MilConsumer Blog Feed

Scammers have found yet another way to exploit people who need money fast, including cash-strapped college students: Pay them to open wireless contracts that include new smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. The scammers target people to act as “credit mules.” That’s when a scammer uses someone else's identity, personal information and credit to get something of value. In this case, it’s a wireless device.

Name a common health concern, and there’s probably a dietary supplement that promises a solution . But when advertised promises aren’t backed up with adequate proof, the Federal Trade Commission sees a problem.

Investment scams can take many forms—and fraudsters can turn on a dime when it comes to developing new pitches or come-ons for the latest fraud. But while the hook might change, the underlying tactics remain the same. To stay on guard and avoid being drawn into an investment scam, look for these red flags:

What’s the difference between a multilevel marketing program and a pyramid scheme? Pyramid schemes are illegal. If the money you earn is based on your sales to the public, the company may be a legitimate multilevel marketing plan. Here are some signs that the company is operating a pyramid scheme:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is hosting an online forum on veteran consumer issues on Friday, May 9 at 2 p.m. EDT. The event will focus on common consumer issues for veterans and military retirees. Highlights will include a review of tools that can help veterans capitalize on key benefits and information that can help them avoid consumer scams.

AMBA recently wrote a blog about the importance of knowing your credit score and knowing what information is in your credit report. This blog also referred to credit as a whole and how it affects the cost of good credit versus not so good credit when applying for loans and utilizing credit. The all-so-familiar slogan “cash is king” may not be the best phrase to live by. Not only can it be difficult to live in a world without credit, but it can also be problematic to not maintain any credit. The concept of sustaining and using credit wisely is the best option. The “credit conversation” is important to everyone. Most likely as a reader of this blog you will fit into one of three categories. A . You have credit, and use it wisely. B . You have credit, and are in over your head in debt. C . You don’t have any credit, or very little, but realize that you will need to use credit and build your credit. There are of course gray areas in each category but for the sake of this blog, we will assume you fit into one of these categories.

Have you gotten an email with the subject line “Pending consumer complaint” that looks like it came from the FTC? The email warns that a complaint against you has been filed with the FTC. It asks you to click on a link or attachment for more information or to contact the FTC.

Do people think you’re a jerk? What if a search of your name turned up a site that seemingly answered that question for anyone to see? Meet Jerk.com. Today the FTC charged Jerk — a supposed social networking site and reputation service — with allegedly tricking people into paying for site memberships to dispute profiles.

If you’re a college student seeking financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you can. Yes, I know, the deadline for submitting the FAFSA is June 30th, but many states and schools allocate funds on a first-come, first-served basis. What’s more, some states have deadlines for filing the FAFSA to be eligible for certain kinds of aid.

When disaster strikes, you can be sure that scam artists will be close behind. The latest example is the massive mudslide in Oso, Washington. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, and Bob Ferguson, Washington State Attorney General , urge consumers to be on guard against scam artists who try to take advantage of the tragic situation.