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Every Year Minnesotans lose hundreds and thousands of dollars to scam artists, bogus telemarketers, and fake "contests".  The Attorney General's Office accepts complaints on con-artists, and we do help citizens recover their losses. However, the best defense against fraud is YOU! Learn to spot the telltale signs of consumer fraud:

• Pressure Tactics
• Payment up Front
• Time Pressure
• Refusal to Provide References

The Office of Attorney General Lori Swanson offers some valuable information in fighting scams and frauds. The following brochures and articles explain how to spot scams and protect yourself against consumer fraud.

The Bottom Line on Fraud
Up to 200 billion dollars is lost to fraud each year. Because businesses and other organizations are affected by fraud, this Office prepared the following information concerning some common scams that affect businesses: Fake Invoices, Foreign Advance Fee Fraud, and Identity Theft.

Consumer Alerts
This service of the Attorney General's Office attempts to inform consumers of recent scams affecting Minnesotans. View this section to look for the latest scams.

Consumer Tips for Reducing Junk Mail and Telemarketing Calls
Approximately $40 billion a year is lost to telemarketing fraud. This one-page brochure lists addresses and telephone numbers to contact for reducing your junkmail, telemarketing calls, and to opt-out of pre-approved credit card lists.

Credit Contact Information
Credit reports often contain incorrect information. This is a simple guide informing consumers how to contact the major credit bureaus. Consumers can use the form in this guide to obtain their credit report. It also contains contact information for credit counseling services and an opt-out number for credit bureaus sharing information.

Guarding Your Privacy
Identity theft is an increasing form of fraud, and many people are vulnerable to it. This booklet discusses the twin problems of increased information exchange and identity theft, as well as ways you can avoid such violations of privacy. The booklet also contains a sample letter to "opt out"  of the sale, exchange or disclosure of your personal information by entities that have it.

Phone Handbook (PDF)
This useful guide helps you protect yourself from fraud, handling telemarketers and how to understand local and long distance service.

Seniors Guide to Fighting Fraud
This newsletter is a guide to protect seniors against fraud. It explains different kinds of scams and gives you telltale signs that point to fraud.

Tips for Donating to Charity
This article offers information for consumers interested in donating their money to credible charities.

Avoid Investment Scams (PDF)
Don’t be tempted by a persuasive sales pitch or the lure of “high guaranteed returns.” Any investment is risky, and high returns come with more risk—not guarantees.

Charities--Avoid Shams and Scams
This column is designed to provide tips to make sure that when you give a charitable gift, your money is being used as you intend.

Beware of Phishing (PDF)
We live in the land of 10,000 lakes, but not all fishing in Minnesota involves walleye or northern pike. Attorney General Lori Swanson warns consumers to be on guard against fraudulent operators “phishing” (not “fishing”) for consumers’ personal information.

Misleading Vacation Packages
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office urges consumers to safeguard themselves from deceptive vacation packages.

Sweepstakes Information
The Sweepstakes Industry is a multi million dollar business. Over 90% of American consumers have received a mailing telling them that they have won a prize.

Magazine Subscription Solicitations
Many consumers receive solicitations through the mail, by telephone or door-to-door for magazine subscriptions.

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