Recognize an FTC Impersonator

While the car-buying process can be stressful, whether you’re shopping online or in person, the thought of driving off the dealer’s lot with that sweet ride you’ve had your eyes on can be exhilarating. But imagine showing up at the dealership and finding out the dealer has no record of your order or your payment. And that there’s no shiny car waiting for you! That’s what’s happening to unwitting car buyers who’ve been duped by scammers impersonating a car dealership.

Many people experience fraud but never report it, and scammers count on you staying silent. Your story — especially when you share it with friends, family, and the FTC — is a powerful tool in the fight against fraud. Here’s why your report matters.

It seems like every day, a major weather emergency or natural disaster happens somewhere in the world. To help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, recent flooding in Nepal and Tibet, or recent earthquakes in Venezuela, Japan, and Colombia, you might want to donate money to help. Scammers know that and hope to steal money intended for disaster relief. Here’s what to know.