Utah Department of Commerce

A warrant for your arrest? Scammers are faking the Sheriff's Office to panic you.

Law enforcement will never ask for payment via gift cards, crypto, or apps.

Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera breaks down the "Government Imposter Scam" on the Scamalot Fraudcast: commerce.utah.gov/fraudcast/

Rebalancing is key to managing your portfolio. It ensures your asset mix stays aligned with your goals and that you don't take on more risk than you're comfortable with. Learn more: www.investor.gov/introduction...

That eye-catching deal for a brand-name product on social media might be a scam! Before you click and buy, protect yourself:
-Research the seller
-Compare prices elsewhere
-Only scammers demand wire transfers, payment apps, or crypto

Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Ahead of Valentine's Day, beware of romance scams.
Loneliness can drive people to seek connections online. Unfortunately, this can make seniors especially vulnerable to online romance scams. Scammers can pose as charming partners to gain your trust and then ask for money or personal details.

Scammers use urgent calls and voicemails about "prequalified" loans you didn't apply for to pressure you into acting fast and giving up personal info.

Protect yourself from phone scams:

1. NEVER Call Back
2. Don't Trust Caller ID
3. Block the Number

Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

YouTube video by Utah Commerce Señor Protector: Advertencia de fraude

¡Protéjase contra inversiones fraudulentas! Tenga cuidado con los argumentos que afirman que necesita invertir ahora o perderá la oportunidad. www.youtube.com/shorts/xjcSs...

Did you know that foster youth are at a higher risk of identity theft? Minors often don't find out until they apply for a job or credit years later. Key steps authorized adults can take:
Check for a Credit Report
Place a Credit Freeze
Secure Personal Data
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Tired of unwanted calls? 📞

-Register your number for free with the National Do Not Call Registry.
-Hang up on robocalls and report them at DoNotCall.gov.
-Block specific numbers or send unknown callers to voicemail.
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Not all home loans are created equal.
Your choices can affect monthly payment, upfront and long-term costs, and level of risk.
A loan option consists of the loan term, interest rate type, and loan type.
Explore this guide to understand your choices: www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-hom...

Did you know there are more illicit massage establishments in Utah than there are McDonald’s or Subways?

Listen to our latest episode of the Scamalot Fraudcast, where we discuss the new law designed to identify illicit storefronts and clean up the industry for legitimate businesses.

Selling your car online? Watch out for fake check scams! Scammers send a check for more than the asking price. They then ask you to return the "extra" money.
While funds may appear initially, your bank will discover the fraud and reclaim the money.
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

This Identity Theft Awareness Week, be empowered to know how to recover if you become a victim of identity theft.
1. Contact the companies where the fraud occurred
2. Change logins, passwords, and PINs for accounts
3. Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

5 Ways to Help Protect Your Identity (Closed Captions available in 12 languages) Routine steps we can all take to protect our personal information and reduce our risk of identity theft. Learn more about protecting your identity and recovering…

It's Identity Theft Awareness Week. Watch this video to learn five steps to take to prevent your identity from falling into the wrong hands: vimeo.com/352067376?fl...

It's Identity Theft Awareness Week. Protect yourself by placing a free credit freeze to stop new accounts from being opened in your name. A fraud alert adds extra verification. A freeze doesn't affect your credit score and lasts until you lift it. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Did you know all HOAs are required to register with the Utah Department of Commerce's Office of the Homeowners' Ombudsman and must now renew their registration annually? Here's what you need to know about registering an HOA: commerce.utah.gov/hoa/new-regi...

Hiring a new employee? Beware of scammers.

Scammers may contact new hires, posing as their supervisor, and ask for favors such as purchasing gift cards or sharing personal information. Inform staff how you’ll reach out and share your contact details.

www.ftc.gov/business-gui...

Have you ever waited in an online queue for concert tickets only to find higher prices at checkout? In this week's Scamalot Fraudcast episode, we explore the psychology of "Junk Fees," highlighting the Taylor Swift Era’s Tour ticket situation and Utah’s push for pricing transparency.

YouTube video by Utah Commerce Señor Protector: Inversión

¿Alguien que conoces quiere que inviertas con él? Verifique que tengan licencia y tenga cuidado con los argumentos de venta de alta presión. www.youtube.com/shorts/_PtsE...

Should you register your business as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) in Utah? Read our blog post on eight reasons why registering your DAO in Utah can give your business a competitive edge. commerce.utah.gov/2024/03/27/w...

Scammers are targeting retirees, claiming "suspicious activity" on their accounts. Remember to:
- Never transfer money if asked unexpectedly.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Verify by contacting the organization directly.

consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

"You've won!" While exciting, those words can be a scammer's trick. How to spot a prize scam:

-They ask for "taxes," "shipping," or "processing fees."
-Rush to prevent you from thinking things through.

If you didn't enter, you didn't win. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Is your strong password enough to keep your accounts safe? While a solid password is a great start, it’s not foolproof. Cyber attackers have various ways to compromise your security. Consider also using two-factor authentication for your accounts. Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use...

The start of a new year is an excellent time to reevaluate your budget. Try the 50/30/20 budget rule. This divides your after-tax income into 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. Check out the budget calculator: www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/nerdwallet-budget-calculator

2025 was a landmark year for the Utah Department of Commerce! Highlights include launching the Office of the Homeowners’ Association and hosting the Utah AI Summit. Read an in-depth recap of our 2025 achievements: commerce.utah.gov/2026/01/07/y...

Happy New Year from the Scamalot Fraudcast! As we kick off 2026 and focus on our resolutions, many of us are seeking new jobs, passive income streams, or better investment opportunities. But before you say "yes" to that dream opportunity, listen to our latest episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

When real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, and appraisers give you their word, remember to do your research to ensure they are trustworthy. Be aware of common real estate scams: scams.utah.gov

Have you ever received a verification code when logging into your bank account? This is part of two-factor authentication. Scammers may impersonate trusted contacts and ask for your code. Sharing it can lead to account access and loss of savings. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Whether you are trying to teach your kids about finance or you want to learn more yourself, here are some common financial terms that you may come across: www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-too...

Dreaming of making money from home? Be cautious of scammers.
How to spot a job scam:
-High pay for little effort? Likely a scam.
-Asked to pay for starter kits or training? Legit employers don’t charge you.
-Received a check and told to send money back? It’s a scam.

consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Tune in to the Scamalot Fraudcast! 🎙️Our podcast dives deep into the world of scams. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to hear us interview experts as we discuss key red flags and share essential tips to protect yourself and your loved ones. Learn more here: commerce.utah.gov/fraudcast/