Veterans, servicemembers and fraud: by the numbers

November 18, 2019

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

When people report scams to the FTC, we learn a lot about how they experience fraud. These fraud reports are important for law enforcement and education efforts. And, as more and more people report fraud, the data can tell a more detailed story about specific groups of people. One example is recent...

Veterans: We honor and thank you

November 06, 2019

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

November 11 is Veterans Day. More than 18 million people are U.S. military veterans. It’s a fitting time to thank military veterans for their sacrifice and service in protecting the United States. It’s also a good time to help protect our veterans from fraud. Whether you’re a recent veteran or you...

Are you a social media influencer?

November 06, 2019

Lesley Fair, Attorney, FTC Division of Consumer & Business Education

Chances are you know an influencer – a person who works with a brand to recommend or endorse a product in social media. Maybe you work at a company that uses influencers or perhaps that describes you, a friend, or a family member. Then you should read a new FTC brochure: Disclosures 101 for Social...

National Veterans Small Business Week

November 04, 2019

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

This week is the sixth annual National Veterans Small Business Week. Once again, the FTC joins with the Small Business Administration to celebrate and support veterans who are small businesses owners. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your existing business, the FTC’s Business Center has...

Free electronic credit monitoring coming soon to the military

October 31, 2019

Amanda Koulousias, Staff Attorney, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, FTC

Starting October 31, many members of the military will have access to a free tool to help spot identity theft. The nationwide credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – have confirmed that they will provide free electronic credit monitoring services to active duty...

What you can do to fend off hackers

October 30, 2019

Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Your personal information is valuable. That’s why hackers try to steal it. This year, for National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’ve got tips to help you keep your personal information from ending up in the hands of a hacker. Protect your phone Let’s start with protecting the data on your phone...

SIM Swap Scams: How to Protect Yourself

October 23, 2019

Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If your cell phone is your go-to device for checking your email, paying your bills, or posting to social media, you’re not alone. So imagine that your cell phone suddenly stops working: no data, no text messages, no phone calls. Then picture getting an unexpected notification from your cellular...

FTC Refunds: The real deal or not?

October 08, 2019

Nicole Christ, Redress Program Manager, FTC

Sometimes the FTC is able to return money to people who were ripped off in a con artist’s scheme. But scammers try to cause confusion and take advantage at every step. If you lost money in a scam, you might get a call or email from someone claiming that they can help you recover your funds – if you...

FTC: AdvoCare business model was pyramid scheme

October 02, 2019

Seena Gressin, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

Are you thinking about joining a multi-level marketing business to earn extra money? Before investing your hard-earned cash, make sure you’re not dealing with a pyramid scheme – a scam that can cost you dearly. Today, the FTC announced a case against Texas-based AdvoCare International, a multi-...

Millennials and fraud: What’s the story?

October 02, 2019

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education

Lots of people fall for scams. Is it any different for Millennials? That’s what the FTC explores in its new Data Spotlight, Not what you think: Millennials and fraud . According to the Data Spotlight, Millennials are 25% more likely to report losing money to fraud than other adults (age 40 and over...

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