You can't
make this stuff up.
Head-scratching headlines, spectacularly bad decisions, and the stories that make you ask: seriously?
Latest dispatches
The FTC is asking whether platforms help scam ads find victims, because apparently “we only optimized it” is the new fraud disclaimer
The agency is considering new rules on ad-optimization tools after consumers reported nearly $3.5 billion in impersonation-fraud losses in 2025.
READ STORY ↗A business-email scam moved $375,000 through checks labeled “Mack Truck,” because apparently fraud needed a vehicle-themed filing system
The DOJ says the United States recovered $375,000 in fraud proceeds after a business-email-compromise scam routed money through an account using suspicious check descrip…
READ STORY ↗An Atlantic City official allegedly took cannabis bribes, because apparently constituent services needed a cash-and-weed upgrade
The DOJ charged the city’s director of constituent services and a school-board member with allegedly soliciting bribes related to a cannabis business.
READ STORY ↗Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, so the three outlets sued to get back into the building where the news happens
The administration barred the outlets over what Trump called unfavorable coverage, seized at least one reporter’s credential and now faces a First Amendment lawsuit.
READ STORY ↗Maryland prosecutors say a man stole more than $1 million from seniors, because apparently retirement savings needed a pickpocket with a spreadsheet
The DOJ says a Hyattsville man was arrested in a fraud scheme that targeted dozens of senior citizens and moved more than $1 million out of their accounts.
READ STORY ↗Four people allegedly arranged more than $7.3 million in fake FHA and VA loans, because apparently the American dream needed a forged floor plan
Federal prosecutors say the defendants orchestrated more than 20 fraudulent home loans by using false information and unqualified borrowers.
READ STORY ↗The Kennedy Center is closing most of the venue while a judge demands 30 days’ notice before demolition, because apparently the arts needed a hostage negotiator
The Trump-aligned board voted to close most of the performing arts center for repairs after a judge blocked plans tied to Trump’s name and ordered advance notice before …
READ STORY ↗A man allegedly submitted more than 100 fake voter registrations to build fake financial identities, because apparently democracy needed a credit-card application
The DOJ says Dmitry Shushlebin used a voter-registration scheme to help create synthetic identities that were then used for fraudulent credit cards and loans.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says more than $10 million meant for childcare went to bogus providers, because apparently the children were optional but the paperwork was not
Federal prosecutors charged 12 people after an investigation allegedly found childcare subsidies for low-income families being funneled to providers that did not provide…
READ STORY ↗Trump promised adults $5,000 if Republicans win the midterms, because apparently democracy needed a limited-time rebate code
The proposed “dividend” would cost roughly $1.2 trillion, require congressional approval and arrive only after voters deliver the requested election result.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a payment processor handled more than 1,000 sham merchants, because fraud apparently needed a merchant-services department
Humboldt Merchant Services agreed to pay $12 million and accept a permanent ban from processing payments for high-risk merchants to settle FTC allegations.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a California bookkeeper spent more than $4 million on a company card, because apparently the expense report was a cry for help
Prosecutors allege Kelly Lynn Brown used cards tied to her employer for personal purchases including a motorcycle, a truck and clothing for an online boutique.
READ STORY ↗The DOJ restrained $52 million in crypto tied to scam centers, because apparently fraud needed a global supply chain and a treasury department
The Justice Department says its Scam Center Strike Force took coordinated action against Southeast Asian scam organizations, including restraining roughly $52 million in…
READ STORY ↗A Chinese national got 46 months for laundering more than $36.9 million from a crypto investment scam, because the blockchain ledger apparently still has a memory
The DOJ says Jingliang Su was sentenced to 46 months for laundering more than $36.9 million from victims of a digital-asset investment scam run through Cambodia-based sc…
READ STORY ↗Ohio’s Supreme Court says “boneless wings” can contain bones, because apparently the menu was only making a suggestion
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that diners should understand “boneless wings” as a cooking style, even after a bone seriously injured a customer.
READ STORY ↗A Missouri candidate allegedly tried to plant cocaine on his opponent, because apparently negative campaigning needed a felony upgrade
AP reports that Thomas Ross is accused of asking a campaign manager to put cocaine and Adderall in his Republican primary opponent’s purse or vehicle.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says scammers are covering parking meters’ QR codes, because apparently paying for a space needed a digital mugging
The agency warns that fake QR stickers can send drivers to lookalike sites built to steal money, passwords and personal information.
READ STORY ↗Americans reported a record $15.9 billion in scam losses, because apparently the national economy needed a criminal side hustle
An AP and FRONTLINE investigation says consumers reported $15.9 billion in losses to the FTC last year, a 25% jump from 2024 and likely a major undercount.
READ STORY ↗