By learning how scammers ask you to pay, find out how to spot – and stop – scams.
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Your complaints help the FTC and law enforcement agencies conduct investigations, bring lawsuits and prevent international scams. If you have a complaint about international scams or cross-border fraud, report it at www.econsumer.gov.
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You’ve probably seen ads promising help with your student loan debt. Some are scams – here are tips to avoid them.
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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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If someone offers you a job, sends you a check, but then insists you wire extra money back; don’t do it. It's a scam. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
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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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If you get a text or call saying a loved one is in trouble and they need you to wire them money, it's most likely a scam.
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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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Understand your rights when dealing with debt collectors.
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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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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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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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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 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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How to avoid a scam known as yo-yo financing when you buy a car.
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Misleading ads can sound pretty plausible; learn how to sort out fact from a fib.
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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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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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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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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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Before you shop for a car, you need to shop for financing. 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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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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Imposters promise romance to users of online dating sites to trick them into 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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Callers impersonate legitimate technical support companies to fool computer users into handing over their personal information or sending money.
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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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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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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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The first-person story of a veteran’s debt collection experience – and the legal assistance that helped him recover.
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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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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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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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This video shows what happens if you borrow money in exchange for your car title.
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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 easy it is to start a conversation about scams and how to protect yourself from them.
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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 how someone gets into trouble with an immigration consultant – and then out of trouble again.
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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 someone compares the costs when choosing a place open savings and checking accounts.
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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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This video describes the FTC Robocall Challenge and introduces one of the winners.
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Before you research travel offers, prepare yourself. Read these trip tips.
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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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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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This video shows what happens when someone gets a payday loan but can’t pay it back right away.
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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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Looking for a great product at a great price? These tips can help.
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Use these computer security tips to help protect your computer and your personal information.
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If you use public Wi-Fi networks, take these steps to protect your personal information.
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This video describes how consumers can evaluate online reviews and recommendations when shopping.
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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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This video shows what happens when someone gets a prepaid card without checking out the fees first.
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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 learns the hard way why she should care about her identity.
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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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What you can do to avoid, detect and get rid of viruses and spyware.
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Knowing the rules of the U.S. Diversity Lottery can help you avoid a scam.
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Young people identify the messages within ads.
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Be aware of the warning signs and hang up on phone fraud.
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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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Identify and avoid job and business opportunity scams.
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Learn the signs of a business opportunity scam.
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An expert explains the inner workings of business opportunity telemarketing scams.
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Learn how to identify scams promising treatments for cancer.
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Medical discount plans are not health insurance. In fact, many of these plans are scams.
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Tips for dealing with robocalls.
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Illegal robocalls are the rise and the FTC is working to solve the problem.
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Know your rights when employers check your background.
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Report scams to the FTC online or by phone.
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Recognize and report scammers who falsely promise help with immigration.
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Read the fine print — or free trials can wind up costing you.
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If you want to know how bright a light bulb is, look at its lumens.
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How to protect your personal information from identity thieves.
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Many everyday activities allow businesses access to information about you.
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Consumer Sentinel is a nationwide system for law enforcement to track consumer complaints.
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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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The things kids post online could have an impact on people in the real world.
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Understand who the advertiser is and why they want you to take a specific action.
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Use Admongo in the classroom to teach kids about advertising.
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Teaches kids how to protect themselves online with privacy settings and good online practices.
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Helps kids learn why and how to stay safe online.
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Talk to your kids about staying safe online.
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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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Learn the techniques advertisers use to relate to audiences.
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Young people learn the meaning behind ads.
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Enter the world of Admongo to get "aducated" about ads and their messages.
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Young people learn to identify ads and their messages
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Answer questions about health products and information online.
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Can you spot spam scams?
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Put your online auction know-how to the test.
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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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Test your peer-to-peer file-sharing smarts.
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Stop wireless hackers by answering these wireless security questions.
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Test your online shopping smarts and learn if you can spot a risky offer
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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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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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Test your savvy when it comes to making friends online.
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Learn how to protect yourself and your personal information online.
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Get a glimpse of your future as your investing intelligence is put to the test.
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Identify ads and understand their messages
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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.
