November 2025

Chances are, you’re probably already hearing from charities about Giving Tuesday. It’s a great time to support the work of charities around the country. Unfortunately, not everyone asking for money is a real charity. As the year comes to a close, you’ll likely get calls, texts, and emails asking for donations. Here’s how to make sure your money goes to real causes that matter to you instead of to a scammer.

Online safety starts with protecting your kids’ devices from hackers and scammers. Here are some steps to keep kids safer while they’re on a phone, tablet, or laptop. Consider taking these steps on your kids’ behalf and, as they get older, teaching them how to secure their devices and build good online habits.

Does it feel like the holidays come around faster and faster every year? If you’re looking to save time by avoiding the crowds and doing some holiday shopping online, know that scammers camp out online all year long. So if you’re planning to shop online for holiday gifts, how can you avoid accidentally running into a scam?

You get an unexpected call with some bad news: your name is linked to serious crimes, and your money is at risk, says the voice on the line. The next thing you know, he connects you with an “agent” who can supposedly help you resolve the issue. Your heart and mind are racing. But your gut is telling you to talk to someone you trust — or to get off the phone and search the internet for advice. So why would a helpful “agent” warn you not to talk to anyone or tell you to stay off the internet until he can fix the problem? Probably because that “agent” is really a scammer.

Scammers tell lots of different stories to try to get your money or personal information. They want you to hurry and do what they say before you have time to think, check out their story, or reach out to someone who might intervene. That’s where the FTC’s new tool, How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan, can help.