Consumer Protection Unit News & Announcements

FTC: Avoid cryptocurrency scams

Some high-profile people have had their Twitter accounts hacked by scammers who sent out fake tweets asking followers to send money using... more ››

FTC: Keep calm and avoid coronavirus scams

One thing we know about scammers is that they follow the headlines. So it’s not surprising that we’ve seen so many Coronavirus-related... more ››

FTC: Utility company calling? Don't fall for it!

Every day, millions of people who have lost their jobs are making difficult choices about how to pay their bills. As the Coronavirus... more ››

FTC: Scammers impersonate the FTC too

Scammers never seem to run out of new ways to try to take your money or steal your identity, especially in times of crisis like the one we’... more ››

FTC: Scams in online sales; when orders don't arrive

When local stores ran out of the supplies we needed to manage  COVID-19, many of us turned to online sources. According to a new Data... more ››

FTC: Fake emails about fake money from a fake COVID-19 fund

Because of COVID-19, unemployment rates are high and many people’s cash flows are low. Scammers view these as ripe conditions to strike.... more ››

FTC: Cryptocurrency blackmail scam

The email suddenly appears in your inbox. Someone is writing to say that they have access to your cell phone or your computer. And they’re... more ››

FTC: Help COVD-19 contact tracers -- NOT scammers

After nearly three months of stay-at-home orders, America is starting to open up again. Contact tracers, the folks who work for state... more ››

FTC: The IRS won't call you about your stimulus money

Most people have already gotten their economic stimulus payments, but the Internal Revenue Service is still sending them out. If you haven’... more ››

FTC: “Economic Automotive Stimulus Relief Program” is NOT government-affiliated or approved

During these difficult economic times, scammers will do almost anything to try to get your money. Including, it turns out, making bogus... more ››

From the FTC: How to transfer money from your Economic Impact Payment debit card to your bank account

Recently, the FTC wrote about the Economic Impact Payment debit cards some of you are getting. But some people have had trouble getting... more ››

From the FTC: Donating in difficult times

These days, there are just so many reasons why people want to do to something to help, to make a difference, to take action. In addition to... more ››

From the FTC: Is a scammer getting unemployment benefits in your name?

In a large-scale scam erupting in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, imposters are filing claims for unemployment benefits, using the... more ››

From the FTC: COVID-19 scams are targeting college students

Hey college students: even though you’re likely far from campus, scammers are still trying to find you.

From the FTC: Be Wary of Payday Loans

If you don’t have the cash or credit to cover a financial emergency, you might be thinking about getting a payday loan. But some payday... more ››

From the FTC: Beware of COVID-19 contact tracing text message scams

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about contact tracing. It’s the process of identifying people who have come in contact with someone who... more ››

From the FTC: Credit Reports Are Now Free Every Week

If you’re feeling anxious about your financial health during these uncertain times, you’re not alone. That’s why the three national credit... more ››

From the FTC: Make your Coronavirus donations count

The Coronavirus crisis has brought out the best and worst of human nature. The best: charities across the country are stepping up and many... more ››

From the FTC: Coronavirus and Your Student Loan Debt

If you have student loan debt, you’ve probably heard that the new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act gives some... more ››

From the FTC: COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what?

If COVID-19 canceled your travel plans, you are likely disappointed and wondering about refunds, credits, or vouchers for plane tickets,... more ››

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