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Consumer Alert

Promoter pitches “secrets” to big bucks on Amazon

Lesley Fair
Online ads and in-person workshops for Sellers Playbook claim to offer “secrets” to making big money on Amazon. But like a lot of namedroppers, the truth doesn’t live up to the hype. That’s what the
Consumer Alert

Car dealer deceived consumers & falsified info

Colleen Tressler
Shopping for a car can be exciting. But wading through ads and promotions from car dealers, and deciding how to pay, can make it stressful. If you decide to finance the car, you have two options : get
Consumer Alert

Government imposter scams

Carol Kando-Pineda
You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe
Consumer Alert

Warn your friends about tech support scams

Amy Hebert
Tech support scams, which get people to pay for fake computer help or steal their personal information, are convincing. You might already know the signs of a tech support scam , but do your friends
Consumer Alert

Staying away from nanny and caregiving job scams

Carol Kando-Pineda
Finding a new job can be a challenge. Websites can help you find work, but scammers also use these sites to find people to rip off. Do you look for work on caregiver/nanny job sites? Sometimes
Consumer Alert

Donate with honor, not to a sham charity

Rosario Mendez
Would you donate to a charity called Help the Vets? What about if you get a robocall that asks you to donate your car to “Veterans of America?” Unfortunately, just because the word “veterans” is in
Consumer Alert

FTC looks for revised Used Car Buyers Guides

Colleen Tressler
The FTC’s Used Car Rule says that dealers have to display a Buyers Guide in every used car they have for sale, and give it to buyers after the sale. The FTC recently checked out how dealers are
Consumer Alert

Online love asking for money? It’s a scam.

Carol Kando-Pineda
While plenty of successful relationships begin online, scammers also use online dating sites, apps, and chat rooms to trick you into sending them money. These imposters create fake profiles to build
Consumer Alert

Student loan debt relief customers: Take 2 steps

Lesley Fair
Do you have student loans? Did you respond to an ad from Ameritech Financial claiming to offer you debt relief? The FTC has sued Ameritech for deceptive practices and just sent letters about the case
Consumer Alert

Scammers create fake emergencies to get your money

Carol Kando-Pineda
“I lost my wallet and ID. I’m stranded — please wire money.” “Your grandson is being held in jail. He needs bail money right away.” Scammers try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in trouble
Consumer Alert

Don’t let “FREE” cost you

Emma Fletcher
When a company says you can try its product for free, you might think, why not? Here’s why not: You could end up paying a lot of money for that free trial. Scammers often use free trial offers with
Consumer Alert

Getting a vacation rental? Watch out for scams.

Ari Lazarus
With July 4 th right around the corner, plenty of us are still running around trying to book a last-minute vacation rental. If that’s you, here’s what you need to know: scammers are ready with fake
Consumer Alert

FTC sues two more in phantom debt scheme

Ari Lazarus
Have you ever gotten a call about a debt that isn’t yours? That’s known as a phantom debt, and today, the FTC and the New York Attorney General’s Office announced that they are suing two players in an
Consumer Alert

Military Consumer Month 2018: Fight Imposter Scams

Andrew Smith
July is Military Consumer Month. This year, we’re focusing on fighting imposter scams – where a con artist pretends to be someone you trust, to convince you to send money or personal information. The
Consumer Alert

No prizes from the FTC

Todd Kossow
Recently, someone showed up at the door of the FTC to ask about his prize. He had a mailing saying he’d won $5 million – and the FTC had “certified and verified” it. The letter told him to act
Consumer Alert

Credit card processing “deals” may be scams

Emma Fletcher
If you’re in a small business, you probably need a way for people to pay you – and ways to lower your costs. Scammers have been working both of those angles, promising businesses that they can save on
Consumer Alert

Scams and your small business

Rosario Méndez
At the FTC, our mission is to protect consumers, including small business owners. That’s why , when we see scammers taking money from small businesses, we step in. Today, the FTC announced Operation
Consumer Alert

Hawaii’s volcano eruption: Picking up the pieces

Colleen Tressler
While lava from the Kilauea volcano eruption continues to flow, it’s not too early to begin taking stock and developing a recovery plan. Here are a few tips and links to resources to help make the
Consumer Alert

Giving wisely in the wake of natural disasters

Colleen Tressler
Natural disasters and weather emergencies are in the news. Whether it’s the volcanic eruptions in Hawaii and Guatemala or the wildfires in Colorado, it’s heartbreaking to see people lose their homes
Consumer Alert

FTC aids criminal prosecutions

Colleen Tressler
The FTC protects consumers by stopping unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. We conduct investigations, sue outfits and individuals that break the law, and inform people and