Blog topic: Avoid Scams

Getting iPhony Messages?

September 13, 2012
by
Amy Hebert
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Been reading up on Apple’s newly unveiled iPhone 5? So have scammers.

For months leading up to the announcement, scammers have already been finding ways to cash in on iPhone 5 buzz — through phishing emails promising sneak peeks if you just clicked on a link, or phony texts offering a chance to get your hands on one. According to news reports, clicking the links installed malware on your computer, or took you to a phony site asking for your personal information.

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Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Secure Your Computer

Identity Theft: What To Do, What To Know

July 26, 2012
by
Carol Kando-Pineda
Attorney, FTC

Do you know what to do if your identity is stolen?  What steps can you take to protect your identity?  Knowing what to do is important because an identity thief can hijack your tax refund, alter your medical records, prevent you from getting credit or a job, and even borrow money in your child's name.

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9 comments
Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Be Smart Online

Lottery Fraud: If You Have To Pay, You Didn’t Win

July 17, 2012
by
Tracy Russo
The Department of Justice, Civil Division, Consumer Protection Branch

The pitch is simple. You receive a call from a foreign lottery announcing that you have won money, a car and other prizes. The caller tells you that you entered a contest: a form you submitted in the mail, or on the internet, or while shopping. You have won, but you must pay taxes, insurance and other up-front fees in order to get your prize into the United States. Despite several payments totaling thousands of dollars, you never receive the prizes promised to you.

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1 comment
Blog Topic: Avoid Scams

Tips for Yahoo! Users

July 13, 2012
by
Nicole Vincent
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

In light of recent news that a Yahoo! service was hacked and some 400,000 usernames and passwords for Yahoo! and other companies were stolen, OnGuardOnline.gov offers the following tips:

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17 comments
Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Be Smart Online

How Can You Help Older Americans Avoid Fraud? Talk About It.

June 15, 2012
by
Charles Harwood
Deputy Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to learn the signs of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Yesterday, I participated in a day-long symposium at the White House on the role that financial exploitation plays in the wider problem of elder abuse.

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5 comments
Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Be Smart Online

Don't Take It From Us...

June 1, 2012
by
Jennifer Leach
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

When it comes to advice about online dating scams, you could listen to OnGuardOnline.gov. We have advice to help you protect yourself and your money. 

But why not go straight to the source, too? Many online dating sites now offer really practical advice on how to avoid relationship scams.
 

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5 comments
Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Be Smart Online

Coordinating Voluntary Efforts to Fight Botnets

June 1, 2012
by
Patrick Gallagher
Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology

Over the past several years, a new threat has emerged on the Internet, increasingly putting consumers at risk. Some industry experts suggest that as many as 1 in 10 computers in the U.S. are part of what is called a botnet.

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4 comments
Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Be Smart Online, Secure Your Computer

Stop.Think.Connect. Celebrates National Police Week

May 17, 2012
by
Amy Hebert
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

I’m passing on some information from the Stop Think Connect campaign.

This week the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign is celebrating National Police Week. A tradition since 1962, National Police Week is a time to honor the tremendous efforts and sacrifices law enforcement officers make every day to help keep this country secure.

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Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Be Smart Online

Grand Opening: A New Page for Small Business

April 6, 2012
by
Nicole Vincent
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you run a small business, you may rely on technology to expand your reach and stay competitive, even if you don’t have a full-time IT staff. OnGuardOnline.gov wants you to have the information you need to protect your data, your networks, and your IT systems.

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Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Be Smart Online, Secure Your Computer

FTC Highlights Annual Accomplishments Online

April 2, 2012
by
Nicole Vincent
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Every year, the FTC Chairman highlights the work the agency has done to protect consumers and promote business competition. This year, for the first time, these highlights are online with interactive, multimedia features.

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3 comments
Blog Topic: Avoid Scams, Protect Kids Online, Be Smart Online, Secure Your Computer

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