Plain-language advice to help you understand your consumer rights and avoid and report scams.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 258
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How To Avoid Scams When You Shop for a Home Security System
Offers ways to spot and avoid scams when shopping for a home security system.
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Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams
If you’re thinking about buying a timeshare or joining a vacation club, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.
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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.
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Investment Scams
Spot and avoid real estate investment seminar scams, investment coaching scams, and precious metals and coins investment scams.
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What To Know Before You Wire Money
Scammers pressure you to wire money to them because it’s easy to take your money and disappear. Wiring money with services like MoneyGram, Ria, and Western Union is like sending cash — once you send it, you usually can’t get it back. Never wire money to anyone you haven’t met in person — no matter the reason they give.
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Refund and Recovery Scams
If you’ve been scammed, someone might promise to help you get your money back –– if you pay in advance. That’s another scam.
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How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters
Advice to help you choose a contractor, pay wisely, and handle problems along the way.
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How To Get Back on Track After a Weather Emergency
Includes a list of contacts and practical steps to help you get your finances back on track after a weather emergency.
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High School Diploma Scams
Thinking about getting your high school diploma? Here’s how to tell the difference between legit programs and diploma scams.
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What To Know About Prescreened Offers for Credit and Insurance
Companies sometimes try to get new customers by sending “prescreened” offers. Learn how prescreening works and how to opt out.
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What To Do if a Debt Collector Sues You
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, it’s important to respond — either yourself or through an attorney. And remember, you have rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors. Here are answers to some common questions you might have about the process.
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How To Organize Your Important Papers Before a Disaster Strikes
When it comes to preparing for weather emergencies or other disasters, financial readiness is as important as a flashlight with fully charged batteries. Leaving your home can be stressful, but knowing that your personal and financial documents are up to date, in one place, and easy to find can make a big difference. Here’s how to organize important papers before a disaster strikes.
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Donating Safely and Avoiding Scams Infographic
When you decide to support a cause you care about, you want your donation to count. Here are tips to help you plan your donation – and avoid scams.
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Stalkerware: What To Know
Do you think an abusive partner or ex is monitoring you through your phone? They might be using stalkerware to secretly track your device activity. Learn more about stalkerware, how to tell if it’s on your device, and what to do if it is.
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Fixing Your Credit FAQs
Here’s what to know about how to dispute errors on your credit report and avoid credit repair scams.
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Solving Problems With a Business: Returns, Refunds, and Other Resolutions
Disappointed by a product or service? These strategies and this sample complaint letter can help you get your money back or reach another resolution.
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Sample Customer Complaint Letter
Here's a sample to help you write a complaint letter about a product or service.
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How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam
Scammers pretend to be from government agencies like the FTC, Social Security Administration, and IRS — or say they're calling about your Medicare benefits. Learn the signs and avoid the scam.
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Did a Lender Offer Less Favorable Terms or Deny You Credit?
Did you apply for credit and get turned down? Or did a lender offer you less favorable terms for credit? If so, they have to give you a notice with certain information. Improving your credit may take some time, but taking some steps will help you do it.