Consumer Information Blog

Avoid Credit Card Interest Rate Reduction Scams

The FTC is mailing hundreds of refund checks to consumers duped by a debt relief services company that ran an extensive credit card interest rate reduction scam.

Blog Topics: 
Money & Credit

Is Your Favorite Hotspot Secure?

What’s not to like about the convenience of free public Wi-Fi? It’s nice to be able to connect to the internet when you’re away from home. Unfortunately, these hotspots often aren’t secure. If you go online using public Wi-Fi — like at an airport or a coffee shop — you may unintentionally share personal information with strangers.

Blog Topics: 
Privacy & Identity

It’s Your Money

When you were in school, did you learn about managing your money? I remember learning how to write a check — strangely enough, in music class — but that was about it.

Blog Topics: 
Money & Credit

A (Potentially) Taxing Situation

Tax season is here. It’s time to get your files and forms in order. You may be well-versed in W-2s and 1099’s, but do you know that an identity thief can mess up your tax files or even get to your tax refund before you can file for it?

Blog Topics: 
Privacy & Identity

It Pays to Check Your Credit Report

The FTC recently completed its fifth national study on the accuracy and completeness of consumer credit reports. A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, or have filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

Blog Topics: 
Money & Credit

Looking Online for Your Valentine?

Lots of people use online dating sites to find love. Unfortunately, cupid can sometimes be a con artist in disguise.

Be sure to know the difference between a real romance and a scammer cruising for a target. If an online love interest asks for money — for any reason — you may be dealing with a scam.

Got a minute? Check out our audio tip for more on how to avoid a broken heart and a busted wallet.

Blog Topics: 
Money & Credit

Trusting Your Sources

You read the news to get the facts. But what happens when that “newsy” site isn’t news at all?

Blog Topics: 
Health & Fitness

Consumer Protection, Plain and Simple

Have you ever wanted to know what to do about a problem, but not wanted to read lots of information to get your answer? Sure, it might be interesting, but in that moment you just want to know what to do. 

If your problem was a consumer protection issue, we may have your answer: consumer.gov. It’s a free new resource from the Federal Trade Commission that gives you the consumer protection facts, plain and simple. 

Blog Topics: 
Money & Credit

Bill Comes Due for Bogus Tax Relief Company

If you owe back taxes, you may be tempted to turn to companies that claim they can reduce or eliminate your tax debts and stop back-tax collection by applying for IRS hardship programs.

Blog Topics: 
Money & Credit

On the Wrong Path

Today, the FTC announced a settlement with Path — a social networking site that promoted itself as a different kind of social network. Primarily available to users through a mobile app, Path claimed that it “should be private by default. Forever. You should always be in control of your information and experience.” 

Blog Topics: 
Privacy & Identity

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