Scammers often make up stories to steal personal information or money, and one of the ways they do this is by pretending to offer free government grant money for personal expenses. Many of these schemes begin with unexpected contact, such as a phone call, email, text message, or social media message, telling you that you […]
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Paying for college is one of the biggest financial decisions many families will ever face. Tuition, fees, housing, books, and living expenses can add up quickly, leaving students and parents unsure where to start. The good news is that there are multiple ways to pay for college, including scholarships, federal financial aid, work‑study programs, and […]
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Online shopping makes it easy to browse used cars from the comfort of your home, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers increasingly use online platforms to advertise cars they don’t actually own. According to the FTC, criminals post fake listings on auction and sales sites like eBay Motors, Facebook Marketplace, and other […]
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Credit plays a major role in many financial decisions, yet it is often misunderstood. When people don’t fully understand how credit works, they can make choices that lead to long‑term debt and financial stress. This article explains what credit is, how to manage it responsibly, and how to build or improve credit, using guidance […]
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The Automated Clearing House (ACH) network is an essential part of how businesses move money every day, whether paying employees, collecting customer payments, or managing recurring billing. To strengthen fraud prevention and improve transaction transparency, NACHA is introducing several important rule updates beginning in 2026. These changes will affect all non-consumer ACH originators and third-party […]
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What Is a Rug Pull? A rug pull is a type of scam in the crypto world where the people who created a new coin suddenly take everyone’s money and disappear. Think of it like someone inviting you to invest in a “new exciting project,” talking it up to make it sound amazing, and then […]
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Bitcoin ATMs, often referred to as BTMs, are becoming increasingly common in grocery stores, gas stations, convenience shops, and malls. While they offer a quick and convenient way to buy or send cryptocurrency, scammers have turned them into a powerful tool to steal money from unsuspecting victims. According to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer […]
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Iris Zheng After high school, Iris plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she will begin in the Pre‑Pharmacy Program. From there, she hopes to be accepted into the conditional entry program, securing a seat in SIUE’s School of Pharmacy. Her long‑term goal is to complete the six‑year program and earn her license to […]
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What Is a Romance Scam? You meet someone special on a dating website or app. Soon they want to email, call, or message you off the platform. They say it’s true love, but they live far away — maybe for work or because they’re in the military. Then they start asking for money. Maybe it’s […]
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Tania Onate Tania Onate will be heading to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale after graduation, where she plans to pursue a double major in Elementary Education and Automotive Technology. Throughout high school, she involved herself in a wide range of activities, including the Green Team, Junior Class Congress, Beta Club, and the band, where she […]
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