Recognize an FTC Impersonator

You’ve probably seen ads online, on TV, or on social media for subscription offers. They could be for anything from gifts and groceries to snacks and magazines. Some say you can try the subscription for free — but it might not be true. Some will auto-renew if you don’t cancel first, which might come as a surprise. Sometimes you’re signed up for a subscription without even knowing it. Problems with subscriptions or membership fees can happen when a business doesn’t clearly explain that it will keep billing you unless you do something. And that’s what the FTC alleges happened with Maplebear Inc., doing business as Instacart. According to the FTC, Instacart violated the law when, among other things, it charged people annual membership fees for its subscription service after they’d completed free trials — without getting their consent.

If you’re looking to get insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace, you have until January 15th to sign up. But dishonest companies sometimes advertise comprehensive health insurance when it’s really a medical discount plan or a health plan with limited insurance benefits. And, sometimes, an insurance “offer” is just a scam. As you compare your options, here are some things to consider:

People in the military are known for looking out for one another. That’s why scammers set up camp outside military banks pretending to need help — just to get through the holidays. But take a tactical pause. This might be a scammer looking to use your phone to drain your bank accounts. Learn to spot and avoid this scam.