Archives for August, 2016

Stranger than family

Have you ever gotten a phone call from someone pretending to be a family member? They might say it is an emergency – maybe somebody is in jail, in the hospital, or being held hostage. What’s common to all of these calls is that they end with the caller asking you to send money. These […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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FTC and CDC Twitter Chat for Contact Lens Health Week

To promote Contact Lens Health Week, the FTC will be a guest on a live Twitter chat hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The chat is scheduled for Monday, August 22 at Noon Eastern. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed FTC and CDC Twitter Chat for Contact Lens Health Week

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Aug
12

You want online security tips? We’ve got ‘em.

Ever wonder if you’re taking the right steps to keep your devices and information secure? Perhaps you’re a parent or educator looking for tips to help protect kids online. Or maybe you’re looking for useful videos to watch — or to share with colleagues or friends.  We’ve got free online security tips — videos, games, […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Need a locksmith?

If you’re locked out of your home or car, you may need to find a locksmith. As you search online, you’ll probably see multiple ads that appear to be for local businesses. In reality, some will actually connect you to call centers in another city. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Need a locksmith?

By FTC | Scam Alert
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VW owners, get the facts!

You may have heard that Volkswagen has agreed to a settlement with the FTC that will provide up to $10 billion to owners and lessees of VW and Audi 2.0 liter diesel cars. VW claimed 500,000 cars had low levels of harmful emissions, but they were actually much higher. Did you know that VW will […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Aug
05

Will those insect repellents protect you from Zika?

Mosquitoes are in the news — and in popular vacation spots. If you’re worried about the Zika virus or other mosquito-borne diseases, you’ll find all sorts of products — including wristbands, stickers, and patches — that say they’ll repel mosquitos that carry Zika. But do they really work? Are you and your family as protected […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Pet food that makes your dog live longer?

Dogs are more than pets — they’re furry family members. If you thought you could help your dog live 30% longer just by choosing different dog food, would you pass up the chance? That’s exactly what ads for Eukanuba dog food claimed it could do. But according to an FTC settlement with Mars Petcare US […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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How to spot a car wrap scam

Have you seen ads promising easy money if you shrink-wrap your car — with ads for brands like Monster Energy, Red Bull, or Pepsi? The “company” behind the ads says all you have to do is deposit a check, use part of it to pay a specified shrink-wrap vendor, and drive around like you normally […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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SEC imposters – don’t be twice fooled

“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” is an old adage. While there’s no shame in being the victim of a scam, nobody wants to be a victim twice. That’s why the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning consumers about a government imposter scam that targets people who’ve already […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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