Andrew Rayo, Consumer Education Specialist
Doing some holiday shopping? Here’s a type of gift card scam to look out for: scammers can get the gift card number and PIN before you buy the card. So if gift cards are on your holiday shopping list, keep reading.
Andrew Rayo, Consumer Education Specialist
During the holidays, adding a dog, cat, or other adorable animal to the family is top of mind for many, and scammers know it. While there are lots of fur babies waiting for their forever home, scammers try to take advantage of the situation by posting fake ads for pets — all designed to take your money and leave you in the doghouse. Here’s what to know.
Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Have you been getting unexpected messages about online work? The FTC’s new Data Spotlight highlights a big increase in the number of people reporting gamified job scams, or “task scams.” Read on to learn what they are and how to avoid them.
Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Scammers love a good disguise. One day they show up texting you about a delivery you missed, the next they say you need to sort an issue with your Netflix account. Here’s how to avoid these phishing scams.
Andrew Rayo, Consumer Education Specialist
If you need a job, that text messaging offering a full- or part-time position you didn’t apply for might seem great. You might be thinking, why not check it out? Unfortunately, it’s likely a job scam.
Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
During the holiday season, you might expect to get more deliveries. Some might even be surprise gifts. Scammers are counting on that when they send fake delivery notifications to you by email and text, hoping you’ll click. Here’s how to spot these scams.
Smart devices are everywhere. Devices track our health and fitness, control our lights and thermostats, and keep an eye on our homes and pets. We pay a premium for the smart features and functionality of these products. But what happens if the manufacturer stops updating the software that makes them “smart”?
Amy Hebert, Consumer Education Specialist
There’s no shortage of good causes to donate to this holiday season. But before you give somewhere new, make sure you’re not donating to a scam.