Cristina Miranda, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That’s a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back.
Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
If you made payments to Ameritech for what you thought was your student loan, you may be getting a refund soon. Today, the FTC and DOJ are sending more than $9 million in refunds to people who lost money to this scheme. Think you might be eligible? Read on for information on what to do. Ameritech employees tricked people into thinking they qualified for federal student loan and forgiveness programs. In reality, the illegal up-front fees (up to...
Colleen Tressler, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC
Wind-driven wildfires are causing devastation to the Hawaiian island of Maui. Nobody knows how long it will take to recover from the destruction, but we do know it won’t be long before scammers start trying to cash in. As the smoke begins to clear, here’s some advice to help you spot, avoid, and report disaster-related scams.
Royal Rose, Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC
You’ve found it: A listing for the perfect off-campus apartment. The rental agent told you to send a security deposit by wiring money. Sound fishy? That’s because it is. But can you spot other rental listing scams — before you pay?
Terri Miller, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
If someone asked you to mail them $200 in cash, would you do it? Probably not. Wiring money is just like sending cash in the mail. Once it’s gone, you probably won’t get it back — which explains why scammers tell you to pay that way. You’d think twice before mailing your hard-earned money — do the same thing before you wire money. Here’s what to know.
Terri Miller, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
You may have heard of the PACT Act, which expands VA benefits and health care for veterans and servicemembers exposed to toxic substances while serving. And while there’s no deadline to apply for these benefits, veterans and their families will get the most out of those benefits if they file a PACT Act claim by August 9. Here’s what to know.
Larissa Bungo, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC
You may have heard about food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats: you order through a restaurant’s website or a delivery service’s mobile app and drivers deliver your food. We’re hearing about a new scam targeting food delivery drivers and restaurants.
Terri Miller, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Military spouses don’t always have the luxury of staying in the same job for years. Explaining gaps in your employment history and frequent relocation is hard enough — and scammers only make it worse. Spot job scams before you apply. Read on to learn how.
Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
When you hear about a can’t-miss investment opportunity your first reaction might be to jump right in. Don’t. But how do you tell the difference between a legitimate investment — and a scam?