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Consumer Alert

Avoid scammers offering to pay your rent

Lisa Lake
If you’re facing eviction for any reason, there are organizations out there who can help you. But there are also fake “organizations” and “charities” who can hurt you. COVID-19 has created an even
Consumer Alert

It’s National Data Privacy Day

Rosario Méndez
Today is National Data Privacy Day, when many organizations and government agencies, including the FTC, join together to raise awareness about privacy issues and to offer tips and information. As more
Consumer Alert

FTC cases returned $483 million to people in 2020

Bridget Small
You may know the FTC for its consumer information, and for taking action against shady companies that violate the law. But did you know the FTC returns millions of dollars to people as a result of
Consumer Alert

Scammers cash in on COVID-19 vaccination confusion

Colleen Tressler
With every passing day, the news on COVID-19 vaccine distribution seems to change. One reason is that distribution varies by state and territory. And scammers, always at the ready, are taking
Consumer Alert

Cracking down on ticket bots that leave you out in the cold

Alvaro Puig
For most of us, it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to attend a live event. Think back, if you can, to the last time you tried to buy tickets online to go to a concert, a game, or a play. Were
Consumer Alert

Get ready for NCPW 2021!

Ari Lazarus
March is right around the corner, and you know what that means…it’s almost time for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! This year, NCPW is February 28 – March 6, 2021. So now’s the time to jump
Consumer Alert

Does your health app protect your sensitive info?

Miles Plant
New health apps are popping up every day, promising to help you track your health conditions, count your calories, manage your medications, or predict your ovulation. These apps often ask for some of
Consumer Alert

Target for new COVID scam: Small business owners

Lesley Fair
There’s a new coronavirus-related scam making the rounds, but this time the crooks are targeting small businesses. It starts with an email that claims to come from the “Small Business Administration
Consumer Alert

Stimulus payments for people, not nursing homes

Lois C. Greisman
If you, or someone you care about, lives in an assisted living facility or nursing home, read on. Because the bill funding the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) has now been signed into
Consumer Alert

Wrapping up 2020 with more car wrap scams

Ari Lazarus
We just heard from more companies that scammers are using their names to trick people into a car wrap scam. This time, scammers are saying they’re Marlboro or Purell (but they’re not really). The gist
Consumer Alert

More money from the government?

Jennifer Leach
Congress has just passed another bill to help the people whose finances are taking a beating from the pandemic. Once again, some of us will be getting money by check or direct deposit. The timing and
Consumer Alert

New tools to fight gift card scams

Cristina Miranda
This holiday season (and year-round), gift cards are on scammers’ wish lists. Scammers always have a reason for you to pay them immediately with a gift card. And they often tell you which card to buy
Consumer Alert

And a smart fridge in a pear tree

Jennifer Leach
On this 12 th and final day of consumer protection — just of this series, you understand, not ever — here are a few reminders as you head toward whatever holiday you celebrate (or don’t) this December
Consumer Alert

All I want for Christmas…is what I ordered

Carol Kando-Pineda
You’ve probably spent a good part of 2020 doing some online shopping. Now that the holidays are here, you definitely want to be sure you — or your friends and family — actually get what you ordered
Consumer Alert

Don’t be CBDeceived by junk science

Lisa Lake
If you’ve explored alternative treatments for medical conditions, you’ve probably noticed that CBD products are pretty popular. But if an ad claims a CBD-based product is scientifically proven to cure
Consumer Alert

Santa doesn’t need your Social Security number

Jim Kreidler
This year, during the pandemic, your holidays might be moving a bit online. On the 10 th day of Consumer Protection, maybe you’re planning to send e-cards to family and friends. Or maybe your kids are
Consumer Alert

Baby, I stole outside

Jim Kreidler
You’ve finished your online shopping, your gifts have shipped and you’re waiting for them to arrive – but some Grinch decides to ruin your holiday. On this 9th day of Consumer Protection, we’re
Consumer Alert

Frosty the Con Man: avoiding family emergency scams

Carol Kando-Pineda
“ Hello? It’s me — Frosty. Look it’s a long story but without my top hat, I’m melting. Please, I need your help — send money now or I’ll be nothing but a puddle!” OK, so that’s a silly example and