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...

Fraud alert or credit freeze – which is right for you?

September 15, 2017

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

Considering a fraud alert or credit freeze? In the aftermath of the Equifax data breach, many people are. You don’t need to be an identity theft victim to use them – but it’s helpful to consider your situation. If you’re not sure which is best for you, here are some things to think about. What do...

Equifax isn’t calling

September 14, 2017

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

Ring, ring. "This is Equifax calling to verify your account information." Stop. Don’t tell them anything. They’re not from Equifax. It’s a scam. Equifax will not call you out of the blue. Equifax’s recent data breach. Other calls might try to trick you into giving your personal information. Here...

Make your hurricane donations count

September 12, 2017

Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are wreaking devastation from Texas to Florida to Puerto Rico, and beyond. Generous people across the country are doing what they can to help their neighbors in need. If you’re thinking about donating money to a charity, here’s how to make sure your dollars go to the...

Questions about military retirement?

September 12, 2017

Alesha Hernandez , Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Retirement is a big transition in a servicemembers’ life. It will affect you, your family and your finances. Military Consumer and @StopFraudCo will host a Twitter chat to talk about what retirement means for military families on September 14, 2017 at 1 p.m. M.T. / 3 p.m. E.T. We’ll talk about...

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