Military Consumer

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) gives parents control over what information websites can collect from their kids and how they use and share that information. The FTC now proposes changes that would enhance those protections and aim to ensure that parents — not companies — are in charge. https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/childrens-online-privacy-tell-ftc

Someone guarantee you can make quick money investing in cryptocurrency? That's a scam: https://bit.ly/3FAJ3pX

Cryptocurrency Scams Learn more at http://www.ftc.gov/cryptocurrency **************...

The FTC has a new Rule that requires the car-buying process to be more transparent — with some special protections for the military community. https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/servicemembers-combating-auto-retail-scams

Check out the FTC's conversation with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Monica Rivera about how veterans can avoid scams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zz1oM4rk6Y

Holiday Fraud Prevention Stay safe during this holiday season! Watch the video collaboration with Carol Kando-Pineda, Counsel with the Division of Consumer and Business Education wit...

Did Credit Karma say you were “pre-approved” for a credit card, but you ended up denied credit? Then you might be eligible to get a payment. ftc.gov/CreditKarma

Is it identity theft?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WhTy2E8T1Kg

Weird Charges on Your Credit Card Statement https://www.identitytheft.gov Let’s say there are weird charges on your credit card statement.It could be a mistake – but it could be identity theft.Start wi...

Talking about scams is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community against scammers. You don’t have to be an expert, especially with tools to help get the conversation started. The FTC’s graphic novels tell the stories of people who deal with fake job offers, telemarketing scams, bogus debt collectors, and other common scams.

Because the FTC is always interested in hearing about the experiences of servicemembers, veterans, and military families, especially when it relates to a big purchase like a car, we’re asking you to share your story. What has your experience been when buying a vehicle? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Giving Tuesday is a terrific time to support your favorite cause or charity. Here’s how to avoid charity scams and make your donations count. https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/giving-spirit-heres-how-donate-safely-giving-tuesday

The FTC proposes banning junk fees. The proposed rule would prohibit hidden and falsely advertised fees. Learn more at www.ftc.gov/JunkFees
Tell us what you think by Jan. 8, 2024.
To submit an official comment for Commission consideration, visit: https://bit.ly/49qVEd7

You may have heard us say when you’re shopping online, check things out before checkout. The same advice applies to giveaways on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Here’s why: One in four people who reported losing money to fraud since 2021 said it started on social media. Scammers make it hard to tell what’s real and what’s fake. Want to avoid scams on your feed? Slow your scroll and keep reading to find out how.
https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/slow-your-scroll-spot-and-avoid-social-media-giveaway-scams

Don't let scammers poach your pension and disability benefits.
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/dont-let-scammers-poach-your-pension-and-disability-benefits-0

As we approach Veterans Day, we thank our for their service and sacrifice. But not everyone has a vet’s best interests in mind. Whether you left the service decades ago or you’re planning your transition to civilian life, scammers will try to get you to send money or share personal information. Scammers also want to get their hands on the valuable benefits you earned through military service. What are some ways to know you’re dealing with a scammer? https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/veterans-and-scams

Scammers are using the names of FTC employees, including the FTC’s Inspector General, to trick people into sending money or giving up their personal information. Here’s what you need to know. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M_m1s3vdxkw

How to Spot an FTC Impersonator Scam Learn more at https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/ftc-wont-demand-money-threaten-you-or-promise-you-prize http://www.reportfruad.ftc.gov Scammer...

Did you get a message from a “brand ambassador manager” for a national company wanting to pay you to promote their products online? It could be a scam…but how will you know?
https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/job-scam-targeting-influencers

Scammers are making this season extra spooky by pretending to be real companies like Spirit Halloween and Party City. But it’s all a trick. Here’s what to know. https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/halloween-dont-get-ghosted-scammers

It’s unfair and illegal to increase the amount someone ends up paying to buy or lease a car based on their race or how they look. Some illegal tactics are hard to spot, but here’s how to avoid overpaying for a car.
https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/overcharging-car-buyers-based-how-they-look-thats-illegal

Now you can order four free COVID test kits per household through COVIDtests.gov. But never share your credit card info to get them. That's a scam. https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/blog/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours