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Scammers impersonate all kinds of organizations, including reputable charities. And these impersonators sometimes make you believe that you won a charity-sponsored sweepstakes because you’ve donated to that charity. So, if you get a call about a sweepstakes contest you’ve supposedly won from someone who says they’re with a charity you support, how can you tell if the prize is real or a scam?

Here’s the latest twist on FTC impersonators: someone claiming to be an FTC official (who’s really a scammer) calls to say a phone was registered under your name and number and is being used to commit scams in another country. The “FTC official” even reads off their badge ID (it’s a fake badge). If you don’t cooperate, they threaten to deactivate your phone number. Sounds scary? That’s (unfortunately) the point. To keep making the story sound...

Kids face a lot of challenges online: from cyberbullying and scams to digitally altered deepfakes, like nudify apps that create fake nude photos and videos of real people. Even if you’ve had conversations with your child about online safety and sensitive topics like deepfakes, you probably know parents who are concerned about these topics, too. If so, consider using the FTC resources below to help you learn more and share with fellow parents...

Health insurance scams happen year-round, but they pick up during Open Enrollment for Medicare and the Marketplace. If you’re looking to find a new plan, you might search online. But before you click on a search result, remember: scammers and dishonest businesses sometimes pay to appear at the top. Bad actors often use web addresses that look similar to government website addresses. They also use keywords and official-looking logos to make you...

You reported an intimate photo or video shared without your consent. But 48 hours later, the platform hasn’t taken it down or responded to your request. Now what?

If someone shares an intimate photo or video of you online without your permission, it can be stressful and upsetting. That’s why the law requires platforms to give you an easy way to submit a takedown request — and to take it down within 48 hours. But what if the platform doesn’t take it down? Report them to the FTC at TakeItDown.ftc.gov.

Did someone violate your trust and privacy by sharing your intimate images online without your consent? Or did they digitally alter or create an intimate image of you? You have rights — and online platforms have obligations to help.

Recent violent storms, tornadoes, wildfires, heat waves, and extreme flooding are a reminder that severe weather and natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and with little warning. September is National Preparedness Month and it’s a great time to plan for whatever may come your way.

Ever tried to pay for parking and discovered you need to scan a QR code to pay? It seems like a convenient way to pay, but it turns out scammers like using QR codes, too. People have reported scammers covering up legit QR codes on parking meters with a QR code of their own. If you scan that scammy QR code, it could take you to a fake site designed to steal your money, your personal information, or both. So, how can you protect yourself from these scams?

Many people experience fraud but never report it, and scammers count on you staying silent. Your story — especially when you share it with friends, family, and the FTC — is a powerful tool in the fight against fraud. Here’s why your report matters.