Learn more about the latest consumer advice and scams — and what you can do to protect yourself.
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Consumer Alert
For many, December means spending lots of money on presents, food, travel, and other things to get you through the end of the year. And after we stretch our wallets, January’s often for taking stock
Consumer Alert
Check out gift cards before you buy them
Doing some holiday shopping? Here’s a type of gift card scam to look out for: scammers can get the gift card number and PIN before you buy the card. So if gift cards are on your holiday shopping list
Consumer Alert
Getting a pet? Avoid scams
During the holidays, adding a dog, cat, or other adorable animal to the family is top of mind for many, and scammers know it. While there are lots of fur babies waiting for their forever home
Consumer Alert
You heard that correctly: Scammers are committing hospice fraud
Did someone reach out and offer free, in-home perks like cooking and cleaning in exchange for your Medicare number? Don’t give it. That could be a scammer trying to commit hospice fraud.
Consumer Alert
Task scams create the illusion of making money
Have you been getting unexpected messages about online work? The FTC’s new Data Spotlight highlights a big increase in the number of people reporting gamified job scams, or “task scams.” Read on to
Consumer Alert
Phishing scams can be hard to spot
Scammers love a good disguise. One day they show up texting you about a delivery you missed, the next they say you need to sort an issue with your Netflix account. Here’s how to avoid these phishing
Consumer Alert
The low-down on health insurance ads during open season
During open season for the Health Insurance Marketplace, you might have seen an increase — maybe a flood — of ads for health plans. The ads might promise comprehensive health insurance…but the plan
Consumer Alert
Refunds on the way for Fortnite gamers charged for unwanted items
The FTC is sending out over 600,000 payments worth $72 million to Fortnite gamers charged for unwanted items.
Consumer Alert
Looking for an American flag that’s Made in the USA? Here’s what to know
When it comes to buying an American flag, there are lots to choose from. Not all are Made in the USA. If you’re searching for one that is, here’s what to look out for.
Consumer Alert
That random text offering you a job? It’s probably a scam
If you need a job, that text messaging offering a full- or part-time position you didn’t apply for might seem great. You might be thinking, why not check it out? Unfortunately, it’s likely a job scam.
Consumer Alert
Scammers are delivering phishing messages this holiday season
During the holiday season, you might expect to get more deliveries. Some might even be surprise gifts. Scammers are counting on that when they send fake delivery notifications to you by email and text
Consumer Alert
How long will your smart device get software updates? It’s hard to know
Smart devices are everywhere. Devices track our health and fitness, control our lights and thermostats, and keep an eye on our homes and pets. We pay a premium for the smart features and functionality
Consumer Alert
Give to a charity, not a scam
There’s no shortage of good causes to donate to this holiday season. But before you give somewhere new, make sure you’re not donating to a scam.
Consumer Alert
Don’t let scammers get in the way of your holiday shopping
As the holiday season approaches, it seems like there are more and more fake shopping sites. The ads on social media show expensive products like electric scooters, designer bags, and other popular
Consumer Alert
Calling a funeral home about prices and services
Maybe you're pre-planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one and decide to get some pricing information by calling a few funeral providers. Or you need to make urgent arrangements for a loved one
Consumer Alert
Did you finance a purchase from Harris Jewelry? Act now, before it’s too late to claim your refund
If you’re a servicemember who signed up for an in-store financing plan through Harris Jewelry and paid for an add-on protection plan, listen up. The court reopened the Harris claims process. If you
Consumer Alert
Avoid scams during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
Looking to make changes to your Medicare coverage? Now’s the time: Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period started October 15 and goes until December 7. But as you compare your coverage options, keep an eye
Consumer Alert
Helping kids navigate the online world: welcome to Youville
If the young people in your life spend lots of time online — watching videos, playing games and texting friends — do they have the skills to question and evaluate what they find there? The FTC’s new
Consumer Alert
Helping veterans and military families battle financial fatigue
Despite the best of intentions and careful planning, you may find yourself facing a financial challenge when you least expect it. A furlough, layoff, illness, or emergency can crop up suddenly. Life
Consumer Alert
For Veterans Day, share how you spot and avoid scams
Every November, people put out social media posts to honor family and friends who’ve served in the military. But did you know that servicemembers and veterans reported losing more than $350 million to