Results for: Consumer Fraud

Gift card scams are on the rise, prompting state attorneys general and legislatures to take action. In 2023, card draining and other gift card-related fraud made up $217 million of the record-high $10 billion in money lost from scams nationwide. Some states are considering legislation that would require secure packaging for gift cards to conceal activation information, while others are imposing fines on retailers who fail to post warning signs. Industry groups, however, argue that micromanaging gift card sales would hurt small businesses and that the focus should be on educating consumers about these scams.

A towing company owner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been arrested and charged with overcharging customers for short-distance tows. The owner, identified as Vince Fannick, is accused of charging customers between $7,000 and $13,105 for tows that were less than a mile. In total, Fannick allegedly overcharged 27 customers by more than $100,000. Fannick’s hearing is scheduled to begin on May 3rd, and he is currently being held in jail on a $25,000 bond.