Your Social Security number is an important key for an identity thief. Scammers want it, and they think of all sorts of ways to trick you into giving it away.Here at the Federal Trade Commission, we’re getting reports about calls from scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They say there’s been a computer problem, and they need to confirm your Social Security number.Other people have told us that they have come across spoof websites that look like the place where you would apply for a new Social Security card – but these websites are actually a setup to steal your personal information.If you get a phone call or are directed to a website other than ssa.gov that is claiming to be associated with the Social Security Administration, don’t respond. It’s most likely a scam.Here’s some tips to deal with these government imposters.
You’re going about your normal day at work when, suddenly, there’s a call that looks like it’s from your electric company. That’s what the caller ID shows, and what the person on the line says. The voice on the line tells you that, because of late payments, the power to your business is about to be cut off. Without power, you can’t keep your business running, so that’s an emergency. Or is it?
Here’s one of the top questions we get from people: Is this a scam? Whatever the “this” looks like, here’s our best answer to that question: Did someone say you can only pay by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, or loading money on a cash reload card? If they did, then yes: that is a scam.
Since we told you it’s time to ask for your money back from Western Union’s settlement with the FTC, we’ve gotten some questions about who can make a claim, when, and how it works. Here are some answers.
Looking to lose weight in 2018? If so, you have a challenge ahead of you. That’s right: it’s going to take proper dieting and regular exercise to safely lose weight. You might ask, “What about the ads that promise weight loss with no effort?” The truth is, those ads are promoting products that won’t deliver on their promises.
Would you pay $49 for a “secret code” to make huge sums of money automatically? That’s what the FTC says the fraudsters behind the Mobile Money Code scam promised. In fact, the FTC alleges that the defendants and their affiliate marketers were out to rip people off.
Nothing puts a damper on the holidays like unwanted calls interrupting your day.Maybe you’ve gotten one — you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person. Internet-powered phone systems have made it cheap and easy for scammers to make illegal sales robocalls from anywhere in the world.Fortunately, you have some options to block robocalls and other unwanted calls. Some are free and others cost money.
When you give to a charity, you’re giving because you care and want to help — and you want to be sure your money actually gets to those you’re trying to help. But scammers who pretend to be a charity try to get to your wallet. So consider these tips before you give.
The 2018 World Cup kicks off on June 14, 2018 in Moscow. Soccer’s rising stars like Argentina’s Paulo Dybala, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus will join World Cup veterans Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suárez, Isco, Toni Kroos, Neymar, and Lionel Messi to vie for the coveted World Cup trophy. If you’re looking to buy World Cup tickets, here’s what you need to know about buying official match tickets and avoiding a fake ticket scam.
I know most of us are in the midst of holiday planning, parties and gift wrapping – but don’t forget to mark your calendar for National Consumer Protection Week 2018!
United States Marshals protect the federal courts, track down dangerous fugitives, and transport thousands of prisoners. They don’t make calls and threaten to arrest people or fine them for missing jury duty.
Open enrollment is here. Whether you’re eligible for Medicare, selecting a plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or have private insurance, you have until December 7 (Medicare) or December 15 (ACA) to compare plans and make coverage changes. But as you’re keeping an eye out for the best options, also keep an eye out for scammers. Here are a few tips for avoiding scams this open enrollment season.
Scammers are using fake caller ID information to trick you into thinking they’re someone who can be trusted. The practice is called caller ID spoofing, and scammers can fake anyone’s phone number.
Many reentrants don’t believe they will ever get a business license through the usual channels. That makes them vulnerable to scams. Some reentrants may find themselves frustrated by occupational licensing regulations that don’t make sense. Maybe their trade is licensed in some states, but not others. That’s confusing.If you’re looking to get a professional or business license, here are three things you should do before you pay anyone money:
If you’ve got student loan debt, you’ve probably seen ads or been contacted by companies promising they can help. Some are scams – and the FTC is going after them.
Today the FTC announced Operation Game of Loans, a joint FTC and state law enforcement sweep against student loan debt relief scammers. The operation includes seven actions filed by the FTC, with five new cases announced today.
Tugging at your heartstrings is a tried and true method scammers use to get to your wallet. When tragedy strikes, they take advantage.Sadly, the Las Vegas shooting is no exception. The FTC has heard from people about suspicious requests for donations. A little research will help you avoid a scam and ensure that your gift goes to a reputable charity that will use the money as you intend.
