Consumer Alerts

Scammers are contacting people shopping for health coverage and making their offers sound like real health insurance — when in fact they’re only selling medical discount plans. According to the FTC, these plans don’t provide the comprehensive benefits people expect from legitimate health insurance, and misleading marketers often hide the real limitations until after payment. The agency warns consumers to be wary of sales pitches that feel rushed, overly promotional, or unclear about what services are actually covered. The FTC recommends confirming exactly what you’re buying before sharing personal or financial information. Real health insurance must meet specific federal and […]

Veteran-owned small businesses continue to face frequent scams and cybersecurity threats that target their operations, finances, and sensitive information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers often impersonate government agencies, send fraudulent invoices, or use phishing messages designed to steal account access. The FTC and Military Consumer urge veteran entrepreneurs and their teams to stay alert for red flags such as unexpected payment demands, urgent requests for confidential data, or deals that appear unusually advantageous. They’ve compiled a list of helpful resources to support veteran-owned business in protecting their teams, customers and operations from scams and cyberthreats. Click here for […]

A new report highlighted by The Independent shows that Americans lost nearly $900 million to AI-generated scams in 2025. According to FBI data, more than 22,000 complaints involved artificial intelligence, with criminals using tools that clone voices, generate realistic fake images, and create convincing messages. Victims described receiving calls from what sounded like a panicked family member or messages from impersonated public figures, influencers, or even fake FBI agents. Cybersecurity experts warn that AI-driven fraud is accelerating rapidly as generative tools become cheaper, faster, and capable of producing communications that look legitimate even to trained professionals. These scams are evolving […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about a new type of scam that exploits CAPTCHA verification systems—the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks used on legitimate websites. Scammers are creating fake CAPTCHA screens that appear when you click on links in phishing emails, text messages, or compromised websites. Instead of verifying you’re human, these fake CAPTCHAs trick you into running malicious commands that can install malware, steal your personal information, or grant scammers access to your computer. The FTC notes that legitimate CAPTCHAs ask you to identify images, check a box, or solve a simple puzzle—they never ask […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about a new wave of government-impersonation scams where criminals pretend to be FTC employees. According to the agency, scammers contact people unexpectedly—often by text message or messaging apps—and falsely claim they are FTC “agents” who can help recover money lost in a previous scam. To make the scheme seem legitimate, impersonators send a photo of a fake FTC ID badge and employee card in an attempt to “verify” their identity. But the FTC states clearly that a real FTC employee will never text you, message you on WhatsApp, or send a photo […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reminding consumers that Medicare fraud isn’t just a problem for seniors—it affects everyone who pays taxes and contributes to the Medicare system. Scammers use a variety of tactics to steal Medicare numbers and personal information, including offering free medical equipment, genetic testing kits, or pain creams in exchange for Medicare details. They may also pose as Medicare representatives calling about new cards, coverage changes, or account verification. The FTC warns that Medicare will never call unexpectedly to ask for your Medicare number or personal information, and legitimate Medicare communications don’t require immediate action or […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about a rising wave of fake party invitations arriving by text and email during the busy graduation and summer-gathering season. According to the agency, scammers are sending messages that appear to come from well-known electronic invite services and may even list the name of someone you know as the host. The catch: the invitation demands that you enter your email address and password—or a special access code—to view the event details. That request is a red flag, the FTC says, and signals an attempt to steal your account credentials. Once scammers obtain […]

Cybercriminals are turning a trusted security tool against internet users. Fake CAPTCHA screens—designed to mimic the familiar “I’m not a robot” verification tests—are being used to trick people into downloading malware or enabling a flood of scam notifications. According to recent reports, these fraudulent pop-ups appear on compromised or malicious websites, prompting users to complete what looks like a routine security check. Instead of verifying human users, however, these fake CAPTCHAs instruct visitors to click “Allow” on browser notifications or even run commands that can compromise their devices. Once permission is granted, victims may be bombarded with phishing alerts, fake […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are calling people at random, claiming they’ve won a prize, sweepstakes, or lottery. These fraudsters often say you must pay a fee, provide bank details, or share personal information to claim your winnings. In reality, legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to receive a prize. Scammers use excitement and urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly, often stealing money or sensitive data in the process. To protect yourself, hang up immediately if someone calls claiming you’ve won a prize you didn’t enter to win. Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to claim […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are exploiting news about the Iran conflict to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. These fraudsters may pose as charities, government agencies, or even relatives in distress, using emotional appeals or urgent messages to pressure victims into donating or providing sensitive data. Some scams also spread misinformation through social media or fake news sites to lure people into clicking malicious links. To stay safe, the FTC advises verifying any organization before donating or responding to requests for help. Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited messages and never […]