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Consumer Alert

Last-minute shopping? Three ways to spot rip-offs

Gema de las Heras
Ever think about clicking on ads for big markdowns or close-out sales in your feed? Social media seems to know what’s on your shopping list, whether it’s the season’s hot toys, electronics, or other
Consumer Alert

This Halloween, don’t get ghosted by scammers

Andrew Rayo
Halloween is almost here. What could be scarier than not having your costume ready? How about ordering a costume online and never getting what you paid for? Scammers are making this season extra
Consumer Alert

Hey Dude Shoes doesn’t walk the walk on shipping and refunds

Alvaro Puig
I don’t know about you, but if I bought something online and never got it, and then didn’t get my money back, I’d be like, “Dude, that’s not right.” The FTC says that’s not right, either.
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

Were you charged for Amazon Prime without your permission?

Colleen Tressler
screens before you get to check-out, you could wind up signed up for a service without even knowing it. What’s worse, it can be tough to cancel. Read on to learn how to protect yourself from unwanted
Consumer Alert

Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong

Andrew Rayo
Ever had a bad online shopping experience? Maybe you ordered one thing but got another. Or that new company never shipped your order, despite charging you. So, what do you do? If you can relate, you
Consumer Alert

Is your eye doctor violating the Contact Lens Rule?

Colleen Tressler
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

This Black History Month, take charge of your credit

Terri Miller
The FTC honors the contributions and legacy of Black Americans across U.S. history. One of the top consumer issues we’ve heard from people living in majority Black communities is related to credit
Consumer Alert

Want to buy now but pay later? Read this first

Andrew Rayo
Planning to buy things like new clothes or electronics for the holidays, but want to pay later? Some businesses offer “buy now, pay later” plans, which let you get your purchase right away and pay for
Consumer Alert

Here’s where to get FREE COVID tests

Gema de las Heras
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

Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education
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
Consumer Alert

Stay away from scams this Medicare Open Enrollment Period

Gema de las Heras
If you or one of your loved ones are on Medicare, you’re probably aware that open enrollment ends on December 7. And you’re probably reviewing and comparing different options to select a plan that’s
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

Health insurance covers at-home COVID-19 tests

Colleen Tressler
While you can no longer get free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government , if you have health insurance, you’re covered for eight free over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests each month. So if