Learn more about the latest consumer advice and scams — and what you can do to protect yourself.
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Consumer Alert
The low-down on health insurance ads during open season
During open season for the Health Insurance Marketplace, you might have seen an increase — maybe a flood — of ads for health plans. The ads might promise comprehensive health insurance…but the plan
Consumer Alert
Looking for Marketplace health insurance this open enrollment season? Avoid scammers.
Looking to get or switch your Marketplace health insurance during open enrollment (November 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025)? Don’t click on ads that say they offer free things like phones or cash cards
Consumer Alert
How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers
The federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits. When it opens in September, you can order up to four kits per household at COVIDTests.gov. All for free.
Consumer Alert
Sellers of edible cannabis: Stop using packaging that mimics foods popular with kids
When sellers of edible cannabis products use packaging that mimics popular kids’ cereals, snacks, and candy, the FTC and FDA take notice — and action. Edible cannabis — like cereal, gummies, cookies
Consumer Alert
Refunds for Benefytt customers who paid for health plans and products
Did you pay Benefytt, which also did business as “MyBenefitsKeeper,” for a health plan or product that didn’t deliver the comprehensive insurance coverage the company promised? You might be getting
Consumer Alert
Did you have a LASIK consultation with LasikPlus or Joffe MediCenter? You might be eligible for a refund.
Did you visit a LasikPlus or Joffe MediCenter in response to ads that you could get LASIK for less than $300 only to learn that you didn’t qualify for that price? You might be eligible for a
Consumer Alert
If DNA test kits are on your holiday shopping list
A personalized holiday gift used to mean a shirt with a monogram. But the popularity of at-home DNA test kits suggests that personalized presents have gotten a lot more personal. If genetic test kits
Consumer Alert
Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours
Starting November 20, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
Consumer Alert
Unmasking sellers of bogus COVID-19 prevention claims
Even though the COVID-19 health emergency is over, many Americans continue to struggle with treatment for illness ― and the FTC will continue go after bad actors who trick people with claims
Consumer Alert
Children’s Health Insurance Program: Spot the scam
Finding and keeping health insurance for your family can be stressful and expensive. During the pandemic, your state’s Medicaid Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) might have helped — but with
Consumer Alert
Government warns sellers of edible cannabis: Stop using packaging that mimics foods popular with kids
When sellers of edible cannabis products use packaging that mimics popular kids snacks and candy, it can be a recipe for significant health effects on kids — and unsuspecting adults. Edible cannabis
Consumer Alert
Medicaid: Spotting the scams
During the pandemic, states had to keep people enrolled in Medicaid so they didn’t lose their insurance. Now that the health emergency declaration is over, that requirement has been phased out — which
Consumer Alert
Before you believe addiction or cancer claims, read this
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or dealing with a serious disease like cancer, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s, you’ve probably looked for the best treatment out there. But how do
Consumer Alert
doTERRA distributors charged with making unfounded COVID-19 cure claims
Essential oils and supplements to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19? If it smells fishy to you, the FTC agrees. According to the FTC, three high-level distributors for Utah-based multi-level marketing
Consumer Alert
Can a biosimilar reduce the cost of your medication?
If you have arthritis, diabetes, kidney conditions, cancer, macular degeneration, or some chronic skin and bowel diseases, you may be using a biologic medication. Biologics are medications generally
Consumer Alert
Is your eye doctor violating the Contact Lens Rule?
The FTC recently sent 24 cease and desist letters to eye doctors after getting reports they may have violated the Contact Lens Rule by ignoring important rights of patients. That includes the
Consumer Alert
Seeing isn’t always believing when it comes to ad prices for LASIK eye surgery
LASIK is corrective surgery to a very delicate part of the eye. Millions of people have had LASIK surgery to correct their vision, many with great success. Advertising is one way LASIK providers
Consumer Alert
Here’s where to get FREE COVID tests
With the reopening of the federal government program to order no-cost COVID-19 tests, there are more options to get free tests this year. But how do you know what’s legit and what’s a scam? Read on.
Consumer Alert
What proposed FTC updates to the Eyeglass Rule mean for you
The FTC enforces the Eyeglass Rule, which gives you the right to get your eyeglass prescription — whether you ask for it or not — and at no extra charge once your eye exam has been completed. Having a