Learn about the latest scams, and get advice to help you avoid, report, and recover from them.
Warn your friends about tech support scams
Tech support scams, which get people to pay for fake computer help or steal their personal information, are convincing.
Staying away from nanny and caregiving job scams
Finding a new job can be a challenge. Websites can help you find work, but scammers also use these sites to find people to rip off.
Donate with honor, not to a sham charity
Would you donate to a charity called Help the Vets?
Online love asking for money? It’s a scam.
While plenty of successful relationships begin online, scammers also use online dating sites, apps, and chat rooms to trick you into sending them money.
Scammers create fake emergencies to get your money
“I lost my wallet and ID. I’m stranded — please wire money.”
No prizes from the FTC
Recently, someone showed up at the door of the FTC to ask about his prize. He had a mailing saying he’d won $5 million – and the FTC had “certified and verified” it.
Scams and your small business
At the FTC, our mission is to protect consumers, including small business owners. That’s why, when we see scammers taking money from small businesses, we step in.
Work from home business scam sidelined
Would you be tempted by an online business training program that promises you could earn thousands of dollars a month working from home? I wouldn’t blame you if you were.
No gift cards for tech support scammers
Hey computer users, it’s time for a pop quiz.
Winners are losers in lottery & sweepstakes scams
You get a card, call, or email telling you that you won! Maybe it’s a lottery, sweepstakes, or some other prize. The person calling is excited and can’t wait for you to get your winnings.
New alert for Western Union refunds
Did you lose money to a scam, wiring the money via Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017?
A scam story: Secret shopping and fake checks
Scammers need a good story to get to your wallet. Once they find one that works, they use it again and again.
Publishers Clearing House imposters keep coming
Who wouldn’t love to be that winner you see on TV holding a great big sweepstakes check?
Scammers impersonate the Chinese Consulate
Have you gotten a call from someone saying they’re from a Chinese Consulate office? If so, you’re not alone – based on reports to the FTC and the real Chinese Consulates.
FTC asking for access to your computer? It’s a scam.
Scammers pretending to be with the FTC or with FTC refund administrators are calling, asking for remote access to your computer.
Western Union refunds scam alert
We’ve heard that people are getting official-looking emails about the Western Union settlement. The thing to know is that you cannot apply for a refund by email.
FTC continues to crack down on student loan scams
A lot of us have student loans – and some of us have trouble paying them every month.