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Consumer Alert

Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

Andrew Rayo
Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you might’ve gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It’s probably a scam. Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money. Learn how the scam works so you can avoid it.
Consumer Alert

Identity Theft Awareness Week 2025 is coming!

Eunice Kim
Are you interested in learning more about how to protect yourself from identity theft? Check out Identity Theft Awareness Week. During the week, the FTC and its partners will host free webinars and other events to talk about how to spot, avoid, report, and recover from identity theft. Mark your calendars. Identity Theft Awareness Week starts Monday, January 27!
Consumer Alert

Taking the guesswork out of gigs

Gema de las Heras
Say you’re looking for ways to make extra cash and see an ad for a gig doing lawn or handy work, house cleaning, or assembling furniture. What they promise you’ll make per hour sounds good. When you complete the work, you expect to make what you saw advertised, right? But the FTC says that’s not what happened for most people who signed up for gigs on the Handy Technologies platform.
Consumer Alert

Detect immigration scams that start on social media

Gema de las Heras
Scammers are impersonating attorneys and law firms, offering immigration services on social media. The posts on Facebook and other platforms might be in English or your preferred language. If you press like or leave a comment, they’ll contact you and guarantee you’ll get a work permit, green card, or citizenship — but it’s a scam. How do you spot and avoid the scammers?
Consumer Alert

’Tis the season of taking for scammers

Ari Lazarus
You’re probably getting emails, texts, and calls asking for end-of-year donations. It’s the season of giving, after all. Scammers know this is a popular time to donate, so they’re out there, too, trying to trick people into giving to them instead of a real charity.
Consumer Alert

Stay ahead of scammers in 2025

Gema de las Heras
With scammers targeting our entire life savings with their schemes, we all need to be alert and know how to detect their latest tricks. Something as simple as talking about scams you know about is a great way to help you and your community stay protected. And being part of this solution doesn’t require training or a lot of time!
Consumer Alert

Getting a pet? Avoid scams

Andrew Rayo
During the holidays, adding a dog, cat, or other adorable animal to the family is top of mind for many, and scammers know it. While there are lots of fur babies waiting for their forever home, scammers try to take advantage of the situation by posting fake ads for pets — all designed to take your money and leave you in the doghouse. Here’s what to know.
Consumer Alert

Scammers are delivering phishing messages this holiday season

Ari Lazarus
During the holiday season, you might expect to get more deliveries. Some might even be surprise gifts. Scammers are counting on that when they send fake delivery notifications to you by email and text, hoping you’ll click. Here’s how to spot these scams.
Consumer Alert

Give to a charity, not a scam

Amy Hebert
There’s no shortage of good causes to donate to this holiday season. But before you give somewhere new, make sure you’re not donating to a scam.