Consumer Alerts

Recent violent storms, tornadoes, wildfires, heat waves, and extreme flooding are a reminder that severe weather and natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and with little warning. September

Ever tried to pay for parking and discovered you need to scan a QR code to pay? It seems like a convenient way to pay, but it turns out scammers like using QR codes, too. People have reported scammers

While the car-buying process can be stressful, whether you’re shopping online or in person, the thought of driving off the dealer’s lot with that sweet ride you’ve had your eyes on can be exhilarating

Many people experience fraud but never report it, and scammers count on you staying silent. Your story — especially when you share it with friends, family, and the FTC — is a powerful tool in the

It seems like every day, a major weather emergency or natural disaster happens somewhere in the world. To help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, recent flooding in Nepal and Tibet, or

Veterans across the country have reported getting postcards in the mail saying they (or their spouse) might qualify for extra monthly veterans benefits. But the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in

Did you get a package you didn’t order? It could be a brushing scam where a scammer uses your name to leave a fake review for that package you didn’t order. It could also be a sign that someone has

Planning to pay a bill online? Before you start searching for a company’s payment site, know that dishonest companies sometimes use paid search ads to trick you into paying them instead of the company

If you owe back taxes, there are ways to get real help. But dishonest companies will promise to get rid of your debt for “pennies on the dollar,” before even looking into your tax situation. They’ll

You’re browsing your social media feed when an ad grabs your attention mid-swipe: that designer bag you’ve been dreaming of is 50% off for a limited time only! You’re dying to get your hands on one

Learn to trade online! Get rich! Quit your job! Social media is flooded with people flashing fancy cars and exotic trips, claiming you can have the same lifestyle just by “learning to trade.” But they

Getting ready for college or back-to-school is a good time to talk with your teens about financial wellness. To help guide the conversation, the FTC has free tools on managing money, building credit

These last days of summer can present opportunities to spend more time with your kids. If you’re talking with your 8-12 year-olds about making good decisions while they’re online, the FTC has a free

They’re the worst of the absolute worst: scams that target people who have already lost money to a scam. If you or someone you know paid a scammer, here’s what to know to avoid scammers who pretend to

One of the best ways to fight fraud is to talk about it. When you know scammers’ tactics, they’re easier to spot and avoid. The FTC has some facts about fraud to help you start the conversation

Scammers know that applying for veterans benefits is at the top of the to-do list when you’re getting ready to leave the military. That’s why they pretend to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Let’s say someone contacts you unexpectedly and says you have to pay to fix a problem, get a prize, or something else. But then they say the only way to pay is by bank transfer, wire transfer

If you’re searching online for a substance use disorder clinic, the last thing you need is a scam. Unfortunately, some dishonest businesses have used paid search results to trick people into

As a veteran, you’ve worked hard to protect our country. And if you’re a veteran-run small business, you know how important it is to have protections against scammers and cybercriminals. Your best

Looking for health insurance? Sometimes shady companies will try to make you think you’re buying health insurance when it’s really a medical discount plan. Watch this video to find out what to know to