Report scams to the FTC online or by phone.
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How to protect your personal information from identity thieves.
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Your credit report affects your ability to get a loan or job, and could help you avoid identity theft. You can get a truly free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
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Tips for dealing with robocalls.
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Reduce telemarketing calls by registering your phone number for free at DoNotCall.gov.
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What you can do to avoid, detect and get rid of viruses and spyware.
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This video describes how consumers can evaluate online reviews and recommendations when shopping.
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Be aware of the warning signs and hang up on phone fraud.
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Young people learn the key concepts of advertising, competition and other consumer topics in a virtual mall setting.
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Phishers are looking to lure you with bogus emails and pop-ups that seem safe. Will you take the bait or live to swim another day?
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Don't pay for the promise for a job. Learn how to avoid job scams.
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Many everyday activities allow businesses access to information about you.
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Don't wire money to someone you don't know.
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Want to lose weight? Don't believe ads promising quick and easy weight loss without any diet or exercise.
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This video shows what happens when one person gets a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and someone else gets a “free” credit score from a TV ad.
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Looking for a great product at a great price? These tips can help.
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Know your rights when employers check your background.
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If an ad claims a work-at-home business can make you rich quick, you’re probably looking at a scam
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Illegal robocalls are the rise and the FTC is working to solve the problem.
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If a telemarketer asks for money or account information to collect a "prize," hang up. It's a scam.
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Talk to your kids about staying safe online.
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Here’s why you don’t want to pay fees to a business that promises to lower your monthly car payment or help stop a repossession.
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Read the fine print — or free trials can wind up costing you.
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If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales message — hang up
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This video shows what happens when someone makes just the minimum payment on a credit card balance.
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This video shows what happens when someone gets a payday loan but can’t pay it back right away.
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Use these computer security tips to help protect your computer and your personal information.
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Con artists sometimes impersonate government officials to trick you into sending money.
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This video shows some common money wiring scams, and what happens to some people who meet the scams.
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Before you research travel offers, prepare yourself. Read these trip tips.
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Can you spot spam scams?
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If you need cash fast, you may have options besides expensive payday loans.
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Protect your computer from spyware and viruses that can cause it to run slowly or give fraudsters access to your personal information.
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This video shows kids how they can stop cyberbullying by standing up for themselves or someone else.
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Business “opportunities” often don't live up to the hype. Take your time and ask questions before you consider an investment.
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Knowing the rules of the U.S. Diversity Lottery can help you avoid a scam.
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Clues that someone may have stolen your identity.
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An online love interest who lures you from a dating site and asks for money is probably a scam artist.
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If you use public Wi-Fi networks, take these steps to protect your personal information.
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Learn how to protect yourself and your personal information online.
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FTC attorney Kati Daffan shares five strategies for fighting illegal robocalls in this video produced by the GSA.
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If you have to pay a fee in advance for a guaranteed loan or credit card — you’re dealing with a rip-off.
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A counterfeit check can take weeks to discover — and cost you a bundle.
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Practical tips to increase your gas mileage.
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If you want to know how bright a light bulb is, look at its lumens.
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Steps you can take to safeguard your child's personal information against identity theft.
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Don't believe ads that claim you can start an online business without much work or money.
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Learn the signs of a business opportunity scam.
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Wiring money is like sending cash — once it’s gone, you can't get it back.
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Stop wireless hackers by answering these wireless security questions.
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Learn how to identify scams promising treatments for cancer.
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Helps kids learn why and how to stay safe online.
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If a company asks you to pay them for a guaranteed job placement, you're likely dealing with a scam.
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Identify and avoid job and business opportunity scams.
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Scammers may pretend to be your relatives or friends, urging you to wire money immediately to help them with an emergency.
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Test your savvy when it comes to making friends online.
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Internet hoaxes spread when we share first and ask questions later.
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Scammers may pretend to represent charities to take advantage of your generosity.
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Here are some tips to make sure your charity contributions are put to good use.
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Can’t turn your computer on or off? Is it acting up, running slow, opening pages you didn't click, or displaying pop-ups constantly? There's a good chance your computer's been hacked or infected with a virus. Here’s what to do.
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Answer questions about health products and information online.
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Tips to help you save energy — and money — in your home.
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The things kids post online could have an impact on people in the real world.
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You've already lost one laptop, Agent Smith. Your job's on the line if it happens again. Make wise choices this time, and it's mission accomplished.
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Having trouble paying your mortgage? Learn how to avoid foreclosure rescue scams and get real help.
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This video shows what happens when someone learns the hard way why she should care about her identity.
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Learn how to tell fact from fiction when it comes to weight loss products.
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This video shows what happens when someone gets a prepaid card without checking out the fees first.
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Teaches kids how to protect themselves online with privacy settings and good online practices.
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Look out for fees hidden in "free" trial offers.
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Identify ads and understand their messages
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Don't pay for the promise for a job. Learn how to avoid job scams.
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Test your online shopping smarts and learn if you can spot a risky offer
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Recognize and report scammers who falsely promise help with immigration.
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Learn to tell the difference between a legitimate travel deal and a travel trick.
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NCPW.gov is the one site on the web with free consumer information from federal agencies, state governments, consumer organizations and local consumer protection authorities.
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Learn the techniques advertisers use to relate to audiences.
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An expert explains the inner workings of business opportunity telemarketing scams.
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Young people learn to identify ads and their messages
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Check your monthly statements for unexpected charges. This will help you avoid paying for things you didn't buy.
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Get a glimpse of your future as your investing intelligence is put to the test.
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Consumer Sentinel is a nationwide system for law enforcement to track consumer complaints.
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Test your peer-to-peer file-sharing smarts.
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Notarios are not authorized by the U.S. to help with immigration.
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Put your online auction know-how to the test.
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When shopping for light bulbs, look at lumens instead of watts. The more lumens, the brighter the light.
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This video describes the FTC Robocall Challenge and introduces one of the winners.
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Use Admongo in the classroom to teach kids about advertising.
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Medical discount plans are not health insurance. In fact, many of these plans are scams.
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Evaluate online reviews and recommendations when shopping.
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Get legitimate help in completing immigration forms.
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Tips for getting immigration help.
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Questions to ask before wiring money to friends or family in another country.
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Don't pay someone to help you with immigration unless they are authorized by the U.S. government.
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Young people learn the meaning behind ads.
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This video shows how someone compares the costs when choosing a place open savings and checking accounts.
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Be sure the information on your immigration form is accurate before you sign.
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Understand who the advertiser is and why they want you to take a specific action.
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Scammers can rob you of money — and your chance to immigrate.
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Young people identify the messages within ads.
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This video shows how keeping a budget helps someone pay all his bills.
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This video shows how easy it is to start a conversation about scams and how to protect yourself from them.
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Enter the world of Admongo to get "aducated" about ads and their messages.
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Are your friends and family getting emails from you that you didn't send? Or maybe you want to check your email, but you can't log in? Chances are your email's been hacked. Here’s what to do.
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Promote the We Don’t Serve Teens message by asking your local radio station to run this 15 second public service announcement.
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Promote the We Don’t Serve Teens message by asking your local radio station to run this 30 second public service announcement.
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From tax forms to family photos, the files on your computer are valuable. If you don’t want to lose them, back them up, and practice good computer security habits to protect yourself from hackers and viruses.
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This video shows how someone gets into trouble with an immigration consultant – and then out of trouble again.
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Is someone using your personal information to open new accounts, make purchases or get benefits? Report it at IdentityTheft.gov and get a free personal recovery plan.
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This video shows what happens if you borrow money in exchange for your car title.
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This video shows what do to if someone steals your identity.
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This video shows how to rent an apartment even if you don't have a good credit history.
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How to spot scammers who pretend to be IRS officials to get you to send them money.
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An illegal robocall could be a scam. Learn what the FTC is doing to stop illegal robocalls, what to do if you get one, and how to block the number.
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Imposters promise romance to users of online dating sites to trick them into sending money.
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Getting the facts about a used car before you buy can help avoid trouble down the road. Here’s what you need to know.
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Callers impersonate legitimate technical support companies to fool computer users into handing over their personal information or sending money.
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Imposters claim to be friends or family in distress to trick consumers into wiring money.
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The first-person story of a veteran’s debt collection experience – and the legal assistance that helped him recover.
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The first-person story of a woman who was harassed by scammers impersonating court officials and lawyers, who tried to coerce her into paying hundreds of dollars for a debt she didn’t owe.
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Car ads might promise low payments, no interest, or zero down. But is there a catch? Here’s what you need to know.
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When you buy a car, the dealer also might try to sell you optional products or services known as “add-ons”— which might break your budget. Here’s what you need to know.
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Before you shop for a car, you need to shop for financing. Here’s what you need to know.
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The first-person story of a retired educator’s Medicare scam experience – and the FTC attorney who helped bring the scammers to justice.
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Did you get a notice that says your personal information was exposed in a data breach? Visit IdentityTheft.gov/databreach to learn what you can do to protect your identity.
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If you think you see a scam, talk with someone. Your story could help someone avoid that scam. Then report it to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint. Your story could help the FTC stop the scammers.
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How organizations in local communities are using the Pass It On materials.
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Military.Consumer.gov gives servicemembers and military families short consumer tips on the go to help them stay mission-ready at home and abroad. Visit https://www.military.consumer.gov to learn more.
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Misleading ads can sound pretty plausible; learn how to sort out fact from a fib.
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How to avoid a scam known as yo-yo financing when you buy a car.
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The first-person story of how one family responded to a family emergency scam: by putting it on the radio.
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If you get a pop-up to call a number to fix a virus on your computer, ignore it. It’s an imposter scam.
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While some dietary supplements have proven benefits, others don’t. And some could even be risky for your health.
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Caregiver websites can help you find jobs, but scammers also use them to find people to rip off.
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Your eye doctor must give you your prescription after your fitting. It’s the law. Learn more at FTC.gov/contacts.
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The first-person story of one woman’s experience with a debt relief scam – and the lawyer who helped her.
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Understand your rights when dealing with debt collectors.
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People’s experience with scams, and the tips to help all of us avoid scams and protect those we care about.
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What are the warning signs of a scam?
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How to stay ahead of the scammers with email updates from the FTC.
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What to do if someone says they’re from the IRS and they pressure or threaten you to transfer money to them right away.
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How to avoid a scammer if you get a text or call saying a loved one is in trouble.
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How to spot a scammer who pretends they want to hire you as a nanny or caregiver.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the nation’s consumer protection agency. The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace.
