Recognize an FTC Impersonator

The FTC will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to “protect it,” or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. That’s a scam.

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The Latest in Consumer Advice

Articles

Shopping and Donating

Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights

June 3, 2024

Taking care of your eye health and monitoring your vision is important. Any time your prescriber measures your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses (an exam that is called a refraction), they must give you a copy of your prescription — whether you ask for it or not — at no extra charge. Wherever you choose to buy your glasses or contact lenses, your prescription lets you shop around for the best deal. The FTC enforces the Eyeglass Rule and Contact Lens Rule.

How To Prepare for a Weather Emergency While Avoiding Scams

May 24, 2024

Scammers follow weather reports just like everyone else — and when disaster strikes, they’ll strike, too. If you know what scams look like after a weather emergency, it’ll be easier to make plans to avoid them. Here are ways those scams play out, and how you can be prepared.

Shopping and Donating

Disputing Errors on Your Tenant Background Check Report

March 20, 2024

Your tenant background check report can affect whether you get rental housing, the terms of your lease, and how much you pay for rent or a security deposit.

Consumer Alerts

Consumer Alert

Is that gift card helping your congregation or paying a scammer?

Terri Miller September 17, 2024

You get an email from someone in your place of worship asking you to buy gift cards for a worthy cause. It might look legit, but hold on. Some scammers pretend to be pastors, rabbis, imams, or bishops to steal worshippers’ money. Learn to spot gift card scams — or your money might end up in a scammer’s collection plate.

Consumer Alert

Did you get a call or email saying you missed jury duty and need to pay? It’s a scam

September 13, 2024

Missing jury duty can come with real consequences. You could face a fine, go to court, or even get arrested. Scammers take advantage of that to get your money or sensitive information. But their story is a lie.

Identity Theft and Online Security Consumer Alert

Three ways to protect the personal info on your phone

Alvaro Puig September 11, 2024

Imagine carrying a written copy of all your conversations with you everywhere you went. Or copies of your account numbers, usernames, and passwords. Or all the photos and videos you’ve ever taken. I bet you’d do just about everything in your power to protect all that valuable information. Well, your mobile phone holds all that stuff — and maybe more. Are you doing everything in your power to keep it from ending up in the wrong hands? Here are three things you can do today to protect the personal information on your phone.