Archives for October, 2016

FTC sues phone scammers who promised free money

The FTC says that Phoenix-based telemarketers bilked consumers out of millions with fake promises of free grant money and internet business opportunities. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed FTC sues phone scammers who promised free money

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Oct
27

The FTC fights international scams

If you have a phone, you’ve probably heard from an IRS imposter — someone claiming you owe thousands of dollars and better pay up immediately, or else terrible things will happen. In the last nine months, more than 111,000 of you reported calls like that to the FTC, and dozens wrote blog comments about callers […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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FTC examines crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the use of online platforms to fund a project or cause by raising money from a large number of people. As part of its FinTech series, the FTC will take a closer look at crowdfunding during a half-day forum on October 26. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed FTC examines crowdfunding

By FTC | Scam Alert
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VW buybacks and lease terminations to begin

Earlier this year, the FTC sued Volkswagen for falsely claiming that its diesel cars had low levels of harmful emissions. A federal judge has approved the FTC order that requires Volkswagen to provide up to $10 billion to owners and lessees of VW and Audi 2.0 liter diesel cars. The FTC has pointers for people […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Kids turning 16? Check their credit report.

Any parent or guardian of a child knows the milestones that come with turning 16 – learning to drive, maybe dating, or thinking about college. But now, there’s one more: checking their credit report. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Kids turning 16? Check their credit report.

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Alert for Spanish-speaking victims of a mortgage relief scam

Over the summer, we told you about a mortgage relief scam that defrauded homeowners in financial distress. The case especially affected Spanish-speaking homeowners in Southern California. According to the FTC, Brookstone Law and Advantis Law firms convinced homeowners to make an upfront payment to join a mortgage lawsuit against banks and lenders, supposedly to help […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Buying cosmetic contact lenses without a prescription is scary

Halloween is right around the corner. And if you’re looking to top off your costume by wearing cosmetic contact lenses, read on. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Buying cosmetic contact lenses without a prescription is scary

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Government imposters target commercial truck owners

What’s one kind of scam targeting you and everyone you know? Imposter scams. They happen when scammers pretend to be a person, business, or government agency you trust, then try to convince you to send money. One of their latest targets: people who own tractor-trailer trucks and other commercial vehicles. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Money-making scheme targets older people and veterans

If you’re just getting by, and someone offers you the chance to earn more money through a business opportunity, you might be willing to listen, right? Unfortunately, those offers often turn out to be just another scam. Today the FTC announced charges against three people and multiple companies behind a telemarketing scheme that targeted older […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Oct
13

Buying a Used Car

Whether you’re 16 or 60, buying a used car can be an exciting experience. But it can also be a big financial commitment, with some industry reports estimating that the average price of a used car is close to $20,000. A new consumer.gov article gives you tips for buying a used car, written in a […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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