Archives for August, 2017

Hurricane Harvey scams: Callers lie about flood insurance

One thing we’ve learned at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is that scams often follow the news – especially when there’s a natural disaster, like Hurricane Harvey, in the headlines. Case in point: Colleagues at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tell us homeowners and renters are getting robocalls telling them their flood premiums are […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Rental cars: Life in the toll lane

If you’re planning a business trip or vacation, you may have to make a decision about how to pay tolls when you rent a car. Most rental car companies offer ways to pay tolls automatically, but that convenience comes at a cost. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Rental cars: Life in the toll lane

By FTC | Scam Alert
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TaxSlayer: File this one under authentication

Have you ever filed your taxes using an online tax prep account? If so, you’ll want to know about the FTC’s recent settlement with TaxSlayer, LLC. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed TaxSlayer: File this one under authentication

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Phantom debt collectors impersonate law firms

Getting a call from a debt collector can be stressful. But it can be downright frightening when the caller uses lies, profanity and threats to try to get you to pay. In a case announced today, the FTC says a debt collection operation in Charlotte, NC pretended to be lawyers. Really, they were not lawyers […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Wise giving in the wake of Hurricane Harvey

It’s heartbreaking to see people lose their lives, homes, and businesses to the ongoing flooding in Texas. But it’s despicable when scammers exploit such tragedies to appeal to your sense of generosity. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Wise giving in the wake of Hurricane Harvey

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Hurricane Harvey: Picking up the pieces

Hurricane Harvey has devastated much of Southeastern Texas. Once the rain and floodwaters recede, it’ll be time to take stock and develop a recovery plan. The process may seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips and links to resources to help make the task less burdensome. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed Hurricane Harvey: Picking up […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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$10 million in refunds ‘in-bound’ to consumers

People who lost money to a telemarketing tech support scam will soon get an email with instructions to claim a partial refund. The refunds are the result of an FTC case against Advanced Tech Support, which also used the name Inbound Call Experts. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed million in refunds ‘in-bound’ to consumers

By FTC | Scam Alert
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Working together to protect Texas consumers

When it comes to meeting ambitious goals, even the Lone Ranger knows that working with partners is more productive than working alone. And that’s why civil, criminal and regulatory enforcement agencies from across the Lone Star State came together in Dallas this week to talk about how to better protect Texans and build better partnerships. […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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FTC/CDC Twitter Chat on good contact lens wear & care habits

To promote Contact Lens Health Week 2017, 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 Tuesday, August 22 at noon EST. Source: FTC Scam Alert Feed FTC/CDC Twitter Chat on good contact lens wear & care habits

By FTC | Scam Alert
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False promises from a work-at-home scam

It’s hard to pass up a job opportunity that promises a large income and the flexibility of working entirely from home. Especially when the opportunity appears at the top of your online search results and includes video testimonials of success stories, making it seem legitimate. The problem is, most of these job opportunities are scams […]

By FTC | Scam Alert
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