Learn about the latest scams, and get advice to help you avoid, report, and recover from them.
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Consumer Alert
Taking steps to protect your personal information can help you minimize the risks of identity theft. But what if a thief gets your information anyway? Here are some of the ways thieves might use your
Consumer Alert
Identity theft can happen to anyone
It’s the second day of Identity Theft Awareness Week and today we’re talking about steps that can help reduce your risk of identity theft. Many of us access our online accounts — credit cards
Consumer Alert
Welcome to Identity Theft Awareness Week 2022
Today we’re kicking off Identity Theft Awareness Week 2022. Identity thieves have been busier than ever during the pandemic, with scammers and identity thieves after people’s information to apply for
Consumer Alert
Conned on social media? It’s not just you
In 2021, more than 95,000 people told the FTC that they’d been scammed with a con that started on social media. In fact, more than one in four people who reported to the FTC that they lost money to
Consumer Alert
FTC names 25 sellers who must stop making unsubstantiated COVID treatment claims
As part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to protect you from shady sellers during the pandemic, the agency sent cease and desist demands to 25 companies that claimed their products can prevent or treat
Consumer Alert
Don’t assume every COVID-19 test site is legit
If you’ve been looking for a COVID-19 test, you probably know that they are in short supply. Unfortunately, scammers love to “help” with shortages. They’ve created fake and unauthorized at-home
Article
Common Health Scams
People spend billions of dollars a year on products and treatments in the hope of improving their health and fitness. But a lot of that money goes to companies that make fake claims about those
Consumer Alert
How to avoid buying fake COVID tests online
The news is filled with images of long lines at in-person COVID testing sites and reports of limited supplies of at-home test kits. It’s not a surprise that, according to the U.S. Food and Drug
Consumer Alert
Keep your personal information safe in the New Year
As 2021 winds down, lots of us are making resolutions for a fresh start in the New Year — maybe to exercise regularly, get our finances in order, or spend more time with friends. But your list isn’t
Article
Avoiding Scams To Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate
Some scammy debt relief companies will say just about anything to get your money. They promise to get you a lower credit card interest rate, claiming to be able to save you thousands of dollars but
Consumer Alert
United against scams
Kwanzaa, which is based on traditional African harvest festivals, is celebrated every year from December 26 to January 1. The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja (unity) and the importance of finding
Article
Invention Promotion Scams
Dishonest invention promoters lie about the profit potential of your invention to get you to pay for expensive, but often useless, services. Here’s what you need to know to avoid an invention
Consumer Alert
’Tis the season for student loan scam calls
If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending. Scammers know it, too, and are looking for ways to
Consumer Alert
Make your donation count by avoiding end-of-year charity scams
The season of giving is here. If you celebrate Christmas, you might be about to fill some stockings. But, for many, holiday giving includes supporting charitable causes. Charities in need of support
Consumer Alert
FTC sends third round of refunds to people who lost money to business coaching scam
One of our favorite things to do at the FTC — whenever possible — is to return money to people who lost it to scammers. That’s what we’re doing today. If you lost money to a business coaching scheme
Consumer Alert
Scammers are tricking more people into buying gift cards
According to the newest Data Spotlight, 40,000 people reported losing a whopping $148 million in gift cards to scammers during the first nine months of 2021. Those are staggering numbers which have
Consumer Alert
Avoiding a money mule scam
Scammers are looking for people to help them move stolen money. They visit online dating, job search, and social media sites, create fake stories, and make up reasons to send you money, usually by
Consumer Alert
Donate safely this Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a great time to show your gratitude by donating to help others. But you don’t want to give money to a fake charity or scammer (any day of the week). Before you donate this Giving
Consumer Alert
How to spot and avoid common health scams
As a caregiver for a family member with special health needs, you know that shopping, making meals, or just regularly spending time with someone who can’t get out much can profoundly improve their
Consumer Alert
Unsubstantiated COVID-19 treatment claims appear on social media platforms
Since the pandemic began, the Federal Trade Commission has sent hundreds of cease and desist letters to companies that claimed their products and therapies can prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. The
Displaying 121 - 140 of 447