February 2024 During February, we often think about making connections and building new relationships. Relationships bring joy and connection – but unfortunately, scammers love to prey on other people’s hope and happiness. They are adept at using sweetheart scams to rob people of their hard-earned money. In 2023, we received 71 sweetheart scam complaints representing […]
January 2024 In 2023, North Carolina consumers filed 21,544 complaints with my office, and we recovered more than $1.4 million for them. As we start the new year, I hope you will arm yourself to protect your hard-earned money by reviewing some tips to avoid the top 10 consumer complaints reported to my office last […]
December 2023 It’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” and everyone should be thinking about spending time with family and friends or finding the perfect gifts for their loved ones. But for scammers, this can be the most profitable time of the year. The holidays are a busy time for criminals who want to […]
November 2023 The holiday season is fast approaching, and the spirit of giving is in the air. For many North Carolinians, this is a time for giving back by donating to charities. But for scammers, it’s a time to prey on their goodwill. As charities begin reaching out to folks to support their cause, scammers […]
October 2023 Domestic violence is a horrific crime that poses a real and constant threat to victims. At its most tragic, it can be fatal. Already this year, 57 North Carolinians have lost their lives to domestic violence homicides. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we shine a light on this crime that often occurs in […]
September 2023 Protecting the people of North Carolina must be job one for the people who serve our state. It certainly is for the men and women in law enforcement who keep our communities safe each day. But law enforcement agencies across the state are facing significant staff shortages, and they’re struggling to hire and […]
August 2023 People all over North Carolina are grappling with higher prices. It’s one thing when input costs go up, but it’s another thing altogether when we find hidden fees tacked on to purchase after purchase – hotel bills, concert tickets, bank accounts, and so many others. Your hard-earned money is even more precious in […]
July 2023 North Carolina’s summer storms and scorching temperatures over the past few weeks are a reminder that we are in the swing of the hurricane season. Hurricane season lasts until November, and sadly, we’ve already seen tornadoes hit and damage Nash County. These disasters don’t just bring stormy skies – they bring scammers, too. […]
A ‘Thank You’ to North Carolina’s Teachers Attorney General Josh Stein May 2023 Ms. Dalton. Mr. Charles. Mr. Stuart. These are just three of the teachers who had an important impact on my life. Every one of us knows the impact teachers have as they pour encouragement, knowledge, and support into us and the students […]
April 2023 Online reviews can be a useful tool to help you decide what products to buy, companies to hire, or rental companies to sign with. When products or services are highly reviewed, they’re more visible and you’re more likely to spend your money on them. But often, the reviews you’re reading weren’t written by […]