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Consumer Alert

Solar energy is rising in popularity. So are the scams

Larissa Bungo
Did a salesperson knock on your door and promise free rooftop solar panels at no cost to you? Or say you’ll never have to pay another electricity bill because government programs, grants, or rebates cover your solar installation? It’s likely a scam. While there are some government-funded solar programs for households that qualify, “going solar” isn’t free. Honest businesses will tell you exactly how much it’ll cost to get and install solar panels. Here’s how to steer clear of the scams.
Consumer Alert

FTC says Care.com misled workers

Ari Lazarus
Looking for local caregiver gigs that pay well? Care.com said it could help, for a monthly subscription fee. But, in a settlement announced today, the FTC says Care.com misled workers about how many jobs were available on the platform and how much they could earn — and made it hard to cancel subscriptions — costing a lot of people a lot of time and money.
Consumer Alert

Avoid scam websites that offer to help you get or renew your passport

Gema de las Heras
Do you need to apply for or renew your passport? If you search online, the top results might show official-looking websites that say they can renew or get you a passport. Some of these websites are private companies that charge you for services that are free on the U.S. Department of State website…while others are scammers trying to take your money and personal information.
Consumer Alert

Adobe used hidden fee to trap people into paying for subscription plans, FTC says

Andrew Rayo
Maybe you want to try out a product for a little while before you make a long-term decision. So, you sign up for a monthly subscription plan. Everything is fine until you want to cancel and it turns out to be a yearly subscription with monthly payments. Surprise! That’s what the FTC says happened to people who signed up for monthly subscriptions with Adobe.

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