Misleading ads can sound pretty plausible; learn how to sort out fact from a fib.
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Young people learn to identify ads and their messages
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Learn the techniques advertisers use to relate to audiences.
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Use Admongo in the classroom to teach kids about advertising.
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Young people identify the messages within ads.
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Young people learn the meaning behind ads.
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Understand who the advertiser is and why they want you to take a specific action.
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Learn how to identify scams promising treatments for cancer.
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Put your online auction know-how to the test.
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How to avoid a scam known as yo-yo financing when you buy a car.
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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 compares the costs when choosing a place open savings and checking accounts.
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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 how keeping a budget helps someone pay all his bills.
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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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This video shows what happens if you borrow money in exchange for your car title.
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Use these computer security tips to help protect your computer and your personal information.
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Consumer Sentinel is a nationwide system for law enforcement to track consumer complaints.
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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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Understand your rights when dealing with debt collectors.
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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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Knowing the rules of the U.S. Diversity Lottery can help you avoid a scam.
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Know your rights when employers check your background.
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Imposters claim to be friends or family in distress to trick consumers into wiring money.
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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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How to protect your personal information from identity thieves.
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Answer questions about health products and information online.
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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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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 one woman’s experience with a debt relief scam – and the lawyer who helped her.
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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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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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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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An expert explains the inner workings of business opportunity telemarketing scams.
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Learn the signs of a business opportunity scam.
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Read the fine print — or free trials can wind up costing you.
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Test your savvy when it comes to making friends online.
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Before you research travel offers, prepare yourself. Read these trip tips.
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How to stay ahead of the scammers with email updates from the FTC.
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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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If a telemarketer asks for money or account information to collect a "prize," hang up. It's a scam.
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Be aware of the warning signs and hang up on phone fraud.
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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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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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By learning how scammers ask you to pay, find out how to spot – and stop – scams.
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Report scams to the FTC online or by phone.
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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 how someone gets into trouble with an immigration consultant – and then out of trouble again.
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Stop wireless hackers by answering these wireless security questions.
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Get a glimpse of your future as your investing intelligence is put to the test.
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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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Identify ads and understand their messages
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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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This video shows what happens when someone makes just the minimum payment on a credit card balance.
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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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This video shows some common money wiring scams, and what happens to some people who meet the scams.
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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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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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Talk to your kids about staying safe online.
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Helps kids learn why and how to stay safe online.
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Teaches kids how to protect themselves online with privacy settings and good online practices.
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The things kids post online could have an impact on people in the real world.
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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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Test your online shopping smarts and learn if you can spot a risky offer
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This video describes how consumers can evaluate online reviews and recommendations when shopping.
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Imposters promise romance to users of online dating sites to trick them into sending money.
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Looking for a great product at a great price? These tips can help.
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Identify and avoid job and business opportunity scams.
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Test your peer-to-peer file-sharing smarts.
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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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This video shows what happens when someone gets a payday loan but can’t pay it back right away.
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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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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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This video shows what happens when someone gets a prepaid card without checking out the fees first.
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What you can do to avoid, detect and get rid of viruses and spyware.
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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 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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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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FTC attorney Kati Daffan shares five strategies for fighting illegal robocalls in this video produced by the GSA.
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Illegal robocalls are the rise and the FTC is working to solve the problem.
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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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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 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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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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Recognize and report scammers who falsely promise help with immigration.
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Many everyday activities allow businesses access to information about you.
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If you want to know how bright a light bulb is, look at its lumens.
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Can you spot spam scams?
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What are the warning signs of a scam?
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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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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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Callers impersonate legitimate technical support companies to fool computer users into handing over their personal information or sending money.
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Learn how to protect yourself and your personal information online.
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This video describes the FTC Robocall Challenge and introduces one of the winners.
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Medical discount plans are not health insurance. In fact, many of these plans are scams.
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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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How organizations in local communities are using the Pass It On materials.
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Learn how to tell fact from fiction when it comes to weight loss products.
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Enter the world of Admongo to get "aducated" about ads and their messages.
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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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Tips for dealing with robocalls.
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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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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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Young people learn the key concepts of advertising, competition and other consumer topics in a virtual mall setting.
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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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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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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.
