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As unique as we each are, we all look the same to identity thieves: like good targets. To them, it’s all about our Social Security numbers, birth dates, account login credentials, and other personal information. But during Identity Theft Awareness Week (January 30-February 3) we can all fight back against identity theft. During Identity Theft Awareness Week 2023, join us to talk about how identity theft affects every community and also look at...

Today, the FTC announced a new claims process to return money to thousands of former AT&T customers as a result of a $60 million settlement with AT&T. To date, $52 million has already been refunded. Are you a former AT&T customer who had an unlimited data plan between October 2011 and June 2015 and you haven’t already cashed a check from AT&T? You might be eligible to get a payment. Are you a current AT&T customer who had an unlimited data plan...

What do the model of your first car, your favorite hobby, and the high school you attended have in common? If you said they’re questions commonly used for online account security and online quizzes, you’re correct! Before you take a quiz to find out which Marvel character you are, ask yourself: Do I know who’s gathering this information about me — or what they plan to do with it? Personality tests, quick surveys, and other types of online quizzes...

Did you just read about the FTC’s settlement with Epic Games related to in-game charges in Fortnite resulting in $245 million in refunds for some parents and players? Well, there’s a Part 2: the FTC has reached another settlement with Epic about its handling of privacy for kids and teens who played Fortnite. When playing Fortnite, you might get matched up with other players to battle it out until there’s just one player or team left. Those...

These days, video games have shops just like online stores. Games like Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, sell gear, character “skins,” and dance moves. (Think Darth Vader wielding an umbrella and flossing.) But what if the game saved your payment info (without asking you first), didn’t give you the chance to confirm purchases, made it hard to cancel them, and locked you out of the game if you tried to dispute the charge? That, says the FTC, is...

Timeshare exit companies advertise a lot. Many "guarantee" they can get you out of your timeshare contract, but sometimes these companies are simply a scam. In a case announced today, the FTC said a company called Consumer Protection Law (one of its many names) didn’t deliver on all its promises. Read on to learn about staying ahead of the scammers. According to the FTC, Consumer Protection Law targeted older adults, sending mailers to invite...

As we continue to honor and celebrate veterans, scammers increase efforts around holidays — like Veteran’s Day — to try to take advantage. Right now, a banking scam is tricking veterans (and current servicemembers) into sharing sensitive personal or financial information. Find out how. Imposters are contacting veterans, servicemembers, and their families. They pretend to be representatives of USAA Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, and other banks...

Want to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donations count . There are plenty of veteran charities who use your donations wisely — b ut charity scammers...

The FTC joins the country in honoring veteran entrepreneurs and their families this National Veterans Small Business Week . We offer thanks as you continue to serve communities all over the nation through your businesses. Unfortunately, scammers are ready to take your hard-earned profits and steal your sensitive business data. So, this week, take time to talk to your employees about how scams happen. For example, scammers send fake invoices for...

Veterans Day is almost here and it’s a fitting time to honor veterans for their service. It’s also a good reminder that scammers may be targeting you as a veteran. Of course, many of the scams that impact civilians hit veterans as well . But scammers also try to get in your good graces by emphasizing — maybe even stretching the truth about — their time in service. They hope to gain your trust so you won’t stop and ask questions about their...