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

This Identity Theft Awareness Week, find tools and events just for you

This Identity Theft Awareness Week, find tools and events just for you By BCP Staff Identity theft can happen anytime, to anyone. In fact, last year, more than a million people reported identity theft to the FTC. So, being ready to spot identity theft — and deal with it if it happens — can make a big difference. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/identity-theft-awareness-week-find-tools-and-events-just-you?utm_source=govdelivery

Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW), January 26-30, 2026

    

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

Parents and student athletes: If you’re hearing from sports agents, you’ll want to read this

Parents and student athletes: If you're hearing from sports agents, you'll want to read this By BCP Staff If you're hoping your athletic talents will lead you to endorsements during college or eventually to pro sports, signing with a sports agent might be an exciting first step — but it's also serious business.  That's why the FTC is seeking information from universities about sports agents' compliance with the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act.  SPARTA requires agents to provide important information to student athletes and schools about agency contracts — and prohibits them from making false or misleading statements to student athletes or offering illegal gifts to induce student athletes to sign agency contracts. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/parents-and-student-athletes-if-youre-hearing-sports-agents-youll-want-read?utm_source=govdelivery

            

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here's how to avoid a scam By BCP Staff With the winter Olympics in Italy fast approaching, athletes around the world are fine-tuning their routines, sharpening their skates, and finalizing their travel itineraries. If you're planning to go to the Olympics, having a sound game plan is a key to success, just as it is for the competitors. Here's what to know about travel, ticket, and vacation rental scams before you embark on your journey. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/traveling-olympics-italy-heres-how-avoid-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Spot the scams when fixing your credit

Spot the scams when fixing your credit By BCP Staff If there's information on your credit report that's correct but not so great, it can make it harder to get credit with good terms. But there are things you can do yourself for free to help fix your credit. Credit repair companies also charge to do the same things. Before you consider paying, though, know the rules these companies have to follow — rules dishonest companies and scammers often break. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/spot-scams-when-fixing-your-credit?utm_source=govdelivery

Influencers are pushing this illegal trick to “fix” your credit report (video)

Influencers are pushing this illegal trick to "fix" your credit report By BCP Staff Looking for some life hacks or advice about managing money? There's no shortage of online influencers ready to help. But not all advice is good advice (or truthful).  And in some cases, what they're telling you might be more than a bad idea — it might be illegal. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/influencers-are-pushing-illegal-trick-fix-your-credit-report?utm_source=govdelivery

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o-lFh0Asso

Planning for 2026? Add Identity Theft Awareness Week to your calendar

Planning for 2026? Add Identity Theft Awareness Week to your calendar By BCP Staff If you're taking stock of your finances, setting goals, and preparing for a fresh start in 2026, make protecting yourself against identity theft part of your 2026 planning. Why? Identity thieves can drain your bank account, ruin your credit, and even block access to your health benefits and tax refund.  On the bright side, there are ways to protect yourself. Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW) is a great opportunity to learn more about getting started. Read more >  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/planning-2026-add-identity-theft-awareness-week-your-calendar?utm_source=govdelivery Planning for 2026? Add Identity Theft Awareness Week to your calendar

FTC warns businesses about fake reviews

FTC warns businesses about fake reviews By BCP Staff Whether you're hiring a contractor, looking for an apartment, or shopping online, chances are you check out online reviews first.  Many people use reviews to see the honest opinions of other buyers — and companies rely on reviews to stand out from the crowd.  But some companies write, post, or pay for fake reviews — and that hurts people and honest companies. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/ftc-warns-businesses-about-fake-reviews?utm_source=govdelivery

Be sure to tell the FTC about the fake reviews you spot at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Stolen funds for the holidays: Spot this military bank scam

Stolen funds for the holidays: Spot this military bank scam By BCP Staff People in the military are known for looking out for one another. That's why scammers set up camp outside military banks pretending to need help — just to get through the holidays. But take a tactical pause. This might be a scammer looking to use your phone to drain your bank accounts. Learn to spot and avoid this scam. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/stolen-funds-holidays-spot-military-bank-scam?utm_source=govdelivery    Stolen funds for the holidays: Spot this military bank scam

Donate to charities (not scammers) on Giving Tuesday

Donate to charities (not scammers) on Giving Tuesday By BCP Staff Chances are, you're probably already hearing from charities about Giving Tuesday. It's a great time to support the work of charities around the country. Unfortunately, not everyone asking for money is a real charity. As the year comes to a close, you'll likely get calls, texts, and emails asking for donations. Here's how to make sure your money goes to real causes that matter to you instead of to a scammer. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/donate-charities-not-scammers-giving-tuesday?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Donate to charities (not scammers) on Giving Tuesday

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

No, that’s not an FTC commissioner on the phone (video)

No, that's not an FTC commissioner on the phone By BCP Staff Scammers like to pretend to be someone official to try to get your money. And who could be more official than the FTC chairman and commissioners, some of the nation's leading fraud fighters?  But here's something important to know: nobody who works at the FTC will ever, EVER tell you to move your money to protect it. We won't insist that you cash out your 401(k) or savings account and give that money to someone else. Read more ->

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGCJSOAWyEM

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

Disney settles charges that it violated children’s online privacy protection law

Disney settles charges that it violated children's online privacy protection law By BCP Staff The Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) gives parents control over the online collection of their children's personal information. Before a website or app collects personal information from a child under the age of 13, it must notify the parents and get their approval.  Under a settlement with the FTC, Disney has agreed to pay a $10 million penalty for violating the COPPA Rule. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/disney-settles-charges-it-violated-childrens-online-privacy-protection-law?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Disney settles charges that it violated children’s online privacy protection law

How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment (video)

How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment By BCP Staff August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day — a day to commemorate those lost to a drug overdose, support their surviving families, and dedicate resources to end overdose.  One way the FTC is working to help people and families dealing with substance use disorders is by cracking down on companies that try to manipulate or deceive people seeking treatment.  If you search online to find help, know that dishonest businesses could use search result scams to steer you their way. Here are some things to know when searching online for drug treatment help. Read more  ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-avoid-scams-when-looking-drug-treatment?utm_source=govdelivery      Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjT1elh2lA

Looking for health insurance? Make sure that’s what you’re getting

Looking for health insurance? Make sure that's what you're getting By BCP Staff Are you looking to get or switch your health insurance? Know that some dishonest marketers might lie about what your plan would cover, make it seem like they're selling health insurance when you're really just getting a discount plan, or try to sell you something else entirely. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/looking-health-insurance-make-sure-thats-what-youre-getting?utm_source=govdelivery