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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.


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The FTC won’t threaten you or demand a payment. If you get a letter with the name of an FTC Commissioner or staff member that threatens some dire consequence if you don’t pay immediately, it’s a scam. Don’t pay. The same goes for threatening callers that claim to be from the FTC.

The FTC doesn’t give out prizes. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the FTC and says you need to pay to get your prize, it’s a scam.

FTC employees won’t identify themselves with a badge number. If someone claiming to work for the FTC gives you a badge number, it’s a scam. Especially if they then ask you for money.

Don’t respond to someone who says they’re from the FTC and demands money, threatens you, or asks for personal or financial information. Report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Charlene J Cole
October 30, 2023

Keep up the good works! Thank you

Sharon Petropulakis
October 31, 2023

In reply to by Charlene J Cole

I appreciate these emails, particularly concerning scammers. Keep them coming. Thank you

Sakeeia
November 13, 2023

In reply to by Charlene J Cole

Did they really help you get through your problem ,That's what I. Looking for help with these hackers getting in my phone

Robin A Cheramie
October 31, 2023

Dont send no money for anything. Keep you money just pay bills over yr head.

Shelia
October 31, 2023

I feel so much safer with these Alerts. Thank you FTC. For keeping Americans informed

nettie
October 31, 2023

thanks for keeping us informed.

Pethronia Mendez
November 01, 2023

Thank you for the information.

Linda Guerra
November 01, 2023

I have an email that said its from the FBI person name is Christopher Wray

Editha
November 01, 2023

It’s good to always inform the public.
Scammers are trying everything to have more victims.
Thanks this educational article.

Patjorczak
November 01, 2023

WOW 😯!Thanks for keeping me informed.🙏

Shellie Smith
November 02, 2023

Thank you for the heads up!

Lorna Coveyduc.
November 08, 2023

A Samual Leone at 718 593-4360 stated he works for you . Is he for real?

FTC Staff
November 08, 2023

In reply to by Lorna Coveyduc.

If a caller says they're from the FTC and asks for payment, says you have to act right away, or suggests something bad will happen if you don't pay, that's a scam. Please tell the FTC at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sara
November 09, 2023

Thank you for alerting us to the tactics of these scammers.

Sakeeia Minniefield
November 13, 2023

I have a lot of scam e mails not to mention I'm going through identity theft as well I just wish and want these people out of my phone I feel like I'm being stalked every time I get a new phone they seem to get into I'm reaching out for help please