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Consumer Alert

Will the FTC call or write you? Will they demand money?

Alvaro Puig
Scammers trying to rip you off will often impersonate organizations or government agencies you know. Some even pretend to be from the Federal Trade Commission. But how can you know if it’s the FTC or if it’s a scammer impersonating the FTC?
Consumer Alert

Have I told you lately that I love you — and how to avoid scams?

Terri Miller
It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ve already sent a card to your grandmother, grandfather, or the older adult in your life. But if you haven’t told them lately that you love them, pick up the phone and call, too. While you’re catching up, remind them that you’ll never pressure them to wire you money or buy you gift cards — but a scammer might.
Consumer Alert

Donating to help after earthquakes in Turkey and Syria?

Gema de las Heras
The devastation in Turkey and Syria following massive earthquakes is inspiring people to help and donate. And it’s prompting scammers — like they do after every disaster — to take advantage of your generosity. Find out how to make sure your money helps people in need.
Consumer Alert

Looking for a job? Scammers might be looking for you

Colleen Tressler
Recent layoffs in industries like the tech sector have scammers fine-tuning their approaches to take advantage. They may advertise jobs online, sometimes setting up fake websites, or look for targets on social media — all to try to steal your money and personal information. Whether you’re looking for your first job or seeking a new gig, here’s some advice to help you avoid job scams.
Consumer Alert

Identity Theft Awareness Week events focus on how to reduce your risk

Seena Gressin
As unique as we each are, we all look the same to identity thieves: like good targets. To them, it’s all about our Social Security numbers, birth dates, account login credentials, and other personal information. But during Identity Theft Awareness Week (January 30-February 3) we can all fight back against identity theft.
Consumer Alert

How to spot, avoid, and report weather-related scams

Colleen Tressler
From the relentless series of powerful storms that have battered California to the dozens of tornadoes that swept across six states, including Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky, 2023 is off to a devastating start. Whether you’re getting back on your feet or looking for ways to help people in hard-hit areas, learn how scammers operate — and how to avoid them.
Consumer Alert

Did you pay WealthPress for investment advice?

Gema de las Heras
Search online for “trading” or “investments” and you’ll be bombarded with offers, often from self-proclaimed experts, guaranteeing you’ll make big money fast. But no one can truthfully make those kinds of guarantees. That includes WealthPress, a company the FTC says violated the law by making false earnings claims to convince people to buy its financial trading services.
Consumer Alert

A scam alert for the Korean community

Kati Daffan
Here’s a scam we know is hitting the Korean community right now — but it’s just as likely to be coming soon to a phone or email inbox near you. Because one thing we know is that scammers never target just one person (or community). Read on so you can spot and report these scammers before they trick someone you care about out of money.
Consumer Alert

Here’s where to get FREE COVID tests

Gema de las Heras
With the reopening of the federal government program to order no-cost COVID-19 tests, there are more options to get free tests this year.  But how do you know what’s legit and what’s a scam? Read on.
Article

Avoid Scams When You Travel

Before you start your travel plans, learn common tactics scammers use that can ruin your entire trip.
Article

Nanny and Caregiver Job Scams

Caregiver websites can help you find jobs. But scammers also use them to find people to rip off.
Consumer Alert

’Tis the season to spot and avoid gift card scams

Kira Krown
Looking for a New Year’s resolution? Here’s one for you: Keep your hard-earned money safe from scammers by spotting and avoiding gift card scams. Then help others spot and avoid them, too. Scammers want you to pay with gift cards because they’re like cash: once you use a gift card, the money on it is gone. But what do gift card scams look like?
Consumer Alert

Credit card debt relief that wasn’t

Ari Lazarus
Credit card debt can be stressful. Interest rates can be high, and if you miss or can’t make your full payments, that growing balance can be overwhelming. Enter a group of companies that promised to reduce or eliminate your credit card debt. (For a fee.) But did they?
Consumer Alert

No, that’s not the IRS texting about a tax refund or rebate. It’s a scam.

Gema de las Heras
IRS impersonators have been around for a while. But as more people get to know their tricks, they’re switching it up. So instead of contacting you about a tax debt and making threats to get you to pay up, scammers may send you a text about a “tax rebate” or some other tax refund or benefit. Here’s what to know about the new twist.
Consumer Alert

The FBI won’t ask you for money — that’s a scam

Gema de las Heras
Unwanted calls are annoying — but when a caller says they’re an FBI agent collecting on a legal judgment entered against you, it’s also scary. No matter how urgent and serious the call sounds, neither the judgment nor the agent are real. Like other impersonation scams, FBI imposters are after your money and personal information, and they might even threaten to arrest you unless you pay immediately. (Again: it’s not real.) Read on to learn to spot the scam.