October 2023

Paying a monthly membership fee to get instant cash advances of up to $250, with no hidden fees might sound like a great idea. But what if most people who enroll don’t get anything close to $250, get stuck with a hard-to-cancel membership, and are charged hidden fees? That’s deceptive, according to an FTC lawsuit and settlement with Bridge It, Inc. — a personal finance app also known as Brigit.

Scammers are using the names of FTC employees, including the FTC’s Inspector General, to trick people into sending money or giving up their personal information. Here’s what you need to know.

Halloween is almost here. What could be scarier than not having your costume ready? How about ordering a costume online and never getting what you paid for? Scammers are making this season extra spooky by pretending to be real companies like Spirit Halloween and Party City. But it’s all a trick. Here’s what to know.

​​​​​​​Even though the COVID-19 health emergency is over, many Americans continue to struggle with treatment for illness ― and the FTC will continue go after bad actors who trick people with claims about their products. Case in point: The sellers of The 1 Virus Buster Invisible Mask ― also advertised as The 1 Virus Buster Card ― claim their product gives you an invisible, three-foot barrier of protection against 99.99% of airborne diseases, including COVID-19. Hard to believe? The FTC agrees. Read on to learn more.

It’s unfair and illegal to increase the amount someone ends up paying to buy or lease a car based on their race or how they look. But that’s how the FTC says a group of three auto dealerships in Rhinelander, Wisconsin allegedly overcharged some of their customers. Read on to learn more about the case — and what you can do to get a fair deal when buying a car.

Following the Israel-Gaza crisis in the news and want to help by donating to a charity? Scammers follow the news, too, and are at the ready. Just like in the wake of a natural disaster, scammers set up fake charities to take advantage of your generosity.

Protecting older adults is one of the FTC’s top priorities, and a new report to Congress tells how the agency tackled fraud, scams, and other issues affecting older adults over the last year. It’s been a busy year at the FTC, so what are some of the highlights?

When a college or university claims it has relationships with well-known employers, those promises may convince people to attend — even if those promises aren’t true. That’s exactly what happened with Sollers College, according to an FTC lawsuit. Read on for advice on how to spot these schools — and avoid them.

October is time for cooler days, warmer drinks, and the start of Medicare Open Enrollment Period. If you have Medicare, October 15 – December 7 is when you can make changes to your Medicare health and Part D prescription drug plans. About now, you’ll probably be seeing ads from plans by mail, email, phone, and on TV. You might hear from scammers, too — but how will you know?

If your bank is FDIC insured, you’re protected up to $250,000 if the bank fails. But what about the funds you deposit with a crypto-based financial services provider? Nope. That money isn’t FDIC insured or protected if the crypto company goes under. But that’s exactly what one crypto company promised.

Some mistakes are harmless, but mistakes on a tenant background check? Those are serious and can result in a denied application and the loss of housing opportunities. That’s why the FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are stepping in.

Did you get a message from a “brand ambassador manager” for a national company wanting to pay you to promote their products online? It could be a scam…but how will you know?