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Consumer Alert

Tips for using peer-to-peer payment systems and apps

Alvaro Puig
Online peer-to-peer, or P2P, payment systems let you send money to people quickly. I’ve used them to collect money from the parents on my daughter’s soccer team and to send money to my brothers when
Consumer Alert

Plan to tune in: #NCPW2018 Facebook Live chats

Cristina Miranda
During National Consumer Protection Week 2018 , March 4-10, the FTC will co-host four Facebook Live chats (including one in Spanish) with other federal partners. Tune in to find out how to avoid
Consumer Alert

Cancer patients: don’t make your side effects worse

Bridget Small
If your friend or loved one has cancer, you may have searched online for products to help them manage side effects from treatment. Unfortunately, some products you find online don’t live up to the
Consumer Alert

Less than magical promises of youth

Lisa Lake
Once upon a time, a woman drank a potion, magically turned into the young maiden she was 20 years earlier, and lived happily ever after. The End? Maybe in this fairy tale. But for real-life people who
Consumer Alert

Western Union refund alert

Karen Dodge
The deadline to ask for your money back from the FTC’s settlement with Western Union is now May 31, 2018. That’s the settlement refunding people the money that scammers had them pay using Western
Consumer Alert

Know the risks before you invest in cryptocurrencies

Elizabeth Kwok
It’s not just bitcoin . There are now hundreds of cryptocurrencies, which are a type of digital currency, on the market. They’ve been publicized as a fast and inexpensive way to pay online, but many
Consumer Alert

The FTC will never ask you to send money

Andrew Johnson
If someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) contacts you and asks you to send money, it’s a scam. Do not pay. Report it . Spread the word to your family and friends. We’ve
Consumer Alert

New deadline for Western Union settlement requests

Karen Dodge
Did you lose money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017? If so, you can ask for money back from the FTC’s settlement with Western Union. And
Consumer Alert

Has an online love interest asked you for money?

Colleen Tressler
Looking to start a new relationship? For some, that may mean meeting a new love interest online. Word to the wise: sometimes it’s best to lead with your head and not your heart. Millions of Americans
Consumer Alert

The Secretary of State is not emailing you

Kati Daffan
There are many scammers who pretend to be government officials – from the IRS, Social Security, and even the FTC. The latest twist is an email from – supposedly – the Secretary of State. In the email
Consumer Alert

Plan for National Consumer Protection Week 2018!

Cristina Miranda
January is the perfect month to organize your schedule for the year – and here’s a suggestion. Plan an event during National Consumer Protection Week , March 4 - 10, 2018. It is the perfect time to
Consumer Alert

Dealing with opioid withdrawal or addiction

Mamie Kresses
When people seek help for opioid withdrawal or addiction, it’s vital that they get the right kind of help. Products that promise miracle cures or fast results can cost precious time and money, lead to
Consumer Alert

Buyer beware: Flood-damaged cars for sale

Colleen Tressler
The floodwaters from last year’s hurricanes receded months ago, but their wrath could still affect used car buyers across the nation. That’s because storm-damaged cars are sometimes cleaned up and
Consumer Alert

For-profit charitable callers must follow the rules

Colleen Tressler
“I’m not calling for a donation.” (But really, I am.) Have you gotten this call? You already may know that The Do Not Call Registry is designed to stop unwanted sales calls, but it has some exceptions
Consumer Alert

How scammers make you pay

Lois C. Greisman
Here’s one of the top questions we get from people: Is this a scam? Whatever the “this” looks like, here’s our best answer to that question: Did someone say you can only pay by wiring money , putting
Consumer Alert

Questions on your money back from Western Union?

Karen Dodge
Since we told you it’s time to ask for your money back from Western Union’s settlement with the FTC, we’ve gotten some questions about who can make a claim, when, and how it works. Here are some
Consumer Alert

Phantom debt collectors impersonate law firms

Colleen Tressler
Getting a call from a debt collector can be stressful. But it can be downright frightening when the caller uses lies, profanity and threats to try to get you to pay. In a case announced today , the
Consumer Alert

Payments you didn’t authorize could be a scam

Rosario Méndez
Usually, when I pay with a check, I write it out and sign it, or I direct my bank to send it on my behalf. But what if a check is drawn on my account but I didn’t write it, sign it, or tell my bank to
Consumer Alert

Signs of a debt relief scam

Rosario Méndez
If you feel smothered by your monthly bills , a call from someone who says they can reduce or eliminate your debts might sound like the answer to your problems. But in many cases, unscrupulous people
Consumer Alert

A government program that pays your bills?

Sana Chriss
Have you heard about a government program that will pay your monthly bills for an up-front payment or processing fee? Here’s a short version of the rest of this post: It’s a scam. Don’t do it. We’ve