Social Security is not trying to take your benefits

September 16, 2019

Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

We’ve seen a new twist on the Social Security Administration (SSA) scam recently. Check out this SSA imposter robocall, which says your benefits will end. (That’s not true, by the way.) Your browser does not support the audio element. If you get a call like this, do not press 1 . Instead, just hang...

In the wake of Hurricane Dorian

September 11, 2019

Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you suffered damage from Hurricane Dorian, or if you’re looking for ways to help those in need, start at ftc.gov/weatheremergencies . You’ll find ways to spot the scams that often follow disasters. After a storm like Hurricane Dorian, scammers often target people who need to get their homes...

Where is your online search leading you?

August 27, 2019

Lisa Lake, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Dishonest companies set up websites that look like legitimate places to get information on finding a job, joining the military, or getting government benefits. But they might not help you with any of those things. Instead, they’ll take your personal information and sell it to other companies. The...

The Capital One data breach: Time to check your credit report

July 31, 2019

Seena Gressin, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education

If you needed yet another nudge to start keeping an eye on your credit report to protect against identity theft, Capital One has delivered it with its announcement that a data breach has exposed the personal information of 106 million of its credit card customers and credit card applicants in the...

Worshipers targeted by gift card scam

July 29, 2019

Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

We’re seeing a new spin on gift card scams. This time, scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, or bishop. They’re asking worshipers for gift card contributions for a worthy cause. Appeals are often made by email, but we’ve heard people are also getting texts and phone calls,...

Keep in touch

July 28, 2019

Carol Kando-Pineda, Staff attorney, FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection

Military Consumer Month is drawing to a close for this year — but the work to stay ahead of con artists doesn’t stop. Here are some resources to share with your social networks throughout the year. Learn more about how to avoid scams: https://youtu.be/HrzN1e1qgLc Want to let others know how to...

Medicare scams

July 25, 2019

Carol Kando-Pineda, Staff attorney, FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection

Have you heard about fake Medicare calls? Scammers say they need your Medicare number so you can get a back or neck brace. Or they need your information or money so you can get a new Medicare card. If you or someone you know gets a call like this: Hang up. If someone calls claiming to be from...

Misadventures in Money Management

July 24, 2019

Jim Rice , Staff, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Misadventures in Money Management ( MIMM.gov ) is the CFPB’s virtual learning tool to help military personnel navigate ways to avoid financial pitfalls. Recently, the CFPB expanded the availability of MiMM.gov to all active-duty servicemembers, including those in the Reserve or the National Guard...

Medicare does not give out DNA kits

July 24, 2019

Lisa Lake, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Female servicemember in barracks
Here’s one that goes to show just how creative scammers can be. The FTC is getting reports that callers claiming to be from Medicare are asking people for their Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal information…in exchange for DNA testing kits. The callers might say the test...

Don’t Make Investment Decisions Based Solely on Celebrity Endorsements

July 24, 2019

The Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, The Securities and Exchange Commission

Celebrities, from movie stars to professional athletes, take to TV, radio, and social media to endorse a wide variety of products – sometimes even investment opportunities. But a celebrity endorsement does not mean that an investment is legitimate or that it is appropriate for all investors. It is...

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