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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. Kids and teens don’t always recognize the risks of sharing explicit images or deepfakes, even as a joke. But fake explicit images of children posted...

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 think you’re at the real Healthcare.gov or Medicare.gov when you’re not. If you use the link or phone number in the ad, you might end up paying for a...

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?

While the car-buying process can be stressful, whether you’re shopping online or in person, the thought of driving off the dealer’s lot with that sweet ride you’ve had your eyes on can be exhilarating. But imagine showing up at the dealership and finding out the dealer has no record of your order or your payment. And that there’s no shiny car waiting for you! That’s what’s happening to unwitting car buyers who’ve been duped by scammers impersonating a car dealership.

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.

It seems like every day, a major weather emergency or natural disaster happens somewhere in the world. To help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, recent flooding in Nepal and Tibet, or recent earthquakes in Venezuela, Japan, and Colombia, you might want to donate money to help. Scammers know that and hope to steal money intended for disaster relief. Here’s what to know.