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Consumer Alert

Free trials and tribulations

Lisa Lake
As you browse online, you probably see offers to try out cool products or services for free. This can be tempting and, many times, it’s okay to check them out. But some dishonest companies will bury
Consumer Alert

Serious health claims for CBD products need proof

Bridget Small
Three companies that tout their cannabis-derived products as miracle treatments for serious illnesses have gotten letters from the FTC warning that they’re at risk for legal action unless they have
Consumer Alert

In the wake of Hurricane Dorian

Colleen Tressler
If you suffered damage from Hurricane Dorian, or if you’re looking for ways to help those in need, start at ftc.gov/weatheremergencies. You’ll find ways to spot the scams that often follow disasters
Consumer Alert

Helping Hispanics avoid fraud

Andrew Smith
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15) is a time to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of Hispanics. It is also a time to reflect on the FTC’s commitment to help Hispanic
Consumer Alert

Notarios are no help with immigration

Kati Daffan
Now and then, it’s helpful to remind ourselves of things we already know: Nobody legit will ever demand payment with a gift card. Dark chocolate is superior to milk chocolate. And notarios do not give
Consumer Alert

FTC shuts down student loan debt relief scheme

Colleen Tressler
It’s a staggering number. More than 42 million Americans owe a total of nearly $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. It’s no wonder people look for help. But not all help is legit. Scammers are
Consumer Alert

What the FTC Facebook settlement means for consumers

Lesley Fair
The next time users visit Facebook, things might not look different, but big changes are brewing behind the scenes. The FTC’s record-breaking $5 billion settlement requires Facebook to conduct a
Consumer Alert

Summer Film Series: Family emergency scams

Megan Gordon
Welcome to the Summer Film Series! Each week, we’ll highlight one of the FTC’s many videos on topics such as avoiding scams, recovering from fraud, and managing your money. Grab a blanket and some
Consumer Alert

Worshipers targeted by gift card scam

Colleen Tressler
We’re seeing a new spin on gift card scams. This time, scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, or bishop. They’re asking worshipers for gift card contributions for a worthy cause
Consumer Alert

Equifax Data Breach: Beware of Fake Settlement Websites

Michael Atleson
Just last week, we told you to go to ftc.gov/Equifax to find out if your information – like your Social Security number – was exposed in the September 2017 Equifax data breach. At that same website
Consumer Alert

Equifax data breach: Pick free credit monitoring

Robert Schoshinski
Just last week, the FTC and others reached a settlement with Equifax about its September 2017 data breach that exposed personal information of 147 million people. We’ve told you to go to ftc.gov
Consumer Alert

Keys to avoiding home rental scams

Colleen Tressler
Need more space than an apartment, condo or townhouse can offer, but not ready to buy? A single-family home rental may fit the bill. But not all home rental listings are legit, so here are some tip
Consumer Alert

Put the brakes on phony online car sales

Colleen Tressler
You can buy practically anything online, including used cars. But before you shell out any hard-earned cash, here’s a warning about scammers trying to sell cars they don’t have or own. Here’s how the
Consumer Alert

Parental Advisory: Dating Apps

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
Parents be warned: some dating apps – like FastMeet, Meet24 and Meet4U – allow adults to find and communicate with children. Concerned parents should remove these apps if they’re on children’s devices
Consumer Alert

Get a one-ring call? Don’t call back.

Michael Atleson
A while back, we warned you about the “one ring” scam. That’s when you get a phone call from a number you don’t know, and the call stops after just one ring. The scammer is hoping you’ll call back
Consumer Alert

Make it a scam-free vacation

Lisa Lake
It’s almost summer! Right now, you probably have beaches on the brain or you’re thinking about that long-planned trip abroad. Before you head out, take steps to help keep your dream vacation from
Consumer Alert

Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready?

Colleen Tressler
June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, and a great time to make a plan to deal with weather emergencies. Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and other natural disasters, can occur with
Consumer Alert

Snack subscription service leaves bad taste

Colleen Tressler
Food delivery services can be a convenience for people with busy lives. Free trial offers and online reviews can help people decide which service they want to use. But when reviews are deliberately
Consumer Alert

It’s National Consumer Protection Week 2019

Andrew Smith
Welcome to National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2019. This marks 21 years of commemorating the important work that the FTC, state attorneys general offices and many community partner organizations