Scams in between stimulus packages

August 11, 2020

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

As we publish this post, a second stimulus package has not yet been finalized by Congress. While there’s a lot we don’t know, we DO know a few things about what scammers do when this kind of uncertainty is in the headlines. If there’s another stimulus payment, you won’t have to pay to get it. Just...

Getting unordered seeds and stuff in the mail?

August 07, 2020

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

Those mysterious seeds from China have been in the headlines, but we’re also hearing about other stuff that people are getting that looks connected to the seed mystery. There could be a few things going on, so let’s start unraveling the Great Unwanted Goods Mystery of 2020. First, DON’T PLANT...

Empowering military consumers – all year long

August 03, 2020

Joint blog , by the Department of Defense (DoD), the FTC, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Military Consumer Month is over and it’s time to think about how we can support servicemembers all year long. Seven years ago, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched Military Consumer Protection Day to highlight fraud affecting servicemembers. Since then, the observance has grown into a...

Military Consumer Month: Until next year

July 31, 2020

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

We’re at the end of July – and Military Consumer Month is just about finished. But the work goes on. Find us all year long at MilitaryConsumer.gov , and check back often for more resources to share with your networks and help them steer clear of scams. Learn more about how to avoid scams: https://...

USS Bonhomme Richard – giving to sailors in need

July 20, 2020

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

You may have seen reports of the fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard. Dozens of sailors fled the burning ship and lost all their possessions. When a distressing event like this happens, many folks look for ways to help. But you also want to make sure your money gets to the people you want...

Utility company calling? Don’t fall for it.

July 15, 2020

Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Every day, millions of people who have lost their jobs are making difficult choices about how to pay their bills. As the Coronavirus continues to spread, scammers are taking advantage of people’s heightened economic anxiety. Their latest ploy is posing as representatives from utility companies to...

What’s new for people in the military community?

July 12, 2020

Paul Witt, FTC's Division of Consumer Response and Operations

During Military Consumer Month, the FTC is launching a new too l to explore what problems military consumers may experience in the marketplace. For the first time, data about the FTC’s reports from military personnel will be available online in an interactive dashboard at ftc.gov/exploredata . From...

It’s Military Consumer Month 2020

June 29, 2020

Andrew Smith, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection

Military Consumer Month is here! In these unprecedented and challenging times, we’re focusing on consumer issues related to COVID-19. As of June 30, consumers have submitted more than 115,000 reports of fraud related to COVID-19, resulting in reported losses of more than $74 million. Scammers...

COVID mask exemption cards are not from the government

June 29, 2020

Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

To help limit the spread of the Coronavirus, many states are requiring people to wear face coverings in places open to the public. But there are cards circulating online and on social media that say the holder has a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, and that it’s illegal for any...

Hurricane season 2020 and COVID-19

June 02, 2020

Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, and now is a great time to make a plan to deal with weather emergencies. Especially because this year, we have the added concern of the COVID-19 pandemic, including what you need know if you have to go to a shelter . (Hint: it involves packing hand...

Pages