitute for a short-term house fund. Use it to set up your future, not to float your present.

Other factors to consider

Before deciding whether to max out your IRA or focus on a home down payment, it’s important to look at the full financial picture. Buying a house matters but so does your financial foundation.

• 1. Do you have an emergency fund? If you don’t have at least three months of expenses saved, hitting pause on both home and retirement savings might be smart. An emergency fund protects you from dipping into retirement accounts or taking on debt when life throws you a curveball.

• 2. What’s your timeline for buying a home? If your goal is to buy a house in the next three years, your savings strategy should be conservative. A high-yield savings account or short-term CD may be better than investing the money, since it avoids market risk. But if homeownership is five or more years away, splitting your savings between a Roth IRA and a house fund could make sense.

• 3. Are you carrying high-interest debt? Paying down credit cards or other high-interest loans can offer a guaranteed return — often more than you’d earn investing. It also improves your credit score, which can impact the mortgage rate you’ll pay when you do buy a home.

• 4. Are you taking advantage of employer retirement plans? If your job offers a 401(k) match, prioritize that before the IRA. It’s essentially free money your employer is contributing to your retirement. After that, any leftover savings can be divided based on your goals.

• 5. Why is buying a home important to you? Buying a home is a major milestone, but it’s not the only one. Saving for retirement in your 20s means you won’t have to play catch-up later. On the flip side, if owning a home will provide stability, reduce rent costs, or serve as a stepping stone toward building equity, it may be worth focusing on.

Ultimately, there’s no perfect answer. But if you’re asking these questions now, that’s not a sign you’re on the right track.

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

Some South Carolina bars can sing the familiar refrain from Semisonic’s hit “Closing Time” and not have it be related to them shuttering their doors for good.

Skyrocketing liquor liability insurance premiums, driven by a 2017 requiring businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. to carry $1 million in liability coverage, were forcing some bars and restaurants to shut their doors permanently.

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The Brew Cellar, a beloved establishment in Charleston, announced its closure after 11 years in business, citing rising insurance costs as the primary reason.

"We made it through COVID, and we’re getting taken down by laws 11 years after being open. It’s like a death in the family, honestly," owner Ryan Hendrick told ABC 4 News.

State lawmakers are pushing for legislative changes to help restaurants and bars keep their doors open. State Senator Ed Sutton said he believes a solution can be found.

“We got insurance companies on one side fighting, and we got trial attorneys on the other side fighting with each other," he said. "In the middle, the person getting the short of the stick is that small business owner," he told ABC 4 News.

Laws and effect

Why are the rates soaring now? The issue stems from the 2017 law requiring all businesses that serve alcohol after 5:00 p.m. to carry at least $1 million in liquor liability coverage.

The legislation was intended to ensure that victims of alcohol-related incidents could receive compensation. However, it has also driven up insurance costs for business owners. Many insurance companies have either exited the South Carolina market or raised their rates, making it challenging for small establishments to afford the required coverage.

Why is the impact hitting businesses now? Most insurance policies renew annually, meaning rate hikes happen gradually, not all at once. As insurers reassessed risk and adjusted pricing over time, premiums steadily climbed — until they became unsustainable for many bars and restaurants.

Zach Dennis, owner of the bar Peacock and an insurance agent, has seen both sides of the issue.

"I have clients right now whose renewals are coming through that, for the first time, have to answer the question: Do I renew my insurance, or do I close my doors? Because I cannot continue to make money or operate in this economy." Dennis shared.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Lawmakers and the fix

In response to this crisis, Sutton has introduced a bill to amend the current liquor liability laws. The proposed changes would refine liability standards and shift the burden of proof to focus on clear, observable signs of intoxication rather than imposing blanket liability. This could reduce financial risks for responsible establishments while still allowing victims to seek damages. Sutton said he hopes this will lead to lower insurance rates for businesses.

"We need to land in a spot where rates aren’t $100,000 for a liquor liability premium, but also allow for victims of operators that overserved, don’t check IDs, or don’t do the proper thing for those victims to be compensated,” Sutton said, emphasizing the need for balance. “And I absolutely believe we can get there."

Another proposal seeks to reduce the mandatory insurance coverage from $1 million to $250,000 for establishments that implement specific risk mitigation measures, such as comprehensive server training programs.

Sutton’s bill has gained support from the hospitality industry and business community, who see it as essential to preventing closures and preserving South Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. He plans to have the legislation on the governor’s desk by May.

However, for some businesses, the changes may come too late. The Brew Cellar plans to close its doors on February 17, just two days after its 11th anniversary.

Hendrick urged patrons to support their local establishments before it’s too late, "We’re not going to beg for people to come through to keep our doors open, but go support your favorite places; they need it."

On March 5, the South Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would reform the state’s liquor liability law. However, the Senate is still addressing the liability problem along with auto insurance, medical malpractice and how fault is divvied up in civil lawsuits in a tort reform.

As of May 14, the South Carolinan government signed a new law they hope will alleviate the strain on local watering holes. Howeverm time will tell if the new bill will help.

“It’s a start,” said Will Green, owner of the bar The Hoot in Columbia, South Carolina. “I think it offers some relief. I think we still operate in a pretty difficult environment here in South Carolina.”

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• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

Mitchell Guttenberg, co-owner of Bullpen Sports HQ in El Segundo, California, wasn’t about to get fooled twice.

When two familiar faces walked into his store on April 10, he called the police, according to KTLA 5, and in doing so he may have helped crack a major theft case.

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Officers apprehended the pair at the store and uncovered a staggering haul: hundreds of stolen ID cards, stolen passports, methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and over $500,000 worth of collectible sports cards and rare memorabilia.

It was a dramatic end to a series of actions that had quietly started weeks earlier. Here’s what happened.

How the events unfolded

Guttenberg first encountered the suspected criminals — a man and a woman — in late March when they visited Bullpen Sports HQ hoping to sell a large batch of sports cards.

“They were calm,” Guttenberg recalled to KTLA 5 in a story published April 23. “They said their father had passed away and he had been collecting for years.”

Trusting their story, Guttenberg says he bought the cards. It wasn’t until later that he learned the items were reported stolen. So, when the same pair returned to the store two weeks later, Guttenberg didn’t hesitate — he called the cops.

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According to police, when officers arrived, the male suspect tried to flee the store. Surveillance footage obtained by the local broadcaster captured the moment officers tackled him just outside the entrance. During the struggle, the man allegedly reached toward his waistband, where there was a fully loaded handgun. Officers subdued and arrested him without serious injuries.

Per KTLA 5, inside the suspects’ vehicle — a stolen car — officers discovered the previously mentioned haul of stolen goods and drugs.

The male suspect was arrested on charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, drug charges, driving a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest, according to KTLA 5. The woman was arrested for possession of stolen property, possession of hard drugs with two or more prior convictions and possession of identity theft materials with a previous conviction.

How to avoid purchasing pinched goods

Guttenberg had no idea the cards he purchased were stolen at the time — and in many cases, it can be hard for buyers to tell. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself as a businessperson and collector.

• Shop at trusted stores: Most stores have policies in place to protect themselves from theft. While they aren’t always foolproof, it’s a first line of defense.
• Ask for proof of ownership: Request a receipt, bill of sale or serial numbers. Authentic collectors should have no problem providing documentation you can use to verify their wares are legit.
• Look for red flags: Suspiciously low prices, missing original packaging or inconsistent stories from the seller are signs that something might be wrong. Don’t risk your money on suspect purchases.
• Verify authenticity: For high-value items, it may be worth getting a second opinion from an expert before you buy. An appraiser or other industry expert can help confirm if memorabilia is legit.
• Search online: Use searchable databases or check special-interest online forums to see if similar items have been reported stolen. This can also help you spot price discrepancies.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Walking away is better than getting tangled up in stolen goods unknowingly.

While it’s not always possible to spot a scam, being cautious can protect you — and your wallet — from becoming part of someone else’s crime story.

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