Consumer Alerts

See an eye-catching “deal” on your social for a brand-name product at a big discount? Don’t click — it could be a scam. Here’s what to know.

If you’re looking to join a gym, you’ll probably find the membership sign-up process is quick and easy. Cancelling should be easy, too — but sometimes businesses make you jump through hoops that make

You may have heard the news: JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing — and holding big clearance sales before they shut their doors. Looking to grab some deals? The real JOANN sales are only happening

If you don’t know what a loot box is, just ask any kid in your life to explain it. While you’re at it, ask them about the video game Genshin Impact. Then tell them about why the FTC just sued the game

What could be better than opening the mailbox or the front door and finding an unexpected package? Free gifts might seem like fun — but when an unexpected package lands on your doorstep, it may come

Doing some holiday shopping? Here’s a type of gift card scam to look out for: scammers can get the gift card number and PIN before you buy the card. So if gift cards are on your holiday shopping list

When it comes to buying an American flag, there are lots to choose from. Not all are Made in the USA. If you’re searching for one that is, here’s what to look out for.

As the holiday season approaches, it seems like there are more and more fake shopping sites. The ads on social media show expensive products like electric scooters, designer bags, and other popular

Did a salesperson knock on your door and promise free rooftop solar panels at no cost to you? Or say you’ll never have to pay another electricity bill because government programs, grants, or rebates

Looking for local caregiver gigs that pay well? Care.com said it could help, for a monthly subscription fee. But, in a settlement announced today, the FTC says Care.com misled workers about how many

Do you need to apply for or renew your passport? If you search online, the top results might show official-looking websites that say they can renew or get you a passport. Some of these websites are

Maybe you want to try out a product for a little while before you make a long-term decision. So, you sign up for a monthly subscription plan. Everything is fine until you want to cancel and it turns

Social media feeds are flooded with ads offering steep discounts on brand-name products, including luxury items. But are these offers real or a scam? When a low-priced “deal” pops into your socials

Have you ever bought a video game, e-book, song, or movie to enjoy on one of your devices, whether it be a gaming console, tablet, or phone? If so, you might think that you’ll always have access to

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

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

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.

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

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

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