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Consumer Alert

Getting your finances back on track after Hurricane Ian

Gema de las Heras
After a natural disaster, the road to recovery — financial and otherwise — can be long and bumpy. As you begin picking up the pieces in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, here are some things to think about as you develop a plan to regain your financial stability:
Consumer Alert

Spot and avoid home-related fraud this winter

Gema de las Heras
Between inflation and soaring energy prices, many of us are thinking about how much more it’s going to cost to stay warm this year. Getting an email, a call, or a knock on your door with an offer to cut your utility bill may seem like hitting the savings lottery. But before you say “yes,” know that scammers may hide behind some of those offers. They’re after your money and information and will leave you out in the cold.
Consumer Alert

How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams

Colleen Tressler
When temperatures drop, it often costs more to stay comfortable in your home — and scammers know that. This alert is the first in a series to help you get your home ready for winter, save money, and avoid fraud. 
Consumer Alert

Recovery scams will follow Hurricane Ian. Here’s how to spot them

Gema de las Heras
Nobody knows how long it’ll take to recover from the destruction Hurricane Ian left behind. But we do know it won’t be long before scammers start trying to cash in on the deadly storm. Whether you’re getting back on your feet or looking for ways to help people in areas hit hardest, learn how scammers operate — and how to avoid them.
Consumer Alert

Be heard. Report scams to the FTC

Gema de las Heras
We know that scammers target Latinos with calls and ads in English and Spanish because the FTC has sued to stop them. When the FTC hears about the Latino community’s experiences and collects their reports about frauds and scams, it helps everyone. Want to be part of the solution? Add your voice and help us get the word out this #HispanicHeritageMonth.
Consumer Alert

Avoid scams in the aftermath of Merbok, Fiona and Ian

Gema de las Heras
As recovery efforts continue in areas hit hard by mother nature’s recent bi-coastal punch, scammers are not far behind. They see tragedy as opportunity, and they'll use the devastation caused by severe storms — like Typhoon Merbok, Hurricane Fiona, and Hurricane Ian, now headed for shore — to try to take advantage of those affected. As well as of anyone who tries to help. That's why it's so important to know how to spot the scams that often follow natural disasters.
Article

How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information. But there are several ways to protect yourself.
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.

Consumer Alert

Those (not really) IRS calls

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle

You’ve probably gotten one of these calls: They say it’s the IRS and they’re filing a lawsuit against you for back taxes. They may threaten to arrest or deport you. What do you do?

Consumer Alert

Protect yourself against Medicare scams

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle

Still getting calls from people claiming to be from Medicare, asking for money or personal information? Watch this video about how you can protect yourself from Medicare scams: 

Consumer Alert

How to avoid COVID-19 government imposter scams

Lois Greisman, Associate Director, Division of Marketing Practices, FTC

Many of us are paying close attention to the guidance from federal, state, and local governments during this COVID-19 health emergency.

Consumer Alert

Scammers impersonate the Chinese Consulate

Patti Poss

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.