What to know about the second round of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) checks and cards

January 22, 2021

Cristina Miranda, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

The US Department of the Treasury and the IRS are working hard to get a second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to people. You might have already gotten your payment direct deposited into your bank account. That started on December 29th. You might have gotten a check in the mail. But, like...

Does your health app protect your sensitive info?

January 15, 2021

Miles Plant, Attorney, Division of Advertising Practices, FTC

New health apps are popping up every day, promising to help you track your health conditions, count your calories, manage your medications, or predict your ovulation. These apps often ask for some of your most sensitive personal information, like your health history, medication list, or whether you...

More money from the government?

December 22, 2020

Jennifer Leach, Associate Director, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

Congress has just passed another bill to help the people whose finances are taking a beating from the pandemic. Once again, some of us will be getting money by check or direct deposit. The timing and details are still TBA, but here’s what we know: The government won’t ask you to pay anything up...

All I want for Christmas…is what I ordered

December 18, 2020

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education

You’ve probably spent a good part of 2020 doing some online shopping. Now that the holidays are here, you definitely want to be sure you — or your friends and family — actually get what you ordered. On this 11 th day of Consumer Protection, take these steps to help Rudolph find his way to your...

Don’t be CBDeceived by junk science

December 17, 2020

Lisa Lake, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you’ve explored alternative treatments for medical conditions, you’ve probably noticed that CBD products are pretty popular. But if an ad claims a CBD-based product is scientifically proven to cure or treat your symptoms, take that with a dose of caution to prevent losing money and, possibly,...

Frosty the Con Man: avoiding family emergency scams

December 15, 2020

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education

“ Hello? It’s me — Frosty. Look it’s a long story but without my top hat, I’m melting. Please, I need your help — send money now or I’ll be nothing but a puddle!” OK, so that’s a silly example and real imposters aren’t funny. But, on the 8 th day of Consumer Protection, it’s definitely worth...

Avoid a season of mis-giving

December 14, 2020

Jennifer Leach, Associate Director, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

It’s the 6th day of Consumer Protection, and maybe you’re in a giving spirit. ‘Tis the season, right? If you like to donate to charities at the end of the year, ‘tis also time to make sure your donations get to the places you mean them to go. Because this year, lots of charities could really use...

Fa-la-la-la fake

December 14, 2020

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education

On the 5 th day of Consumer Protection, you get an email or text message that’s supposedly from UPS or FedEx, complete with one of their logos — and it seems legit. It says your item is ready to ship but you need to update your shipping preferences. But here’s the lump of coal: the message is bogus...

Holiday "Grift" Exchange?

December 11, 2020

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education

It’s the 4th day of Consumer Protection and ’tis the season of…gift cards. Even in Santa’s workshop, it’s one of the most popular ways to give to family and friends for the holidays. But gift cards also are a favorite way for scammers to steal people’s money. Anyone who demands that you pay them...

But the hire is not so delightful

December 08, 2020

Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

On this 3 rd day of Consumer Protection, we’re talking about earning some extra cash. For lots of us, the holiday season is a good time to pick up some part-time work. It’s when retailers and delivery services need extra help. And, especially during the pandemic, many of us could use the cash. So...

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