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Consumer Alert

Keep scammers away as you deal with East Coast storm damage

Gema de las Heras
Experience tells us that scammers will follow the record-setting winds, rainfall, and storm surge that have left thousands of East Coast residents, from Florida to Maine, under water or without power. As the waters recede, scammers will try to take advantage of people doing their best to recover, trying to steal money and personal information. So how do you protect yourself and those around you?
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Invention Marketing Scams

Dishonest invention marketers lie about the profit potential of your invention to get you to pay for expensive, but often useless, services. Here’s what you need to know to avoid an invention marketing scam.
Consumer Alert

Last-minute shopping? Three ways to spot rip-offs

Gema de las Heras
Ever think about clicking on ads for big markdowns or close-out sales in your feed? Social media seems to know what’s on your shopping list, whether it’s the season’s hot toys, electronics, or other popular items. The problem? Scammers are impersonating real companies in ads on Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms. So, how do you navigate past the fakes without passing up the real bargains? 
Consumer Alert

Fake shipping notification emails and text messages: What you need to know this holiday season

Alvaro Puig
When you order something online, you might get several emails or text messages about your order: Confirming your order. Telling you it shipped. Saying it's out for delivery. Notifying you about delivery. Did you know that scammers send fake package shipment and delivery notifications to try to steal people's personal information — not just at the holidays, but all year long? Here's what you need to know to protect yourself from these scams.
Consumer Alert

Recovering after tornados in Tennessee? Spot the scams

Gema de las Heras
As residents in Tennessee and other southern states begin to assess the damage caused by deadly tornados and severe weather over the weekend, we know the question is not if but when scammers will show up. Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant, or a business, scammers will try to take advantage while you’re focused on cleaning up and fixing the damage.
Consumer Alert

Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your information

Alvaro Puig
QR codes seem to be everywhere. You may have scanned one to see the menu at a restaurant or pay for public parking. And you may have used one on your phone to get into a concert or sporting event, or to board a flight. There are countless other ways to use them, which explains their popularity. Unfortunately, scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal personal information. Here’s what to know.
Consumer Alert

Military consumers: The FTC wants to hear from you

Carol Kando-Pineda
Recently, the White House announced some initiatives the Administration is undertaking to improve the lives of the military and veteran communities. The FTC participates in several of these efforts, including the VSAFE task force that’s working to help veterans and their families avoid scams and other deceptive practices.