Consumer Protection Unit News & Announcements

If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is to good to be true

Recently, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit took a call from a consumer who reported losing money to... more ››

Federal Trade Commission offers advice on discerning real help opportunities from scams when natural disaster strikes

FTC advice: Avoid scams in the aftermath of Merbok, Fiona and Ian

By Gema de las HerasConsumer Education Specialist

NWDA warns of scams asking people to purchase gift cards

Be alert to gift card scams

If someone is on the phone asking you to send them a gift card for any reason, it may be a scam. Beware and be careful.

AG's office urges consumers to seek help with fuel payments

Expanded fuel assistance available

With the  pandemic and high natural gas prices worldwide driving electricity and gas supply prices up, new and expanded assistance programs... more ››

Pause on federal student loan payments extended

Pause on student loan payments extended through May, 2022

As you may have heard, the U.S. Department of Education announced another extension of the flexibilities offered to federal student loan... more ››

Beware flood-damaged cars

  For more information click on this link: 

FTC: Companies Settle Charges They Deceptively Marketed Fish Oil Supplements

 Two companies, BASF SE and DIEM Labs, will pay a total of more than $416,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they... more ››

Don't let job scams block your path forward

After more than a year of pandemic-related devastating losses — including job losses – you may be one of millions looking to get back on... more ››

FTC: Spotting scammy emails

Let’s say you get an email about a charge to your credit card for something you aren’t expecting or don’t want. Your first instinct may be... more ››

The government won’t call, text, or email you to say that you owe money.

Lots of people are having trouble sleeping, thanks to the pandemic and all the parts of our lives it’s affecting. And it doesn’t help when... more ››

FTC: Beware of online romance scams

Beware of online dating scams

New FTC Data Show Massive Increase in Romance Scams, $304M in Losse

Beware of scammers as special enrollment period opens up for Affordable Care Act coverage

The Coronavirus pandemic has not only had a dramatic health impact, but also an economic blow as many Americans are now unemployed — and... more ››

FTC: Don't fall for government payment scams

Congress has just passed another bill to help the people whose finances are taking a beating from the pandemic. Once again, some of us will... more ››

FTC: Tips to prevent packages from being stolen from your doorstep

You’ve finished your online shopping, your gifts have shipped and you’re waiting for them to arrive – but some Grinch decides to ruin your... more ››

FTC: Frosty the conman (imposter scams)

“Hello? It’s me — Frosty. Look it’s a long story but without my top hat, I’m melting. Please, I need your help — send money now or I’ll be... more ››

FTC: Beware of COVID-19 vaccine-related scams

Reports about the release of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the year are promising, but plans for distribution are still being worked out.

FTC: Find COVID-19 scam information in many languages

Searching for in-language information on how to avoid COVID-19 scams and other types of fraud?

FTC: Debt collectors are REQUIRED to contact you before posting debts to your credit report

There’s a virtual “NO PARKING” sign planted smack in the middle of your credit report. It means that debt collectors can’t report your debt... more ››

FTC: Twelve Days of Consumer ProtectionTips

Welcome to the FTC’s 12 Days of Consumer Protection, a holiday series to help you save money and avoid scams.

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