Federal Trade Commission

01/22/2021

A federal district court entered final orders against the three primary individual defendants—Andris Pukke, Peter Baker, and Luke Chadwick, and related corporations—in the Federal Trade Commission’s case involving the allegedly deceptive sale of real estate properties in Belize to U.S. consumers.

The orders announced today finalize a September 2020 memorandum opinion requiring Pukke and Baker jointly to pay $120.2 million to the Commission—representing the amount of money consumers lost through the Sanctuary Belize real estate development scheme—with Chadwick also jointly responsible for $91.9 million of that amount. The FTC plans to use the money collected to provide refunds to defrauded consumers. More: https://go.usa.gov/xAf6f

01/21/2021

President Joseph R. Biden designated Rebecca Kelly Slaughter as Acting Chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Slaughter has served as a Commissioner since May 2018. More: https://go.usa.gov/xAf9f

01/21/2021

The government won't ask you to pay to get your Economic Impact Payment. Anyone who does is a scammer. Learn more at http://ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams #stimuluschecks

01/20/2021

New health apps are popping up every day, promising to help you track your health conditions, count your calories, manage your medications, or predict your ovulation. Does your health app protect your sensitive info? More: https://go.usa.gov/xAwmb

01/19/2021

Why Report Fraud? | Federal Trade Commission

If you think you see a scam, talk with someone. Your story could help someone avoid that scam. Then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your story could help FTC stop the scammers: https://youtu.be/MUA0wtZVX8E

If you think you see a scam, talk with someone. Your story could help someone avoid that scam. Then report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://Repo...

01/15/2021

New COVID-19 relief scam impersonates FTC Chairman Joe Simons.
The FTC Chairman is not emailing you. The FTC is not involved in distributing coronavirus economic stimulus money in any way. Tips to avoid the scam and more: https://go.usa.gov/xAyed

01/13/2021

Flo is a health app that functions as an ovulation calendar, period tracker, and pregnancy guide. In a settlement announced today, the FTC said that the makers of the Flo app shared users’ personal health information with marketing and analytics companies like Facebook and Google — even though it had promised users to keep this sensitive information private. As part of the settlement, Flo Health, Inc. has agreed to get users’ consent before it can share their information in the future. The settlement also requires Flo to get an outside review of the honesty of its privacy promises. Does your health app protect your sensitive info? More: https://go.usa.gov/xAEHb

01/12/2021

If you have clients who operate assisted living facilities or nursing homes, read on. The second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) is in the works and the money is already being sent to people. But like last time, the payment is meant for the person, not the place where they live. More: https://go.usa.gov/xAPzs

01/11/2021

Report Gift Cards Used in a Scam | Federal Trade Commission

Gift cards are for gifts, NOT for payments. Anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer. Learn more about gift cards being used in scams at https://ftc.gov/giftcards https://youtu.be/HfHI6ToZff4

Gift cards are for gifts, NOT for payments. Anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer. Learn more about gift cards being used in scams at htt...

01/08/2021

Investment coaching scams are trending

"You’ll make a lot of money. I’m going to show you how to do it — and using my program, I guarantee you’ll be successful."

If you see that in an ad, there’s likely a scammer behind it.

Investment coaching scams are trending. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xAnDN

You’ll make a lot of money.

01/07/2021

More money from the government?

The government won’t ask you to pay anything up front to get stimulus money. Anyone who does is a scammer. More: https://go.usa.gov/xARD9

Congress has just passed another bill to help the people whose finances are taking a beating from the pandemic.

01/04/2021

Stimulus payments for people, not nursing homes

If you, or someone you care about, lives in an assisted living facility or nursing home, read on. Because the bill funding the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) has now been signed into law. The money — right now, $600 per person who qualifies — will be sent out over the next few weeks. And, like last time, the money is meant for the PERSON, not the place they might live. More: https://go.usa.gov/xAXcH

If you, or someone you care about, lives in an assisted living facility or nursing home, read on.

12/31/2020

Credit scores fall between 350-800. A higher score says you have "good" credit: businesses think you're less of a risk, so you're more likely to get credit or insurance, and pay less for it. Learn more about how your credit score is calculated: go.usa.gov/xGv98 #FTCcreditmatters

12/31/2020

A credit freeze is a free way to limit who can see your credit report. If you're concerned about someone using your credit without permission -- like an identity thief or a hacker after a data breach -- you might want to consider placing a freeze on your credit report. Learn more: go.usa.gov/xGv98
#FTCcreditmatters

12/29/2020

5 Ways to Help Protect Your Identity | Federal Trade Commission

5 easy ways to help protect your identity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp_8cvNm_vE #IDTheft #IdentityTheft

Routine steps we can all take to protect our personal information and reduce our risk of identity theft. Learn more about protecting your identity and recove...

12/29/2020

As we wrap up 2020, be wary of new car wrap/fake check scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/12/wrapping-2020-more-car-wrap-scams

12/29/2020

A credit freeze is a free way to limit who can see your credit report. If you're concerned about someone using your credit without permission -- like an identity thief or a hacker after a data breach -- you might want to consider placing a freeze on your credit report. Learn more: go.usa.gov/xGv98
#FTCcreditmatters

12/28/2020

Credit scores fall between 350-800. A higher score says you have "good" credit: businesses think you're less of a risk, so you're more likely to get credit or insurance, and pay less for it. Learn more about how your credit score is calculated: go.usa.gov/xGv98 #FTCcreditmatters

12/24/2020

Are mistakes on your credit report because of identity theft? If so, you can block them from appearing on your credit report. Learn what to do if you spot mistakes at go.usa.gov/xGv98. #FTCcreditmatters

12/23/2020

"You’ll make a lot of money. I’m going to show you how to do it — and using my program, I guarantee you’ll be successful."

If you see that in an ad, there’s likely a scammer behind it. Just last week, the FTC announced Operation Income Illusion, a nationwide effort to shut down income scams that used false promises like this to trick people into believing they would make a lot of money if they bought one of these programs. In each case, it turned out to be, well, an illusion. Investment coaching scams are trending. More: https://go.usa.gov/xAjEy

12/23/2020

If you're doing some last minute online shopping for the holidays, be sure to check out these online shopping tips: https://go.usa.gov/x7Hm2

12/23/2020

The three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) have to take steps to make sure the info they give in a credit check is accurate. It's the law. But remember to check your own credit report regularly to be sure the right info is there. Learn more: go.usa.gov/xGv98 #FTCcreditmatters

12/22/2020

More money from the government?

Congress has just passed another bill to help the people whose finances are taking a beating from the pandemic. Once again, some of us will be getting money by check or direct deposit. The timing and details are still TBA, but here’s what we know: https://go.usa.gov/xAbyP

Congress has just passed another bill to help the people whose finances are taking a beating from the pandemic.

12/22/2020

If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP! That’s a scam. Don’t pay for a promise of vaccine access or share personal information. More: https://go.usa.gov/xAb5u

12/21/2020

The three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) have to take steps to make sure the info they give in a credit check is accurate. It's the law. But remember to check your own credit report regularly to be sure the right info is there. Learn more: go.usa.gov/xGv98 #FTCcreditmatters

12/21/2020

This holiday season (and year-round), gift cards are on scammers’ wish lists. Scammers always have a reason for you to pay them immediately with a gift card. And they often tell you which card to buy and which store to visit. That’s why the FTC is launching a new Stop Gift Card Scams campaign to work with stores and law enforcement to fight these scams. And it’s also why the FTC has taken another look at reporting data to see what’s happening lately. More on new tools to fight gift card scams: https://go.usa.gov/xATfJ

12/21/2020

Are mistakes on your credit report because of identity theft? If so, you can block them from appearing on your credit report. Learn what to do if you spot mistakes at go.usa.gov/xGv98. #FTCcreditmatters

12/21/2020

And a smart fridge in a pear tree

On this 12th and final day of consumer protection — just of this series, you understand, not ever — here are a few reminders as you head toward whatever holiday you celebrate (or don’t) this December. Whether you’re shopping for a fridge that reminds you that you’re out of milk (step OFF, appliances, I’ve got this) or some cozy slippers, remember these helpful tips: https://go.usa.gov/xATXa

On this 12th and final day of consumer protection — just of this series, you understand, not ever — here are a few reminders as you head toward whatever holiday you celebrate (or don’t) this December.

12/18/2020

"Good" or "bad" credit is based on your credit history. Find out what your history looks like by checking your credit report. Learn more about what to look for at https://go.usa.gov/xGv98 #FTCcreditmatters

12/18/2020

All I want for Christmas…is what I ordered

You’ve probably spent a good part of 2020 doing some online shopping. Now that the holidays are here, you definitely want to be sure you — or your friends and family — actually get what you ordered. On this 11th day of Consumer Protection, take these steps to help Rudolph find his way to your house: https://go.usa.gov/xAg64

You’ve probably spent a good part of 2020 doing some online shopping.

12/17/2020

Your credit report affects whether you can get loans, jobs, apartments, and more. So take steps to make sure that what's in your report is correct -- and that nobody else has been using your information. Check out how to monitor your credit: https://go.usa.gov/xGv98 #FTCcreditmatters

12/17/2020

Don’t be CBDeceived by junk science

If you’ve explored alternative treatments for medical conditions, you’ve probably noticed that CBD products are pretty popular. But if an ad claims a CBD-based product is scientifically proven to cure or treat your symptoms, take that with a dose of caution to prevent losing money and, possibly, putting your health at risk.

Today, the FTC announced six proposed complaints and settlement agreements as part of “Operation CBDeceit.” This operation is a law enforcement sweep against companies claiming their CBD products treat serious diseases and chronic health conditions like diabetes, depression, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. More: https://go.usa.gov/xAY7Y

If you’ve explored alternative treatments for medical conditions, you’ve probably noticed that CBD products are pretty popular.

12/17/2020

Santa doesn’t need your Social Security number

This year, during the pandemic, your holidays might be moving a bit online. On the 10th day of Consumer Protection, maybe you’re planning to send e-cards to family and friends. Or maybe your kids are writing their letter to Santa online, using a site that promises a customized letter back from Santa. Before you share your personal information — and certainly before you pay, check out these tips: go.usa.gov/xAYfc

This year, during the pandemic, your holidays might be moving a bit online.

12/16/2020

Baby, I stole outside

You’ve finished your online shopping, your gifts have shipped and you’re waiting for them to arrive – but some Grinch decides to ruin your holiday. On this 9th day of Consumer Protection, we’re talking about how to stop porch pirates in their tracks: https://go.usa.gov/xArGb

You’ve finished your online shopping, your gifts have shipped and you’re waiting for them to arrive – but some Grinch decides to ruin your holiday.

12/16/2020

"Good" or "bad" credit is based on your credit history. Find out what your history looks like by checking your credit report. Learn more about what to look for at https://go.usa.gov/xGv98 #FTCcreditmatters