Skip to main content
Displaying 921 - 940 of 1211
Consumer Alert

Aloe, goodbye: company’s claims lacked proof

Bridget Small
You may have heard of using aloe vera for sunburn relief. A Florida company claimed its aloe products would relieve joint and muscle pain, diabetes, acid reflux and more — and that health studies
Consumer Alert

Renting a car: Factoring in the fees

Colleen Tressler
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, a rental car may be in your future. Comparing prices online can save you a bundle, but make sure you compare the total cost —
Consumer Alert

Zurixx’s real estate investment scheme

Cristina Miranda
These days, it seems like everyone wants to make money by flipping houses. There are companies out there promising to tell you how, but not all those promises are real. The most recent example is
Consumer Alert

FTC Refunds: The real deal or not?

Nicole Christ
Sometimes the FTC is able to return money to people who were ripped off in a con artist’s scheme. But scammers try to cause confusion and take advantage at every step. If you lost money in a scam, you
Consumer Alert

FTC: AdvoCare business model was pyramid scheme

Seena Gressin
Are you thinking about joining a multi-level marketing business to earn extra money? Before investing your hard-earned cash, make sure you’re not dealing with a pyramid scheme – a scam that can cost
Consumer Alert

Millennials and fraud: What’s the story?

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
Lots of people fall for scams. Is it any different for Millennials? That’s what the FTC explores in its new Data Spotlight, Not what you think: Millennials and fraud. According to the Data Spotlight
Consumer Alert

Self-defense against scams

Bridget Small
To everyone who hangs up on unwanted calls, learns about the latest scams, and checks with friends about suspicious offers: good news! People who did all those things were less likely to lose money to
Consumer Alert

Video games, loot boxes, and your money

Amy Hebert
Play video games, or have kids who do? For most of us, that’s a yes, according to a recent industry survey. It also means you might have heard of loot boxes. Loot boxes are the containers you come
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

Using Match.com? Read this

Rosario Méndez
Online dating sites are a common way people seek romance. But what if, instead of a potential match, you find a scammer? Today, t he FTC announced a lawsuit against Match.com, challenging several of
Consumer Alert

That attorney’s ad might be bad for your health

Colleen Tressler
You see the ads on TV, hear them on the radio, or read them in print and online: attorneys telling you about the dangers of certain prescription drugs. Many of these ads open with “medical alert,”
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

Social Security is not trying to take your benefits

Jim Kreidler
We’ve seen a new twist on the Social Security Administration (SSA) scam recently. Check out this SSA imposter robocall, which says your benefits will end. (That’s not true, by the way.) Your browser
Consumer Alert

Don’t pay for help with student loans

Lisa Lake
If you have student loan debt, a program that promises to reduce or erase it might sound like just what you need. But some of these programs just take lots of your money and give you no help — or do
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

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

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

YouTube pays big for tracking kids

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
Does your child love YouTube videos? Did you know that while little Susie was watching her favorite shows, YouTube was collecting data and using it to send her targeted ads? Under a settlement with
Consumer Alert

Where is your online search leading you?

Lisa Lake
Dishonest companies set up websites that look like legitimate places to get information on finding a job, joining the military, or getting government benefits. But they might not help you with any of
Consumer Alert

Back to school: Online safety

Ari Lazarus
Now that summertime is quickly coming to an end, it’s back-to-school season. While you’re running around getting pencils, calculators and binders, remember something else on your back-to-school list