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 11
December 2003
IN THIS ISSUE
News Flash - Red Flagging Fraudulent Ads
New Consumer Education
Tip of the Month - Charity Fraud
Numbers to Know - Resources
NEWS FLASH
A ‘RED-FLAG’ CAMPAIGN. FTC launches business education campaign to help media voluntarily identify and “red flag” ads with fraudulent weight-loss claims.<www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/12/weightlossrpt.shtm>
30 MINUTES OF FLIMFLAM. FTC shuts down 30 Minute Mortgage Inc., an Internet spam operation, for advertising non-existent “3.95% 30 year mortgages” as an entrée to obtain consumers’ financial information, which they allegedly sold or offered to sell to third parties. Two people involved in the operation can no longer send unsolicited commercial email (spam) unless they post $1 million bonds. <www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/12/30mm2.shtm>
DISPENSING ‘AD’-VICE. In response to FDA’s request for public comment, FTC files comments on regulation of direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising. <www.ftc.gov/be/v040002text.pdf >
NEW CONSUMER EDUCATION
REVERSE MORTGAGES: PROCEED WITH CARE. Brochure that describes reverse mortgages, including how they work, who can qualify, and what protections consumers have under the Truth in Lending Act. <www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/homes/rms.htm>
FEDERAL AND POSTAL JOB SCAMS. Web site that, in conjunction with a national classified ad campaign, alerts consumers to fraudulent offers for federal and postal jobs, and refers them to free resources for government jobs. <www.ftc.gov/jobscams>
lEMPLEOS FEDERALES Y POSTALES: RECOMENDACIONES PARA EVITAR LAS ESTAFAS (Federal and Postal Job Scams: Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs). Publication that alerts Spanish speakers to federal and postal job scams. <www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/salt013.shtm>
TIP OF THE MONTH - CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS: Giving Wisely This Holiday Season
The FTC’s Charity Fraud Web site, www.ftc.gov/charityfraud, offers tips on contributing to, or soliciting funds for, a charitable organization. It includes a Charity Checklist (www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt114.shtm) to help readers determine whether contributions are going to a bona fide charity, and a brochure, “Raising Funds? What You Should Know About Hiring a Professional” (http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus32-raising-funds-what-know-about-hiring-professional ), to help organizations understand lawful solicitation practices.
RESOURCES
The FTC's Office of Congressional Relations, 202.326.2195
** NEW ** Check out the CONGRESSIONAL RESOURCES portion of our website at ww.ftc.gov/ftc/congress.shtm. No password needed to access.
To order free FTC consumer information: Email fortheconsumer@ftc.gov with your name, Member or Committee affiliation and mailing address.
To file a fraud complaint, use our online complaint form or call our toll free hotline, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
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