Consumer Alerts from the FTC 

If you work with older adults, or if you are (or know someone) 65+, join this free, 30-minute webinar to learn how you can share a lifetime of experience and protect others from scams. The FTC will discuss its updated Pass It On materials, which give older adults a way to share what they know about everything from business impersonators to romance scams and identity theft. We’ll share the updated website, discuss how you can get free materials for your group presentations, share ready-made presentations for each topic, and talk and hear about ideas for getting the word out in your community. This webinar is open to everyone, with a focus on law enforcement agencies. To join the webinar today at 3:00 pm EST: URL: https://ftc.zoomgov.com/j/1610006275?pwd=ekJyQUdYcmI4Z2xqMS9QUUE1VXgwZz09 Webinar ID: 161 000 6275 Passcode: 0rY$JZ By phone: (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): +1 646 828 7666 US (New York); +1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose); +1 551 285 1373 US; 833 568 8864 US Toll-free Can’t make today’s webinar? We’ll be offering other sessions throughout February and early March (see list below.)  Webinars in English February 22, 3 pm EST March 1, 3 pm EST Webinars in Spanish February 23, 2 pm EST March 1, 2 pm EST Thank You, FTC’s Division of Consumer and Business Education

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https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/02/will-ftc-call-or-write-you-will-they-demand-money?utm_source=govdelivery

Consumer Alert

Will the FTC call or write you? Will they demand money?

By

Alvaro Puig

Consumer Education Specialist

February 13, 2023

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Scammers trying to rip you off will often impersonate organizations or government agencies you know. Some even pretend to be from the Federal Trade Commission. But how can you know if it’s the FTC or if it’s a scammer impersonating the FTC?

If someone who says they’re from the FTC demands money or threatens you, that’s not the FTC. Only scammers pretending to be the FTC will do that. The latest twist? Scammers are sending fake letters from Sam Levine, the Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, threatening to “shut down” your accounts for “unsanctioned” activity and demanding that you call an “officer” immediately. Don’t do it. Report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Here’s when and how the FTC will communicate with you:

• If you report something to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, you’ll get advice about how to recover and protect yourself. You’ll also get that information by email, if you give us an email address.
• If you’re getting a refund or payment from an FTC case, you’ll get it by check, prepaid debit card, or PayPal. The payment or claim form will tell you more about the case and why you’re getting money. Go to gov/refunds to see a list of FTC cases that resulted in refunds, the name of the company sending payments, and a phone number to call with questions.

Don’t respond to someone who says they’re from the FTC and demands money, threatens you, or asks for personal or financial information. Report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What if you’re not sure it’s a scam? Report it anyway. Your report could help the FTC stop scammers.

https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/oembed?url=https%3A//vimeo.com/352056792&max_width=0&max_height=0&hash=9BRZXHjOt_R1kB3Auwej37416Qol14aBQWXA01APxd0

Search Terms

scam

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https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/02/have-i-told-you-lately-i-love-you-and-how-avoid-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Consumer Alert

Have I told you lately that I love you — and how to avoid scams?

By

Terri Miller

Consumer Education Specialist

February 13, 2023

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ve already sent a card to your grandmother, grandfather, or the older adult in your life. But if you haven’t told them lately that you love them, pick up the phone and call, too. While you’re catching up, remind them that you’ll never pressure them to wire you money or buy you gift cards — but a scammer might.

Scammers use fake family emergencies to target older adults. They call pretending to be a grandkid in trouble, or a lawyer or police officer on the scene. They ask for money, but once the grandparent finds out there was no emergency, the scammer’s gone — and so is their money. You may not get these scam calls, but chances are you know someone who will get one — if they haven’t already. Sharing is caring.

Here’s what you might say to help an older adult in your life spot a scam:

• “I’ll never call and ask you to send money for an emergency. That’s a scam. Hang up!” No matter who a caller claims to be, resist the urge to send money immediately. If they ask you to pay in ways that are hard to trace — by wiring money, sending a money order, or paying with gift cards, reloadable cards, or cryptocurrency — that’s a scam.
• “If someone pressures you to secretly send money to get me (or someone you know) out of trouble, that’s a scam. Slow down and check it out.” Scammers don’t want you talking to anyone else and realizing it’s a scam. Don’t keep it quiet, especially if you can’t reach the person who’s supposed to be in trouble. Call someone else you trust to help figure out whether there’s really an emergency.

Learn more about scams that target older adults at ftc.gov/PassItOn and report scammers at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Topics

Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts

Scams

All Scams

Phishing Scams

Family Emergency Scams