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Consumer Alert

Hang up on tech support calls

Jim Kreidler
It can be frustrating to have problems with your computer, especially now that so many people are working from home. But if you get a call from someone claiming to be a Microsoft technician, saying
Consumer Alert

Remote learning and children’s privacy

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
“Social distancing,” “shelter-in-place,” “virtual happy hour” – these are some of the new expressions on everyone’s lips the past few weeks. For many kids, parents, and teachers, add “remote learning”
Consumer Alert

Coronavirus checks: flattening the scam curve

Karen Hobbs
There’s a lot to worry about when it comes to the Coronavirus crisis, including the new ways scammers are using the economic impact payments (so-called “stimulus checks”) to trick people. To keep
Consumer Alert

Avoiding SSA scams during COVID-19

Jim Kreidler
While some of you are home, practicing social distancing and frequent hand washing to avoid the Coronavirus, remember that scammers are still busy trying to take advantage of people. Some scammers are
Consumer Alert

Avoid scams while finding help during quarantine

Lois Greisman, FTC, Elder Justice Coordinator
Older adults may be hard hit by the coronavirus – and scammers prey on that. If you or someone you know must stay at home and needs help with errands, you’ll want to know about this latest scam
Consumer Alert

Grandparent scams in the age of Coronavirus

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
“Grandma: I’m in the hospital, sick, please wire money right away.” “Grandpa: I’m stuck overseas, please send money.” Grandparent scams can take a new twist – and a new sense of urgency – in these
Consumer Alert

The FTC keeps attacking robocalls

Lois Greisman
Have you noticed lately that you’re getting fewer robocalls? Yes, way too many calls are still coming, and we’re fully engaged on that issue. But we’re seeing some promising developments. Some recent
Consumer Alert

While you’re at home, spot the scams

Cristina Miranda
Many of us are at home, trying to protect our communities from the Coronavirus. (Thanks to those who are still working outside the home. Be safe.) If you have a minute to spare, it could be a good
Consumer Alert

Williams-Sonoma: Made in the USA?

Jim Kreidler
When we’re deciding between buying two products, if one product says, “Made in the USA,” does that influence how we make our decision? For many people, it does, and we all have a reasonable
Consumer Alert

Want to get your Coronavirus relief check? Scammers do too.

Ari Lazarus
You’ve probably heard the news by now – the government is sending out relief checks as part of the federal response to the Coronavirus. Scammers heard the same thing, and they’re hoping to cash in on
Consumer Alert

Got student loan debt? Read this.

Ari Lazarus
You’ve probably seen ads for companies that can help you lower — or even totally get rid of — your student loan debt. Some of those companies make promises they can’t keep. The FTC recently filed a
Consumer Alert

60 and over in the time of COVID-19? Read on.

Jennifer Leach
I know, 60-year-olds. You’re not old. In fact, we’ve found that, when people think “old,” they think of someone about 10 years older than they are right now. But, because we’ve been warned about the
Consumer Alert

Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams

Karen Hobbs
Scammers – and scammy companies – are using illegal robocalls to profit from Coronavirus-related fears. Listen to some of the latest scammy robocall pitches, so you can be on the lookout and know how
Consumer Alert

Thinking critically about Coronavirus news and information

Jennifer Leach
It's dizzying, the amount of information out there about the Coronavirus. You’re dealing with story after story online and through social media, television, radio, and in newspapers and magazines —
Consumer Alert

Now more than ever, spot the scams with #FTCScamBingo

Jennifer Leach
D uring the Coronavirus outbreak, many people are working from home — and maybe even, for the first time in a long time, answering calls from unfamiliar phone numbers. It might be your colleague’s
Consumer Alert

FTC: Coronavirus scams, Part 2

Colleen Tressler
Last month, we alerted you to Coronavirus scams we were seeing at the time. Earlier this month, we sent warning letters to seven sellers of scam Coronavirus treatments. So far, all of the companies
Consumer Alert

Sprays and pills that cure it all? Not true.

Rosario Méndez
Marketers try to sell us things like sprays and pills that supposedly cure it all, help us lose weight, get rid of wrinkles, and more. But some marketers make claims about their products without
Consumer Alert

Online security tips for working from home

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
Teleworking during the Coronavirus outbreak? While working from home can help slow the spread of the virus, it brings new challenges: juggling work while kids are home from school; learning new
Consumer Alert

Checks from the government

Jennifer Leach
Please visit Coronavirus stimulus payment scams: What you need to know for the most recent information. As the Coronavirus takes a growing toll on people’s pocketbooks, there are reports that the