In an ever-expanding, digitally connected world, scammers increasingly take advantage of unwitting consumers. The deception comes in many forms, including tax-collection cons, vacation scams, phishing attempts to get account information and phony sales calls. Approximately 40,700 scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker in 2017, up from nearly 34,000 the previous year. Given that 21 percent of participants in NeighborWorks America's recent consumer finance survey reported being the victim of a financial scam, and 26 percent said they knew someone who had been targeted, there are likely more scams reported to other organizations or not even reported at all. 

Unscrupulous contractors often prey on residents reeling in the wake of hurricanes and other natural disasters. Use this infographic from NeighborWorks America to prevent scammers from finding targets and learn how to choose a legitimate contractor.

The Neighborhood Developers, a Chelsea, Massachusetts-based NeighborWorks network member, partners with other organizations to provide low-income residents a comprehensive range of financial capability services—all in one place.

The need for access to fast, emergency cash is real for many Americans. But too often, it leads to trouble when residents resort to payday loans with high interest rates that they can’t afford.

In Texas, network member Community Development Corporation of Brownsville came together with several organizations and businesses to offer affordable small-dollar loans.