Getting your money back from Western Union

November 14, 2017

Karen Dodge, Staff Attorney, Midwest Region, FTC

Did you lose money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017? If so, you can now ask for your money back – and you have until February 12, 2018 to file your claim. Earlier this year, we told you about the FTC’s settlement with Western Union ,...

Honoring our veterans

November 08, 2017

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

November 11 is Veterans Day. The origins of this annual commemoration reach back nearly 100 years to “Armistice Day,” which marked the end of World War I. Now we call it Veterans Day to honor all who have served. It’s a time to thank veterans for their contributions to our nation. There are roughly...

Call from 877-382-4357? Hang up.

October 24, 2017

Andrew Johnson, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Scammers are using fake caller ID information to trick you into thinking they’re someone who can be trusted. The practice is called caller ID spoofing, and scammers can fake anyone’s phone number. Today, we got reports that scammers are spoofing the FTC’s Consumer Response Center’s phone number (...

Got student loan debt? Don’t be scammed.

October 13, 2017

Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you’ve got student loan debt, you’ve probably seen ads or been contacted by companies promising they can help. Some are scams – and the FTC is going after them. Today the FTC announced Operation Game of Loans , a joint FTC and state law enforcement sweep against student loan debt relief scammers...

Give wisely to help shooting victims

October 10, 2017

Emma Fletcher, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Tugging at your heartstrings is a tried and true method scammers use to get to your wallet. When tragedy strikes, they take advantage. Sadly, the Las Vegas shooting is no exception. The FTC has heard from people about suspicious requests for donations. A little research will help you avoid a scam...

#MilChat: Military identity theft and cybersecurity

October 06, 2017

Alesha Hernandez, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

According to the FTC, identity theft is one the top complaints from military consumers. Join Military Consumer and @StopFraudCo on Thursday October 12 at 1:00 PM MT/ 3:00 PM ET as we discuss identity theft and cybersecurity in the military community as we answer these questions: Q1. What should...

Hurricane Maria: Make your donations count

October 05, 2017

Cristina Miranda, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, home to almost 3.5 million Americans . Those of us with personal ties to the island are shocked by the catastrophe Hurricane Maria left behind. It has been sobering and emotional. We are struggling daily to help our families and friends recover...

Security smarts for smartwatches

September 22, 2017

Lisa Lake, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Smartwatches have quickly gone from sci-fi to commonplace, and it’s easy to see why. Users can conveniently manage messages, music, fitness, and more right from their wrists as they go about the day. But enjoying the convenience of a smartwatch means trusting it to keep your data safe. Smartwatches...

What’s affiliate marketing? Should I care?

September 20, 2017

Rosario Méndez, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Many of the ads you see online are created by marketers who are paid each time you click on their ad. And if that click takes you to a website where you sign up to try a product or you make a purchase, the marketer may get paid even more. These are affiliate marketers. They are hired by the owner...

Free credit freezes from Equifax

September 19, 2017

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

Many people have had very sensitive personal information exposed in the Equifax breach — Social Security numbers, account numbers, even drivers’ license numbers. Equifax is offering free credit freezes until November 21, 2017. The company also will refund fees to anyone who already paid for freezes...

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