The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "scam" ...
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Questionable Coverage
“Questionable Coverage” was a hidden camera investigative report about systematic health insurance scams affecting victims in nearly every state. As a direct result of our reporting, two companies ceased operations, a third has been sanctioned, and insurance regulators in Georgia and New York have launched their own investigations into the fraud.
Tags: health insurance; scams; fraud; hidden cameras
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Kansas City Adoption Scam
The CBS News investigation uncovered an adoption con artist who scammed more than 40 families out of tens of thousands of dollars and made extra efforts to emotionally scar her victims.
Tags: adoption; scam; con artist;
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ID Theft: Who's Got Your Number
The reporter discovers an unexpected and enormous surge in the latest ID theft schemes -- stealing tax refunds and scamming free medical care.
Tags: ID theft; identity; identity theft
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Air Duct Investigation
Using hidden cameras, Inside Edition exposes a national ripoff where an organized group of individuals use air duct cleaning companies to go from state to state defrauding homeowners.
Tags: homeowners; scam; air ducts
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Commonwealth Games Medical Scam
The story examines the massive overshoots in the budget for the Commonwealth games. The investigation focused on the purchase of highly inflated medical equipment made by the state government for players and spectators of the games.
Tags: Commonwealth Games; Delhi; sports; Commonwealth
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A Bad Cop and His Wife
The investigation uncovered how a Los Angeles detective and his wife ripped off people from coast to coast. The detective would use his influence as a police officer to help his wife's furniture and design business. She would take customers money but not deliver the goods.
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Cell Phone Hacking
A hacker shows a reporter how vulnerable cell phones are to viruses, malware and theft. Phone security can be increased when users take precautions such as downloading security software, being aware of scams and password protecting their phones.
Tags: cell phones; cell; phone; malware; virus
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Debt Settlement/Abusive Debt Collection
Debt settlement company complaints are on the rise. The story shows how one family in Minnesota turned to a debt settlement company for help and ended up with increased debt as a result.
Tags: debt settlement; scam; credit card debt; debt; consumer; credit solution disputes
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Brian Ross Investigates: Better Business Bureau -- Pay to Play Scandal
An investigation of the Better Business Bureau revealed it was running a "pay to play" scheme. Businesses that paid for a BBB membership were given A plus ratings while those that didn't received F ratings. Following the investigation, the BBB immediately apologized and launched an internal investigation.
Tags: BBB; Better Business Bureau; consumer watchdog; business; scam
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Crash Course
A popular Florida referral service company had been attracting customers injured in car accidents. The company had been exploiting Florida's "no-fault" auto insurance law to mislead it's customers into giving money to a network of chiropractors and lawyers that pocketed their money.
Tags: fraud; scam; auto insurance; lawyer fraud