Free credit freezes are here

September 20, 2018

by Andrew Smith, Federal Trade Commission, Director of Bureau of Consumer Protection , Gail Hillebrand, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, Division of Consumer Education and Engagement

Free credit freezes and year-long fraud alerts are here, starting September 21 st , thanks to a new federal law. Here’s what you should know: Free credit freezes Security freezes, also known as credit freezes, restrict access to your credit file, making it harder for identity thieves to open new...

Copycat recruiting sites?

September 05, 2018

Cristina Miranda, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC's Division of Consumer & Business Education

Servicemembers understand the serious responsibility of enlisting in the armed forces. But some companies may try to take advantage. If you or a loved one is visiting military recruiting websites to research or enlist , don’t get the wrong impression. Double check that the military recruiting sites...

Did your favorite celebrity reach out to you on social media?

August 08, 2018

Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Before you get too excited, are you sure it’s that person? Really sure? We’ve heard reports that scammers, who will try just about anything to separate you from your money, are now posing as celebrities on social media. They’re asking fans to send money for all kinds of supposed reasons – like...

Pay it forward all year long

August 05, 2018

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

Military Consumer Month is over, but that doesn’t mean our work is done! Scams will evolve and change, and they often follow the headlines. Military Consumer’s email updates can fill you in on the latest. If you missed this month’s posts about imposters, check the Military Consumer blog to learn...

Government imposter scams

July 29, 2018

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe thousands in back taxes. Some might threaten legal action, deportation, or arrest if you don’t pay...

The Aloha State’s Military Consumer Fraud Guide

July 25, 2018

Jacqueline Choy , Consumer Education Specialist, Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Hawaii is home to 47,000 active duty servicemembers and 5,500 National Guard personnel—many of whom face unique challenges because of permanent changes of station. To help them as they transition to living in Hawaii, the state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) offers the Military...

Staying away from nanny and caregiving job scams

July 22, 2018

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

Many military families move every few years. For spouses and other family members, finding a new job after relocation can be a challenge. Websites can help you find work, but scammers also use these sites to find people to rip off. Do you look for work on caregiver/nanny job sites? Sometimes...

Understanding the Service Member Civil Relief Act Can Save You Money

July 19, 2018

Alecia Blair, Director, Military Saves

Military life comes with its share of changes, like deployments and permanent change of station (PCS) moves. And these changes may, at times, make it difficult to honor financial and legal commitments that were made prior to joining the military. The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides...

Donate with honor, not to a sham charity

July 19, 2018

Rosario Mendez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Would you donate to a charity called Help the Vets? What about if you get a robocall that asks you to donate your car to “Veterans of America?” Unfortunately, just because the word “veterans” is in the name, it doesn’t mean that an organization actually helps veterans. For example, Help the Vets...

Avoiding tech support scams

July 15, 2018

Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

You’re working on your computer when, suddenly, a message pops up on the screen: “Virus detected! Call now for a free security scan and to repair your device.” That’s a tech support scam. Don’t call, text, or email. Legit tech support companies don’t operate that way. Scammers pose as big-name...

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