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 7
July 2003
IN THIS ISSUE
News Flash - National DO NOT CALL registry
Resources — Numbers to Know
Events
New Consumer Education
Tip of the Month - Sounds "Phish-y" to me
Numbers to Know - Resources
NEWS FLASH
…As of July 28, 2003, the DO NOT CALL registry up to 28 million telephone numbers. Enforcement begins October 1...
STAYING ABREAST OF FRAUD. Settlement with FTC requires makers of Bloussant breast enhancement product to stop false, unsubstantiated claims and to pay $32 million in consumer redress. Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/wellquest.shtm
ABS-OLUTELY FABULOUS. Marketers of "Fast Abs" exercise belt to pay over $5 million to settle FTC charges that the belt did not produce "six-pack" abs without exercise. Press release at: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/unitedfitness.shtm
OPERATION DIALING FOR DECEPTION. FTC settlement bars Florida defendants from advance-fee credit card sales and requires them to pay more than $600,000 in consumer redress. Press release at: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/capitalchoice.shtm
PHONING IN. FTC offers its first summary announcement of telemarketing enforcement efforts for 2003. New web page will help consumers follow developments in telemarketing fraud. Press release at: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/tsr.shtm
EVENTS
ID THEFT. FTC and local law enforcement agencies will hold identity theft training seminars for law enforcers, victim advocates and social service providers. One session in Kansas City, Kansas on August 12 and 13 will feature staff from FTC, the Kansas and Missouri US Attorneys' Offices, the Kansas and Missouri Attorneys General offices, and the FBI. Another session in Bellevue, Washington on August 13 will feature representatives from FTC, the US Secret Service, the Department of Justice, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. No cost to attend but reservations are required. For more information, contact Derick Rill at (202) 326-3007 or email him at drill@ftc.gov.
INFORMATION SECURITY. Want to set up a town hall meeting with constituents? FTC has resources on cybersecurity for your office to use. For cybersecurity tips, call Derick Rill at (202) 326-3007 or email him at drill@ftc.gov.
NEW CONSUMER EDUCATION
THE "NIGERIAN" SCAM: COSTLY COMPASSION: Consumer alert warns about advance-fee solicitations offering to make you a profit by moving large sums of money out of another country. Download at: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt117.shtm
UNSOLICITED MAIL, TELEMARKETING and EMAIL: WHERE TO GO TO "JUST SAY NO": Consumer alert tells how to cut down on the amount of unsolicited mail, calls and email you receive. Download at: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/optoutalrt.shtm
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TIP OF THE MONTH - Sounds PHISH-y to me….
A new scam - called "phishing" or "carding" - uses spam to trick readers into revealing their credit card numbers, bank account information, social security numbers, passwords and other sensitive information. To avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam, the FTC says:
- If you get an email (with little or no notice) that one of your accounts will be closed unless you reconfirm billing information, do not reply or click on the link in the email. Instead contact the company cited using a telephone number or Web site address you *know* is genuine.
- Avoid emailing personal and financial information.
- Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them for any unauthorized charges. For more information, see: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.shtm
RESOURCES
The FTC's Office of Congressional Relations, 202.326.2195
** NEW ** Check out the CONGRESSIONAL RESOURCES portion of our website at www.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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