FOR THE CONSUMER
The FTC's monthly newsletter for the Congressional community
It's the news you—and your constituents—can use.
Volume 2 – Number 5
May 2003
IN THIS ISSUE
News Flash
Coming Events - Spring into Workshops
New Consumer Education
Tip of the Month — Advance Fee Loan Scams
Resources — Numbers to Know
NEWS FLASH
"PHONEY" PHILANTHROPY. FTC and states unite to fight fundraising fraud. Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/05/opp.shtm
WE'VE GOT THEIR NUMBER. FTC cracks down on preregistration scams for the upcoming national Do Not Call
telemarketing registry. Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/05/kenchase.shtm
BIDDER BEWARE. Law enforcers team up to beat Internet auction fraud. Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/04/bidderbeware.shtm
DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ. FTC reports on false claims in spam. Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/04/spamrpt.shtm Staff report: www.ftc.gov/reports/spam/030429spamreport.pdf
COMING EVENTS - Spring into Workshops
PRIVACY. The FTC will host its second workshop on the role of technology in helping consumers and businesses protect personal information. Free and open to the public, "The Business Experience" will be held June 4 at the FTC's Conference Center, 601 NJ Ave., NW, Washington, DC. For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/02/techwrkshp.shtm
SAFEGUARDS RULE. FTC staff to offer training on the safeguard provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The training program is free and open to the public, requires no advance registration and will be offered on two dates: June 9 from 10a - 11a and June 23 from 2p - 3p at the FTC's Conference Center, 601 N.J. Ave, NW, Washington, D.C., or by telephone.
For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/05/safeguardstraining.shtm
INFORMATION FLOW. The FTC will host a workshop on the costs and benefits to consumers and businesses of the collection and use of consumer information on June 18 at the FTC's Conference Center, 601 N.J. Ave., NW, Washington, DC. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/04/infoflowhearing.shtm
NEW CONSUMER EDUCATION
ID THEFT: WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
New booklet that explains how identity theft occurs, how to manage your personal information, how to tell if you're a victim, and what to do and where to go for more information if your identity's been stolen.
WHEN YOUR COMPUTER MAKES A CALL...WITHOUT YOUR OKAY
Alert warns consumers to beware of scams that trick them into paying to access "free" Internet content: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/modmalrt.shtm
TIP OF THE MONTH--Online Payment and Escrow Services
Internet auctions offer an endless supply of merchandise from vendors located around the world. But online auctions can be risky. One pitfall to be aware of is phony online escrow services. How can you determine whether an online payment or escrow service is legitimate?
- Read the service's terms of agreement. Find out what recourse it offers if the seller doesn't keep their end of the deal.
- Examine the service's privacy policy and security measures to ensure your financial or personal information is being protected.
- Call the customer service line. If there isn't one - or if you call and can't reach someone - don't use the service.
For more tips on online payment or escrow services, visit www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/onlauctionsalrt.htm
RESOURCES
The FTC's Office of Congressional Relations, 202.326.2195.
To order free FTC consumer information: Email fortheconsumer@ftc.gov with your name, Member or Committee affiliation and mailing address.
To file a fraud complain,t use our online complaint form or call our toll free hotline, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
To Subscribe or Unsubscribe to this newsletter: Send email to fortheconsumer@ftc.gov with your name, Member or Committee affiliation, email address and the word "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" in the body of the message