Learn about the latest scams, and get advice to help you avoid, report, and recover from them.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 433
Consumer Alert
You may think buying an auto service contract can help ease the burden of costly repairs. While a service contract might sound like a good idea, it could duplicate coverage you have through your
Consumer Alert
Scammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes
You get a call. There's a panicked voice on the line. It's your grandson. He says he's in deep trouble — he wrecked the car and landed in jail. But you can help by sending money. You take a deep
Consumer Alert
Before you believe addiction or cancer claims, read this
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or dealing with a serious disease like cancer, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s, you’ve probably looked for the best treatment out there. But how do
Consumer Alert
What to know about the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey
Getting a call, letter, or a visit about the American Community Survey (ACS) — when so many scammers are trying to trick you into sharing personal information — might make you think twice. And it’s
Consumer Alert
doTERRA distributors charged with making unfounded COVID-19 cure claims
Essential oils and supplements to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19? If it smells fishy to you, the FTC agrees. According to the FTC, three high-level distributors for Utah-based multi-level marketing
Consumer Alert
The top scams of 2022
What are scammers up to these days? Every day, people just like you tell the FTC what they’ve spotted, and maybe even lost money to. Then, every year, the FTC rolls up all those millions of reports
Article
How To Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
Going to college, vocational school, or a certificate program can often help you move up in your career and make more money — but it can also be expensive. Scammers take advantage of that, saying they
Article
Debts and Deceased Relatives
After a relative dies, the last thing a grieving family member wants is a call from a debt collector asking them to pay a loved one’s debt. Here’s what to know about the rules and your rights when a
Consumer Alert
Did your favorite Shark Tank celebrity really endorse THAT? Probably not
Before you spend money on that “Shark-approved” miracle invention, weight loss product, or keto diet pill, are you sure it’s really been through the Tank? Really sure? Scammers are using fake Shark
Consumer Alert
FTC to voice service provider: give the robocalls a rest
Tired of getting endless robocalls? We are too. Robocalls aren’t just a pain to get, they’re often pushing scams for things like fake auto warranties and debt relief. But scammy robocallers can’t do
Consumer Alert
Will the FTC call or write you? Will they demand money?
Scammers trying to rip you off will often impersonate organizations or government agencies you know. Some even pretend to be from the Federal Trade Commission. But how can you know if it’s the FTC or
Consumer Alert
Have I told you lately that I love you — and how to avoid scams?
It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ve already sent a card to your grandmother, grandfather, or the older adult in your life. But if you haven’t told them lately that you love them, pick up the
Consumer Alert
Donating to help after earthquakes in Turkey and Syria?
The devastation in Turkey and Syria following massive earthquakes is inspiring people to help and donate. And it’s prompting scammers — like they do after every disaster — to take advantage of your
Consumer Alert
This Black History Month, take charge of your credit
The FTC honors the contributions and legacy of Black Americans across U.S. history. One of the top consumer issues we’ve heard from people living in majority Black communities is related to credit
Consumer Alert
Looking for a job? Scammers might be looking for you
Recent layoffs in industries like the tech sector have scammers fine-tuning their approaches to take advantage. They may advertise jobs online, sometimes setting up fake websites, or look for targets
Consumer Alert
Identity Theft Awareness Week events focus on how to reduce your risk
As unique as we each are, we all look the same to identity thieves: like good targets. To them, it’s all about our Social Security numbers, birth dates, account login credentials, and other personal
Consumer Alert
How to spot, avoid, and report weather-related scams
From the relentless series of powerful storms that have battered California to the dozens of tornadoes that swept across six states, including Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky, 2023 is off to a
Consumer Alert
Did you pay WealthPress for investment advice?
Search online for “trading” or “investments” and you’ll be bombarded with offers, often from self-proclaimed experts, guaranteeing you’ll make big money fast. But no one can truthfully make those
Consumer Alert
Don’t answer another online quiz question until you read this
What do the model of your first car, your favorite hobby, and the high school you attended have in common? If you said they’re questions commonly used for online account security and online quizzes
Consumer Alert
A scam alert for the Korean community
Here’s a scam we know is hitting the Korean community right now — but it’s just as likely to be coming soon to a phone or email inbox near you. Because one thing we know is that scammers never target