Archives for December, 2010

Scammers work the phones, and so do scam-fighters. The FTC just heard from our friends in the Office of Refugee Resettlement about a new scam targeting refugees from Bhutan. We want to shine some light on this – and ask you to share this with anyone who might get a call like this. Continue reading →

The FBI identified a new phishing scam online that targets your bank accounts. The scam is called “Gameover.” Once the virus is on your computer, it can steal all of your user names and passwords before you realize what has happened. Continue reading →

Getting a traffic ticket isn’t anyone’s favorite thing. Even worse? A fake ticket – a spam email that tricks you into downloading spyware onto your computer. Continue reading →

In most states, having time-barred debt doesn’t mean that your debt has been forgiven, that you don’t owe it, or that a debt collector can’t try to get you to pay. It simply means that you can’t be sued to collect on the debt. (That doesn’t mean that all debt collectors play by the rules, but I’ll get to that later.) Continue reading →

Scammers are constantly experimenting with new ways to get consumers’ hard-earned money. The stories vary, but two things remain consistent: 1) You’re asked to send money or provide your bank account information and 2) Rather than giving you money these crooks set their sights on stealing it from you. Continue reading →

Just today, the FTC announced a settlement in (The Immigration Center) case. According to the FTC, this company tricked people into paying fees for government forms, which are free, or “services” provided by unqualified employees. Continue reading →

Greetings from the National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2012 website, with a new look that’s (literally) out of this world! NCPW.gov is a one-stop destination for consumers and consumer advocates looking for tips to help weather tough economic times.
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In light of Zappos’ recent announcement that its database was hacked, OnGuardOnline.gov offers the following tips to help you reduce your risk of identity theft: Continue reading →

Paying for medications can be a struggle. So for some seniors and people with disabilities, the prospect of money back in their pockets might be welcome news. Continue reading →

Taking a dietary supplement — including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and probiotics — might seem like an easy way to do something healthy. But, before you grab just any supplement off the shelf, it’s important to know a few things: Continue reading →

As you jot down your list of resolutions for 2012, why not consider a few to help you become more empowered in the marketplace? Continue reading →

Did you get a new computer for the holidays? Wondering what to do with your old one? OnGuard Online.gov has tips to keep your personal information safe when discarding your old computer. Continue reading →

With the holiday season in full swing, the Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign reminds travelers to be vigilant with their electronic devices. Continue reading →

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants consumers to consider the costly consequences payday loans create — and to think about these alternatives to these loans Continue reading →

It’s some pitch — lose lots of weight quickly with products you can try for free. Even better — the products seem to be endorsed by trusted news sites, and satisfied “reporters” attest to all the unwanted pounds they’ve dropped. … Continue reading →

Kids have busy lives. To keep up, they may begin spending time online: creating profiles, sharing photos, chatting with friends. The freedom to socialize on the go is great, but there are some risks, too. It can be easy for … Continue reading →

Businesses that sell cosmetic lenses without getting your contact lens prescription or verifying it with your eye care provider are breaking the law. In fact, the FTC recently settled with three internet marketers that allegedly sold “circle” contact lenses without prescriptions. Continue reading →

If you’re thinking about doing business with a debt relief company but they’ve insisted on cash upfront and haven’t given the required disclosures, this could be the sign of a scam. Take time to investigate before committing yourself financially. Continue reading →

When it comes to privacy promises, what businesses say about the personal information they collect from you has to line up with their day-to-day procedures. That’s the message of the FTC’s proposed settlement announced today with Facebook. Continue reading →

We all know to wear loose pants to a holiday dinner, to avoid sitting next to that nosy aunt, and to make time for a nap after scarfing down that enormous meal. Here are some other helpful tips to keep in mind while visiting with your family during the holidays. Continue reading →