Blog

You’ve probably heard about the ransomware attack affecting organizations’ computer systems around the world. It seems to affect server software on organizations’ networked computers. But ransomware can attack anybody’s computer, so now is a good time to update your own operating system and other software. And then keep them up-to-date. The ransomware in the news now is known as WannaCry or WannaCrypt. It locks users out of their systems until...

Ever wonder if your dietary supplements are truly safe, effective and risk-free? If you are a member of the military, this question can be particularly important. Servicemembers often are targeted by companies selling supplements: to help members of the military lose weight, enhance workouts, or be in top shape for battle. If you’re considering using a dietary supplement, you may be aware of some of the potential health risks. But you also might...

There’s a new scam out there, preying on veterans who are making decisions about their medical care. The Veterans Choice Program (VCP) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program allows certain eligible vets to use approved health care providers who are outside of the VA system. Veterans or families can call the VCP’s toll-free number to verify their eligibility for the program. Here’s the problem: Scammers have...

Growing up, my mother gave me her own version of “scam alerts.” She let me know when an offer sounded fishy and told me stories of fraudsters conning people out of their hard-earned money. Maybe your mom did too. This Mother’s Day, why not return the favor by letting mom know about the FTC’s Scam Alerts? Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to...

The Department of Defense reports that about half of the military force is married. Military spouses have a very full plate. Many of them parent children solo during their servicemember’s deployment. In fact, 2.7 million children have had a parent deploy. Many military spouses move their households every two to three years, according to the National Military Family Association. And military spouses regularly take on responsibilities that make it...

I will drive for a week with my car’s Check Engine light blinking, but if a security warning shows up on my computer, I act immediately. Scammers have been taking advantage of people like me, who care about computer security. They ran operations in the US and overseas that used pop-up messages and phone calls to convince people their computers needed fixing. The callers pitched unnecessary — and sometimes harmful — tech support services that cost...

In the past, we’ve told you about a group of Jamaican scammers who called people in the US with phony prize, sweepstakes and lottery offers. Just last week, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that eight Jamaicans were extradited to the US and now are in custody in North Dakota. These eight people were charged with using a lottery scam to trick at least 90 people out of more than $5.7 million dollars. This case is part of a law...

Claims processing is underway for eligible VW owners and lessees as part of the VW 2.0 liter vehicle emissions settlements. If the court approves the proposed 3.0 liter settlement, claims processing for the 3.0 liter vehicle emissions settlements may begin soon. Through these settlements, consumers will have billions of dollars returned to them. To take advantage of this, third parties claiming to be “claims processing services" have contacted...

When scammers and hackers attack small businesses, it hurts not only the businesses’ reputations and bottom line, but also the integrity of the marketplace. Today, FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen announced a new FTC website, FTC.gov/SmallBusiness, to help business owners avoid scams, protect their computers and networks, and keep their customers’ and employees’ data safe. If you own a business you’ll want to check it out! At FTC.gov...

On May 11 , @MilConsumer and @StopFraudCo (the Stop Fraud campaign of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office) will host a chat to discuss consumer challenges related to permanent changes of station during military service. Servicemembers and military families may face a PCS at this time of year; get tips on avoiding pitfalls like identity theft or rental scams. Be part of the conversation at #Milchat or #Milconsumer at 3:00 pm ET/1:00 pm MT.