Have you lost money to a scam? Watch for scammers who say they can help

By Federal Trade Commission: BCP Staff


They’re the worst of the absolute worst: scams that target people who have already lost money to a scam. If you or someone you know paid a scammer, here’s what to know to avoid scammers who pretend to be helpers.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help?utm_source=govdelivery

How to spot and avoid business coaching scams

How to spot and avoid business coaching scams By BCP Staff Have you seen ads promising that a training or coaching program will help you build a thriving business or make significant money investing in markets like crypto, forex, or precious metals?  Offers like these might sound exciting, but could be coaching scams in disguise.  Do you know how to spot them? Read more  ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/how-spot-and-avoid-business-coaching-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

New trends in reports of imposter scams

New trends in reports of imposter scams By BCP Staff Every year, the FTC gets millions of fraud reports from consumers and shares information about the top scams. In what’s not a surprise for anyone who’s followed along in the past, imposter scams were the #1 scam for the ninth year in a row.  So, what do we know about these imposter scams? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/new-trends-reports-imposter-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Protecting franchisees: The FTC’s case against Xponential Fitness

Protecting franchisees: The FTC's case against Xponential Fitness By BCP Staff If you're thinking about opening a franchise, you're probably looking for things like name recognition, training, and support to help you grow your business. What you're probably not looking for is for a franchisor to mislead you about the risks and costs of opening a franchise. That's exactly what the FTC alleges Xponential Fitness, one of the world's largest franchisors of boutique fitness studios, did to prospective franchisees. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/protecting-franchisees-ftcs-case-against-xponential-fitness?utm_source=govdelivery

How to avoid scams while applying for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

How to avoid scams while applying for ESTA By BCP Staff It's that time of year when people start planning their spring and summer travels. If you have someone visiting you from another country (and they qualify for a visa waiver), they'll need to complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application through the official U.S. government website or app.  To help them avoid a scam, be sure to let them know that they might come across ESTA lookalike sites trying to trick people into overpaying for the application.  Here are some other things to share with visiting friends or family. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-avoid-scams-while-applying-esta?utm_source=govdelivery  SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:  Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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That random call saying “you’ve won a prize” is a scam

That random call saying "you've won a prize" is a scam By BCP Staff If you get a call saying "you've won a prize," you might be thinking, why not claim it? Unfortunately, it's likely a scam to steal your money — especially if it's for a contest you didn't enter.  So how can you spot and avoid a prize scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/random-call-saying-youve-won-prize-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Welcome to National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026

Welcome to NCPW 2026 By BCP Staff It's National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. Welcome! Today kicks off the 28th year of the FTC joining with partner organizations to amplify the importance of consumer protection.  This week, the FTC is focused on delivering messages and hosting events on how to avoid scams, how to report scams, and what to do to help recover from scams. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to find those in-person and virtual events, as well as free tools to promote NCPW. Here are some other ways to participate in NCPW 2026. Read more  -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/welcome-ncpw-2026?utm_source=govdelivery

Help Us Slam the Scam! - March 5

Protect your loved ones and your community this Slam the Scam Day

Join Us for National Slam the Scam Day — March 5! On March 5, 2026, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will lead National Slam the Scam Day. Take part by using tools from SSA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to recognize imposters — including Social Security-related scams — and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Help Us Slam the Scam! Learn about common tactics and how to recognize the signs. For example: An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or government benefit increase. Pressure to act immediately. Request for unusual payments like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, cash, or wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money safe. Spread the word. Visit ssa.gov/scam for more information that could help you and others stay safe. Report suspicious activity. Report Social Security-related issues to SSA OIG (oig.ssa.gov/report) and other concerns to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov). Report a Social Security Scam Follow SSA OIG on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Repost #SlamtheScam content on social media to keep your friends and family safe.

Go Digital! Join the millions and discover your benefits. Open a personal my Social Security account

How to avoid a side hustle scam

How to avoid a side hustle scam By BCP Staff As the holiday season becomes an ever more distant memory, the holiday bills might not be. If you're looking to pick up a side gig to make extra cash, pay down debt, or catch up on some bills, know that scammers are looking to make money, too. One of their hustles is advertising fake jobs. So how do you tell a legit gig from a scam? Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/how-avoid-side-hustle-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Got a letter about unemployment benefits you didn’t file? That’s identity theft

Got a letter about unemployment benefits you didn't file? That's identity theft By BCP Staff Unemployment benefits can be a life saver if you're between jobs. But what happens if a scammer misuses your personal information, like your Social Security number (SSN) to file a fraudulent unemployment claim? That's identity theft. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/got-letter-about-unemployment-benefits-you-didnt-file-thats-identity-theft?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Debt collection: Know your rights, avoid scams

Debt collection: Know your rights, avoid scams By BCP Staff If a debt collector calls, do you know what to do? You have rights. Debt collectors can't harass, lie, or treat you unfairly — even if you owe the debt. Before you pay, confirm a debt is actually yours — not someone else's or a scam to get your money.  Consider talking to the collector at least once to find out, even if you don't think you owe the money. To help you avoid a scam, here's what to do next. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/debt-collection-know-your-rights-avoid-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help

Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help By BCP Staff For many, the beginning of the year is often a time for taking stock and planning for the year to come. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your financing footing in the new year, the FTC's consumer.gov has tools that can help. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/planning-your-finances-year-come-here-are-some-tools-can-help?            utm_source=govdelivery

 

Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help

You're invited to a one-hour webinar on how to help protect yourself and the older adults in your life from identity theft

Identity theft can happen anytime and at any age. But there are steps you can take to help protect yourself and the older adults in your life from identity theft.  Join representatives from The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) as they partner during Identity Theft Awareness Week 2026 to present a free webinar. Next Wednesday January 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET, learn more about how to recognize the signs of identity theft, where to get one-on-one guidance to recover, and what you can do to help others in your community protect themselves from identity theft. Zoom link: https://ftc.zoomgov.com/j/1618485227?pwd=RATfXQ8bub1AaTgyhpiR98clnTQ2kN.1 Meeting ID: 161 848 5227 Passcode: 259709 By phone: (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): 646 828 7666 US (New York); 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line); 669 216 1590 US (San Jose); 833 568 8864 US Toll-free Speakers: Mona Terry, Chief Operating Officer, Identity Theft Resource Center Gema de las Heras, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC For more information on identity theft you can use and share check out ftc.gov/IDTheftWeek.  Sincerely, The FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

Can you spot a fake loan text scam?

Can you spot a fake loan text scam? By BCP Staff You get a text message, supposedly following up on a $10,000 loan application. Only, you never applied for a loan. Is this pure luck or a scam? Before you use the callback number in the message to find out, or even reply "NO" to cancel the application, learn to spot a fake loan text scam. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/can-you-spot-fake-loan-text-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Hang up on unexpected calls saying you owe back taxes. Those are scams (video)

Hang up on unexpected calls saying you owe back taxes. Those are scams By BCP Staff We're seeing a big wave of reports about phone scams claiming you owe back taxes. But it's not the IRS calling, it's a scammer using a company name like "Tax Resolution Oversight Department."  If someone calls you out of the blue offering to help you fix a tax issue, hang up. Here's how to spot the scam. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/hang-unexpected-calls-saying-you-owe-back-taxes-those-are-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season

How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season By BCP Staff Does it feel like the holidays come around faster and faster every year? If you're looking to save time by avoiding the crowds and doing some holiday shopping online, know that scammers camp out online all year long. So if you're planning to shop online for holiday gifts, how can you avoid accidentally running into a scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/how-avoid-online-shopping-scam-holiday-season?utm_source=govdelivery

An “agent” told me to stay off the internet. Is it a scam?

An "agent" told me to stay off the internet. Is it a scam? By BCP Staff You get an unexpected call with some bad news: your name is linked to serious crimes, and your money is at risk, says the voice on the line. The next thing you know, he connects you with an "agent" who can supposedly help you resolve the issue. Your heart and mind are racing.  But your gut is telling you to talk to someone you trust — or to get off the phone and search the internet for advice.  So why would a helpful "agent" warn you not to talk to anyone or tell you to stay off the internet until he can fix the problem? Probably because that "agent" is really a scammer. Read more - >  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/agent-told-me-stay-internet-it-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

How to help protect foster youth from identity theft

How to help protect foster youth from identity theft By BCP Staff Identity theft can happen to anyone, including kids in foster care. But minors typically don't have credit reports, so they might not even realize they've experienced identity theft until they apply for a job, housing, or credit. Because foster youth often move more often and more people have access to their info, they're at greater risk of identity theft. So if you're a foster parent, a service provider, or know someone in foster care, read on for ways to help protect foster youth from identity theft. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/how-help-protect-foster-youth-identity-theft?utm_source=govdelivery

Federal Trade Commission: Protecting kids and adults online

Protecting kids and adults online By BCP Staff It's a good day for any federal or state government agency when they can say kids are safer, and today is that day for the Federal Trade Commission and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.  Together, they announced a settlement with Aylo, a collection of companies managing more than 100 porn sites (including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube) over their distribution of child sex abuse materials, as well as non-consensual images and video. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/protecting-kids-and-adults-online?utm_source=govdelivery

That social media ad with super low prices on well-known brands could be a scam

That social media ad with super low prices on well-known brands could be a scam By BCP Staff See an eye-catching "deal" on your social for a brand-name product at a big discount? Don't click — it could be a scam. Here's what to know. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/social-media-ad-super-low-prices-well-known-brands-could-be-scam?utm_source=govdelivery