Learn about the latest scams, and get advice to help you avoid, report, and recover from them.
Displaying 161 - 180 of 447
Consumer Alert
Last year, the FTC reached a settlement agreement with makers of ReJuvenation and sent refund checks to people who bought this so-called “anti-aging” pill that claimed to be a cure-all for ailments
Consumer Alert
Shopping online? Know your retailer and your rights
COVID opened the door for scammers to double down on their worst practices, while preying on consumers during an unprecedented global pandemic. That includes some bad actors who have been taking
Consumer Alert
What to know before you buy something online
Ahh, summer. Ten sweet yet short weeks to enjoy some of your favorite traditions. Maybe it’s sipping an ice cold drink on the porch, spending a weekend at the beach, or cooling off with the kids at
Consumer Alert
Don’t send them money
Instead of telling you a ghost story around a summer campfire, we have an all-too familiar tale to share: Myra’s grandson, Jon, is in Mexico for the summer. They video chat every week. One day, Myra
Consumer Alert
Hot rental car market = scams
The weather is getting warmer, and you might be itching to travel again. The mountains, the beach, and the trails are calling you — and everyone else. At least that’s what it feels like when you start
Consumer Alert
Hello, summer. Goodbye, scammers.
Summer is right around the corner. With things reopening, kids getting out of school, and days lasting longer, this summer promises, we hope, some much-needed relaxation, adventure, and a chance to
Consumer Alert
How to spot a government impersonator scam
Scammers often disguise themselves as people working for the government and might pretend to offer help. But, really, they’re after your money or personal information. For Pride Month, the FTC wants
Consumer Alert
Looking for work? Avoid job scams
If you’re looking for a job, there are lots of things to think about, from wages and commute time to benefits and employee resources. And, if you identify as LGBTQ+, you might also look for whether a
Consumer Alert
More money is coming to families…and scammers are ready
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, eligible families will get monthly payments from the government from July 15 through December 2021. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will send these monthly
Consumer Alert
MoneyGram refund program opens to take claims
If you used MoneyGram to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017, you may be eligible to file a claim for a refund. The company handling claims — Gilardi & Co. LLC — is
Consumer Alert
Scammers cash in on confusion over vaccine verification methods
More than a year into the pandemic, and months after the first rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, people are eager to get back to their regular activities. But some activities might require you to show
Article
College Degree Scams
If you want to improve your chances of being hired or promoted, earning a college degree might help. But not all degree programs are real. Though many online schools and distance learning programs are
Article
High School Diploma Scams
There are plenty of good reasons to get your high school diploma through an alternative route. It can open doors to a new job or promotion, or help you get into college or the military. But not all
Article
Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams
If you’re thinking about buying a timeshare or joining a vacation club, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. You don’t want to be surprised later by unexpected charges or challenges
Article
Donating Through Crowdfunding, Social Media, and Fundraising Platforms
You’ve probably been asked to give money to charities, causes, and people in need through crowdfunding sites, social media platforms, and other online fundraising platforms. Here’s how to avoid
Consumer Alert
Hang up on auto warranty robocalls
Have you gotten a recorded phone message from “Susie” with the “Vehicle Service Department” calling about your vehicle warranty? That’s, like, so retro. But fanny packs, scrunchies, and tie dye are
Consumer Alert
Spotting cryptocurrency investment scams
Cryptocurrency has gotten lots of attention as a new way to invest. But here’s the thing: scammers are taking advantage of people’s understanding (or not) of cryptocurrency investments, and how they
Consumer Alert
Share FTC materials here, there, and everywhere
Have you wondered how you can help the older adults in your life — your parents, grandparents, and neighbors — avoid fraud? Here’s an easy answer: share. Share what you know about fraud, and share
Consumer Alert
Let’s talk about Coronavirus scams
During this past year, the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout have reminded us how important it is to help each other through difficult times. In May, as we celebrate Older Americans Month
Consumer Alert
Unwanted calls: Just block ’em and report ’em
Unwanted calls are annoying. They can feel like a constant interruption — and many are from scammers. Unfortunately, technology makes it easy for scammers to make millions of calls a day. So this week
Displaying 161 - 180 of 447