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Today marks the start of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW,) a time of year when the FTC and its local, state, and federal partners focus on empowering consumers with free consumer protection resources. Experience says that one of the best ways to avoid a scam is to talk about it, so read on for ideas on how to start that conversation.

Are you selling a car online? If so, know that scammers may target you. They’ll pretend to be a buyer and try to trick you into sending them money. Here’s how the scam works.

Whether you served for four, ten, or twenty years, veterans pension and disability benefits might be an important — often essential — part of your life after the military. That’s why scammers call, email, or message to “help” you apply for them. But what they’re really after is your money. These “advisors” make promises they can’t keep and charge filing fees for services that are always free through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Spot scams during the VA benefits claims process to avoid them.

If you’re filing your taxes online this year, watch for signs of tax identity theft, like someone using your Social Security number (SSN) to file and claim a tax refund. One way you’ll know is if the IRS rejects your tax return once you file. Learn to protect yourself while filing online and what to do if someone steals your tax refund.

Thinking of trying your luck with an online dating app, or getting to know someone you’ve met on social media? Before you do, make sure you know how to spot a romance scammer.

Tax season is here and people have questions. Where to file? How to file? Can I file online? For free? For those answers, always start with the official IRS website at irs.gov.

The holiday shopping season is over, but the issues you’re having with a product might not be. Here’s what to do about it. Whether something you bought arrived defective or damaged, or not at all, it’s a good idea to go back to the store or website first to try to resolve your problem. Be ready with receipts and any documentation that might be helpful. If you can’t find help at the store or site, use this sample complaint letter, which you can...

Whenever severe weather strikes — blizzards, heavy winds, or the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles — you can bet scammers are following the news to target people affected. So, how do you protect yourself against weather-related scams?

Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan you’re not sure is right for you? You can make changes to your health and prescription drug coverage during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, which started January 1 and runs through March 31, 2025.

Scammers lie and pretend to be someone they’re not to trick you into giving them money, access to your accounts, or your personal information. They pretend to be from a business you know or from a government agency — or both. In the latest twist on these constantly evolving schemes, scammers are claiming to be FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson.