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COMMENT POLICY:
We welcome your comments and thoughts about the information on this page. If you do have something to say, please be courteous and respectful to others. We won’t review or edit any comments before they are posted, but we will delete any comments that:
• contain spam or are off-topic;
• use vulgar language or offensive terms that target specific groups or contain personal attacks;
It’s official: Get free #COVID test kits at COVIDtests.gov: https://bit.ly/3qH0XAM #COVID19
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
As part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to protect you from shady sellers during the pandemic, the agency sent cease and desist demands to 25 companies that claimed their products can prevent or treat COVID-19. Treatments peddled by these companies include the use of vitamin C infusions, Ivermectin, peptide therapies, herbal remedies, teas, juices, filtered water, nasal irrigation, and seaweed extract. But there is no proof, as required by law, that any of these products can prevent or treat COVID-19 or the Delta or Omicron variants. The companies identified today used social media to promote their unproven products. More:
As part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to protect you from shady sellers during the pandemic, the agency sent cease and desist demands to 25 companies that claimed their products can prevent or treat COVID-19.
The Federal Trade Commission is returning more than $10 million to consumers who were charged undisclosed fees by online lender LendingClub Corporation. The FTC is distributing refunds directly to more than 15,000 LendingClub customers and encouraging additional LendingClub customers to apply for refunds.
The FTC sued LendingClub in April 2018, charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were not and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization. More:
The Federal Trade Commission is returning more than $10 million to consumers who were charged undisclosed fees by online lender LendingClub Corporation.
If you’ve been looking for a #COVID19 test, you probably know that they are in short supply. Unfortunately, scammers love to “help” with shortages. They’ve created fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits, and they’re still at it with fake COVID-19 testing sites. Don't assume every #COVID test is legit. More:
If you’ve been looking for a COVID-19 test, you probably know that they are in short supply.
Has someone misused your personal information to claim unemployment insurance benefits? Here is what you can do: https://identitytheft.gov/#/unemploymentinsurance
Has someone misused your personal information to claim unemployment insurance benefits? Here is what you can do: https://identitytheft.gov/#/unemploymentinsurance
As you may have heard, the U.S. Department of Education announced another extension of the flexibilities offered to federal student loan borrowers. Understanding these options can help you make more informed decisions about paying your bills and prioritizing your debts. The benefits have been extended through May 1, 2022. Remember: You don’t need to hire a company to help you get this student loan payment relief. The program is already in place and there’s nothing you need to do to enroll. Anyone who tells you they can help you sign up for this program for a fee is a scammer. More: https://bit.ly/3r89f3Q
As you may have heard, the U.
🆕 #ScamAlert: There's a new spin on scammers asking people to pay with #cryptocurrency. It involves an impersonator, a QR code & a trip to a store (directed by a scammer on the phone) to send your 💰 to them through a cryptocurrency ATM. Learn more: https://bit.ly/334hohG
There's a new spin on scammers asking people to pay with cryptocurrency.
Scammers try to trick people into clicking on links that will download viruses, #spyware, and other unwanted software — often by bundling it with free downloads. Here are ways to avoid #malware: https://bit.ly/3FekVqP https://youtu.be/XU8PHihT_P4
Malware is short for "malicious software." It includes viruses and spyware that get installed on your computer or mobile device without your consent. These ...
Gift cards are for gifts. Only a scammer will ask you to pay or donate to #charity using gift cards. Learn how to avoid donating to a charity at https://bit.ly/3G6iAzx #donations #giftcard
Gift cards are for gifts. Only a scammer will ask you to pay or donate to #charity using gift cards. Learn how to avoid donating to a charity at https://bit.ly/3G6iAzx #donations #giftcard
How to avoid buying fake COVID tests online: https://bit.ly/3qP7rww #COVID19 #COVIDtests
The news is filled with images of long lines at in-person COVID testing sites and reports of limited supplies of at-home test kits.
Merchant Cash Advance providers banned from industry, ordered to redress small businesses January 5, 2022. Settlement order permanently bans defendants from merchant cash advance and debt collection: https://bit.ly/3G20QFf
Two of the defendants behind an alleged small business financing scheme, RAM Capital Funding, LLC and its owner Tzvi Reich, will be permanently banned from the merchant cash advance and debt collection industries, and required to pay $675,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they used...
FTC issues biennial report to Congress on the National Do Not Call Registry. In FY 2021, the FTC received more than five million complaints and 2.8 million new numbers were added to the DNC Registry: https://bit.ly/3mYctWl #DoNotCall
The Federal Trade Commission issued its biennial report to Congress on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits are popping up online as opportunistic scammers take advantage of the spike in demand. How to avoid buying fake COVID tests online:
The news is filled with images of long lines at in-person COVID testing sites and reports of limited supplies of at-home test kits.
Help fight fraud and other consumer problems in Black communities. Tell the FTC your story at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. More: https://bit.ly/31nYTnu
A recent FTC staff report shows what we’ve known for some time — that different communities report to the FTC about different concerns.
Don’t buy fake #COVID19 vaccine cards or negative test results. Here’s why: https://bit.ly/3FSGyy3
More and more places are requiring proof that you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine or have recently tested negative before giving you access.
As 2021 winds down, lots of us are making resolutions for a fresh start in the #NewYear — maybe to exercise regularly, get our finances in order, or spend more time with friends. Be sure to add "Keep personal info safe in the New Year" to your list. More:
As 2021 winds down, lots of us are making resolutions for a fresh start in the New Year — maybe to exercise regularly, get our finances in order, or spend more time with friends.
There are so many charities and causes that need donations. Before you give, do some research to make sure you donation goes to the cause you want to help and not a scammer. More: https://bit.ly/3sLQm9c #charity #donations
There are so many charities and causes that need donations. Before you give, do some research to make sure you donation goes to the cause you want to help and not a scammer. More: https://bit.ly/3sLQm9c #charity #donations
As 2021 winds down, lots of us are making resolutions for a fresh start in the New Year — maybe to exercise regularly, get our finances in order, or spend more time with friends. But your list isn’t complete until you add “update my security software” and “protect my personal information” to the mix. Scammers and hackers are always looking for new ways to steal your personal information online.
Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself and your information:
As 2021 winds down, lots of us are making resolutions for a fresh start in the New Year — maybe to exercise regularly, get our finances in order, or spend more time with friends.
Kwanzaa, which is based on traditional African harvest festivals, is celebrated every year from December 26 to January 1. The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja (unity) and the importance of finding ways to stay united and working together. Pulling together to protect loved ones — against scammers, for example — is especially important this time of year. Just as we may be — at last — traveling to spend time together, scammers are scheming to convince you there’s a family emergency. More: bit.ly/32hCLeV #ScamFreeHoliday #scams #ScamFree #ScamAlert
Kwanzaa, which is based on traditional African harvest festivals, is celebrated every year from December 26 to January 1.
Last minute holiday shopping? 🎁
We're not judging but here's a tip: Try to pay by credit card 💳 when possible. You'll have more rights to dispute the charge if something goes wrong. The law says you can dispute the charges if you pay by credit card and are charged twice for the same item, or are billed for merchandise you never got, or already returned. In those situations, ask your credit card company to temporarily withhold payment while it investigates. More: ftc.gov/onlineshopping
Last minute holiday shopping? 🎁
We're not judging but here's a tip: Try to pay by credit card 💳 when possible. You'll have more rights to dispute the charge if something goes wrong. The law says you can dispute the charges if you pay by credit card and are charged twice for the same item, or are billed for merchandise you never got, or already returned. In those situations, ask your credit card company to temporarily withhold payment while it investigates. More: ftc.gov/onlineshopping
Gift cards are for gifts. Only a scammer will ask you to pay or donate to charity using gift cards. Learn how to avoid donating to a charity at www.ftc.gov/charity
Gift cards are for gifts. Only a scammer will ask you to pay or donate to charity using gift cards. Learn how to avoid donating to a charity at www.ftc.gov/charity
Got a call from a "family member" in trouble? Learn to spot family emergency scams, go to ftc.gov/imposter. More on the blog: https://bit.ly/32hCLeV #ScamFreeHoliday
Got a call from a "family member" in trouble? Learn to spot family emergency scams, go to ftc.gov/imposter. More on the blog: https://bit.ly/32hCLeV #ScamFreeHoliday
Social media has made it easier for charities to reach donors, but has also made it easier for scammers. Don’t assume that a request to donate on social is legit. Ask the person who posted it if they know who’s behind the solicitation. Get more advice at www.ftc.gov/charity
Social media has made it easier for charities to reach donors, but has also made it easier for scammers. Don’t assume that a request to donate on social is legit. Ask the person who posted it if they know who’s behind the solicitation. Get more advice at www.ftc.gov/charity
Looking for clean-up and debris removal after a disaster? Get more than one estimate for work and don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing. More: https://bit.ly/3m4gBUb #DisasterRecoveryTips
Looking for clean-up and debris removal after a disaster? Get more than one estimate for work and don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing. More: https://bit.ly/3m4gBUb #DisasterRecoveryTips
There are so many charities and causes that need donations. Before you give, do some research to make sure you donation goes to the cause you want to help and not a scammer. Get advice at www.ftc.gov/charity
There are so many charities and causes that need donations. Before you give, do some research to make sure you donation goes to the cause you want to help and not a scammer. Get advice at www.ftc.gov/charity
If you suddenly need to hire a lawyer, you might start searching online. When you do, you’re likely to see lawyers and law firms with fancy-looking seals and badges on their websites claiming they’re among the best in their field. Before you move forward, know that some of these seals or badges might be “vanity” or “ego” awards that lawyers can buy:
If you suddenly need to hire a lawyer, you might start searching online.
Looking for clean-up and repair help after a disaster?
✔ Ask for IDs, licenses and proof of insurance
✔ Make sure local contact info is listed on trucks
✔ Check with state/local consumer protection offices for complaints
More: https://bit.ly/3m4gBUb #DisasterRecoveryTips
Looking for clean-up and repair help after a disaster?
✔ Ask for IDs, licenses and proof of insurance
✔ Make sure local contact info is listed on trucks
✔ Check with state/local consumer protection offices for complaints
More: https://bit.ly/3m4gBUb #DisasterRecoveryTips
If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending. Repayments will begin again after January 31, 2022. Scammers know it, too, and are looking for ways to take advantage: they’re calling, texting, and e-mailing to try to use any confusion around restarting your student loan payments to steal your money and personal information. More: bit.ly/3E26Pbg
If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the devastating series of tornadoes that roared across Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri, coping with the aftermath is never easy. But when scammers target people just trying to recover, it can be even worse. Here are ways to help you and your neighbors avoid common post-disaster scam:
If you or someone you know has been affected by the devastating series of tornadoes that roared across Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri, coping with the aftermath is never easy.
Online shopping this Holiday season? Here are a few good practices to celebrate the Holidays without the #scams. Go to www.ftc.gov/onlineshopping for more. #ConsumerProtection
Online shopping this Holiday season? Here are a few good practices to celebrate the Holidays without the #scams. Go to www.ftc.gov/onlineshopping for more. #ConsumerProtection
Today, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan announced that an open meeting of the Commission will be held virtually on Thursday, December 16, 2021. The open meeting will begin at 1pm ET. More: https://go.usa.gov/xe7we #ConsumerProtection
Today, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M.
If you’re shopping for a used car and feel rushed to buy a car before you can fully check it out — stop! Some used cars may have flood damage. Read the consumer blog: https://go.usa.gov/xe7KW #Awareness #ConsumerProtection
Automakers are producing fewer new cars right now due to a computer chip shortage, and many people are looking at used cars instead.
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Multi-level markete cr AdvoCare International, L.P. and its former CEO agreed to pay $150 million and be banned from the multi-level marketing business to resolve FTC charges that the company operated an illegal pyramid scheme that deceived consumers into believing they could earn significant income as “distributors” of its health and wellness products. Two top promoters also settled charges that they promoted the illegal pyramid scheme and misled consumers about their income potential, agreeing to a MLM ban and a judgment of $4 million that will be suspended when they surrender substantial assets. Press release: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/multi-level-marketer-advocare-will-pay-150-million-settle-ftc
It’s Contact Lens Health Week - Learn how you can take care of your lenses & eyes at go.usa.gov/kkex. See info on @FTC’s #ContactLensRule at FTC.gov/Contacts #OnePairTakeCare
Contact Lens Health Week Tip: Don’t mix old solution with new solution! Find more tips at go.usa.gov/kkex & info on @FTC’s #ContactLensRule at FTC.gov/Contacts #OnePairTakeCare
Equifax Inc. has agreed to pay at least $575 million, and potentially up to $700 million, as part of a global settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and 50 U.S. states and territories, which alleged that the credit reporting company’s failure to take reasonable steps to secure its network led to a data breach in 2017 that affected approximately 147 million people. In its complaint, the FTC alleges that Equifax failed to secure the massive amount of personal information stored on its network, leading to a breach that exposed millions of names and dates of birth, Social Security numbers, physical addresses, and other personal information that could lead to identity theft and fraud. Settlement includes fund to help consumers recover from data breach. Learn more: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/07/equifax-pay-575-million-part-settlement-ftc-cfpb-states-related
Watch: The operators of this student loan debt relief scheme took millions of dollars from student loan borrowers by promising fast loan forgiveness in exchange for illegal upfront frees. Learn more about how to avoid these scams: ftc.gov/studentloans
The Federal Trade Commission will host PrivacyCon 2019 to examine the latest research and trends related to consumer privacy and data security.
The Federal Trade Commission is hosting PrivacyCon 2019 to examine the latest research and trends related to consumer privacy and data security. Currently discussing online tracking technology.
The Federal Trade Commission is hosting PrivacyCon 2019 to examine the latest research and trends related to consumer privacy and data security.
On June 25, 2019, the FTC announced a federal-state joint effort to crackdown on illegal robocalls at a press conference in Chicago. The announcement included 94 enforcement actions and stop to over a billion calls.
We're back on #FBLive with the last panel of the day: Consumer Confusion: What and From Whom Am I Buying? #Onlinetickets
Join us on #FBLive for the third panel of today's workshop: The Adequacy of Ticket Price and Fee Disclosures
welcome back to #FBLive for Panel 1-B: Other Consumer Protection Issues Around Ticket Availability
Are you an avid concert goer or sports enthusiast that goes to games? Join us on #FBLive for a workshop about online tickets. The workshop will explore consumer protection issues in the online ticket marketplace for events, such as concerts and sporting events. First panel: Bots and the BOTS Act
Are you a small business owner? We're back with the last panel of the workshop on small business financing: Consumer Protection Risks and the Path Ahead
National Historical Publications and Records
700 Pennsylvania Ave NWThe Public Defender Service for the District
633 Indiana Avenue, NWMission permanente du Canada auprès de l'OEA
501 Pennsylvania Avenue NWHistorical Society of the District of Columbi
E Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse, 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 4714Department of Entomology, NMNH, Smithsonian I
10th St NW at Constitution Ave NW
Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in the United St
2020 16TH ST NW
Administrative Conference of the United State
1120 20th St NW, Ste 706
Coast Guard CPOA Washington DC Chapter
2701 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
United States Federal Intelligence and Securi
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW
Embassy of Austria, Washington, D.C.
3524 International Ct NW
Department of the Navy Office of Small Busine
720 Kennon St SE
African American Music Association
4212 E Capitol St NE
Missão do Brasil junto à Organização dos Esta
2600 Virginia Ave NW, Ste 412