A costly low-cost trial offer

August 07, 2017

Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

You’ve probably seen online ads with offers to let you try a product – or a service – for a very low cost, or even for free. Sometimes they’re tempting: I mean, who doesn’t want whiter teeth for a dollar plus shipping? Until the great deal turns into a rip-off. That’s what the FTC says happened in...

Military Families Keeping Safe While on the Move!

August 01, 2017

CPSC blogger, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

On average, military families move every two or three years, 10 times more often than civilian families. While the military is known for efficient and organized moves, it can be challenging to ensure that each new home environment is safe. Follow these simple safety tips from the U.S. Consumer...

Know your debt collection rights

July 31, 2017

Cristina Miranda, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Know someone who’s behind on their bills? Maybe debt collectors are calling for payment? Our new debt collection video can help you understand your legal rights – and may lower your stress level. In the video, you’ll see how bad debt collectors try to get you to pay up. Bad debt collectors will say...

Avoid international travel document scams

July 28, 2017

Bridget Small, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you are planning a trip outside the US, you have probably been collecting tips on everything from great restaurants to comfortable walking shoes. Here is our contribution: when you search for information online, you may find official-looking websites that offer travel documents, information and...

New CFTC video on precious metals scams

July 27, 2017

Dan Rutherford, Director, Office of Customer Education and Outreach, CFTC

Are you thinking about investing in precious metals? The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ( @CFTCSmartCheck ) has created True Fraud Stories, a video series that tells cautionary tales for investors. In this video , a military veteran with an advanced degree in business describes his negative...

Alert: Beware of Stock Recommendations on Investment Research Sites

July 27, 2017

Securities and Exchange Commission , Office of Investor Education and Advocacy

When you read an article on an investment research website, be aware that it may not be objective and independent. The SEC recently charged 27 parties – including public companies, firms, and writers – with fraud for generating articles that promoted certain stocks. Even if articles on an...

Dietary supplement concerns? Tell the FTC and FDA

July 25, 2017

Mary Engle, Associate Director, Division of Advertising Practices, FTC and Steven Tave, Director, Office of Dietary Supplement Programs, FDA

Ever bought a dietary supplement or other health-related product that didn’t work as promised? Maybe you had side effects, or the claims just seemed unbelievable. Know this: the government holds companies accountable for making baseless claims about products marketed as dietary supplements. The...

What we heard: military consumer financial issues

July 25, 2017

Nat Wood, Associate Director, Consumer & Business Education, FTC

When you want to know what’s going on with a group, you go directly to the source, right? That’s exactly what the FTC did last week when it held a Military Consumer Financial Workshop in San Antonio, Texas. The day’s purpose was to take a look at the financial issues and scams that can affect...

July 26: Military Consumer on Twitter and Facebook

July 21, 2017

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

@MilConsumer will host a Twitter chat about credit issues with the National Credit Union Administration, Military Saves, and the National Military Family Association. Join the conversation on July 26 at 2:00 pm ET at #NCUAChat and #MilConsumer. To give you a head start, here are the questions we’ll...

Five money moves to make by your first duty station

July 20, 2017

Alecia D. Blair, Military Saves Communications & Outreach Manager, AFC® Candidate, FINRA Foundation Fellow

As a new recruit after basic training, there's a lot to learn about your branch of the military, job, and first duty station. Equally important is learning to manage your finances by creating healthy savings habits . Military Saves has your back with these five steps to take as you start your...

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