September 2022

We know that scammers target Latinos with calls and ads in English and Spanish because the FTC has sued to stop them. When the FTC hears about the Latino community’s experiences and collects their reports about frauds and scams, it helps everyone. Want to be part of the solution? Add your voice and help us get the word out this #HispanicHeritageMonth.

As recovery efforts continue in areas hit hard by mother nature’s recent bi-coastal punch, scammers are not far behind. They see tragedy as opportunity, and they'll use the devastation caused by severe storms — like Typhoon Merbok, Hurricane Fiona, and Hurricane Ian, now headed for shore — to try to take advantage of those affected. As well as of anyone who tries to help. That's why it's so important to know how to spot the scams that often follow natural disasters.

When you’re online, some companies try to trick you into buying things you don’t want. Or into giving them permission to use your personal information. The use of these deceptive designs, known as dark patterns, is on the rise, according to a new report from the FTC. So, what do these dark patterns look like — and how do they take your money and your data?

If you’re having a hard time making your mortgage payments, we have some advice on what to do next. We also want you to know that there are companies out there who will say they’ll help but are out to take advantage of you.

Buying a car is a big purchase that most of us have to finance. Many people who financed vehicles they bought at Tate’s Auto had their vehicles repossessed. Why? According to the FTC, Tate’s Auto, which had four dealerships across Arizona and New Mexico, misled their customers and lied to lenders. Today, the FTC began returning more than $415,000 to thousands of those customers. Read on to learn more.

When temperatures drop, it often costs more to stay comfortable in your home — and scammers know that. This alert is the first in a series to help you get your home ready for winter, save money, and avoid fraud. 

The FTC is working to address deceptive advertising and unlawful add-on sales in the auto industry by considering changes to the law that would give the agency better tools to protect consumers and honest dealerships. Want to help? Don’t wait! Submit a comment on the rulemaking and make your voice heard.

Scams affect everyone. And we mean everyone — your family, friends, and neighbors. Don’t believe us? Look at the data.