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Consumer Alert

Tracking the first winter storms of the year? So are scammers

Gema de las Heras
With all eyes on the severe weather moving around the country, scammers are paying attention, too. And they’re likely following the path of the storms to target the people affected. So, how do you
Consumer Alert

September is National Preparedness Month: Make a plan now

Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education
Extreme weather and natural disasters can occur with little warning. Communities spared in the past have suffered devastating losses this year, and many are still recovering. National Preparedness
Consumer Alert

Picking up the pieces after the Maui wildfires

Colleen Tressler
Wind-driven wildfires are causing devastation to the Hawaiian island of Maui. Nobody knows how long it will take to recover from the destruction, but we do know it won’t be long before scammers start
Consumer Alert

How to spot and avoid post-disaster scams in the Northeast

Colleen Tressler
As recovery efforts continue in areas of the Northeast hit hard by devastating flooding, scammers aren’t far behind. Your tragedy is an opportunity for them, and they'll try to take advantage. If one
Consumer Alert

So what’s the deal with “home warranties”?

Kira Krown
When big things in your home break — like your dishwasher or air conditioning system — they can cost lots of money to fix. Some people buy “home warranties” (which are really service contracts) to
Consumer Alert

Pyrex “Made in the USA” claims didn’t measure up

Gema de las Heras
If you took up baking during the pandemic, you may have ordered Pyrex bakeware promoted as “American as apple pie.” It turns out, says the FTC, some Pyrex glassware advertised as “proudly made in the
Consumer Alert

How to spot, avoid, and report weather-related scams

Colleen Tressler
From the relentless series of powerful storms that have battered California to the dozens of tornadoes that swept across six states, including Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky, 2023 is off to a
Consumer Alert

Prepare for winter weather emergencies while avoiding scams

Terri Miller
Scammers don’t hibernate in the winter. Just like you, they’re watching the weather reports and preparing for storms — and they’re counting on catching you unawares. As you get ready for winter
Consumer Alert

Spot and avoid home-related fraud this winter

Gema de las Heras
Between inflation and soaring energy prices, many of us are thinking about how much more it’s going to cost to stay warm this year. Getting an email, a call, or a knock on your door with an offer to
Consumer Alert

How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams

Colleen Tressler
When temperatures drop, it often costs more to stay comfortable in your home — and scammers know that. This alert is the first in a series to help you get your home ready for winter, save money, and
Consumer Alert

Only scammers demand utility payments in cryptocurrency

Gema de las Heras
It’s never a good time to have your utilities shut off. But during the hot summer months, the threat of having no power can be especially miserable: no AC, no refrigerator, not even a fan. Scammers
Consumer Alert

Scammers target disaster victims. Spot their traps

Gema de las Heras
Immediately following weather-related disasters — like the devastating fires in California and the deadly flooding in Kentucky and surrounding states — scammers come out of the woodwork. As usual
Consumer Alert

FTC says companies’ warranty restrictions were illegal

Seena Gressin
Sometimes good gizmos go bad. If the gizmo — whether a motor vehicle, home appliance, or other consumer product — is under warranty, you may want to bring it to the dealer for repair. Or, you may
Consumer Alert

FTC says Kohl’s and Walmart bamboozled customers

Bridget Small
Looking to buy products that are safer for people or the environment? Take a closer look at green claims that companies make in their ads. The FTC says Kohl’s and Walmart falsely claimed they were
Consumer Alert

Dealing with tornado damage? Avoid post-disaster scams

Andrew Rayo
The recent tornado outbreak in the south is already taking a heavy toll — but scammers see it as a chance to take even more. Tornadoes can come out of the blue, followed by scammers ready to “help”
Consumer Alert

HomeAdvisor’s home improvement leads needed work

Amy Hebert
If you’re in the home improvement business — whether it’s kitchen remodeling, landscaping, or something else — getting quality leads on people looking to hire a business like yours might be worth
Consumer Alert

How to save money heating your home this winter

Colleen Tressler
The days are getting cooler — in fact, some parts of the U.S. have already seen snow. Experts report it’s going to be an expensive winter to heat your home, but there are things you can do now to cut