The Archive
Every story on the porch
Browse by category, or search for a name you half-remember.
Late 20th century – present
THE LOTTERY SCAM
"You've won a fortune in a lottery you never entered. All you have to do to collect is pay the taxes and fees first — over and over."
Every disaster, every era
THE CHARITY SCAM
"Fake nonprofits appear after hurricanes, wildfires, or wars — pocketing donations meant for the people on the news."
2000s – present, sharper every year
THE GRANDPARENT SCAM
"The phone rings at dawn. A frightened voice says 'Grandma, it's me — I'm in jail, please don't tell Mom.' Wire the bail before you can breathe."
Postwar suburbia – present
THE UTILITY WORKER SCAM
"A friendly man in a hard hat says there's a gas leak — or a water problem — and needs inside your home. While he distracts you at the basement, a partner slips upstairs and cleans out the jewelry drawer."