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Before You Take that Call Beware of Telemarketing Scams

Before You Take that Call Beware of Telemarketing Scams

Although legitimate companies may use the telephone to advertise their products or services, consumers should be wary of some who call trying to obtain your financial or personal information for…

FTC Says Telemarketing Firm at it Again

Consumer News

FTC Says Telemarketing Firm at it Again

Agency seeks contempt order for repeat offender.

FTC Actions against Payment Processors

Consumer News

FTC Actions against Payment Processors

A review of lawsuits the FTC has filed against companies and individuals that process credit and debit card transactions.

Nepal Earthquake: Checking out Charities Before You Donate

Consumer News

Nepal Earthquake: Checking out Charities Before You Donate

Tips on how to protect yourself from a charity scam in the wake of the earthquake in Nepal.

Federal Laws Governing Ads

Consumer Basics

Federal Laws Governing Ads

There are many federal laws that regulate advertisements in some way or another.

FAQ

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FAQ

How do I report an ad? If you spot or believe that you are a victim of a false or deceptive ad, you can tell us about it here. Upon…

American Breast Cancer Foundation

Ad Alert

American Breast Cancer Foundation

The American Breast Cancer Foundation was recently named to a list of America’s worst charities by The Tampa Bay Times and the Center for Investigative Reporting. The charity solicits donations…

Don’t Get Spoofed When You Pick up the Phone

Consumer News

Don’t Get Spoofed When You Pick up the Phone

Telemarketers have picked up on the fact that many of us now use caller ID to screen calls. According to the law, telemarketers must display accurate information, but some scam…

Who Can You Complain to at the Federal Level?

Consumer Basics

Who Can You Complain to at the Federal Level?

A topic-by-topic list of federal agencies that deal with deceptive advertising.

Sterling Precious Metals

Ad Alert

Sterling Precious Metals

The FTC has banned Sterling Precious Metals from selling precious metals after the telemarketing company conned nearly $5 million from elderly consumers. Sterling Precious Metals allegedly promised customers they could…

Direct Marketing Association

Consumer Basics

Direct Marketing Association

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) is a trade group made up of all those pesky companies we have to thank for telemarketing, spam, and junk mail, among others. The group…

You Said Do Not Call but Some Telemarketers are Doing it Anyway

Consumer News

You Said Do Not Call but Some Telemarketers are Doing it Anyway

Americall was found to actually TRAIN its employees to ignore consumers’ requests to be placed on the company’s do not call list. How did the FTC know? Apparently, they put…

Unsolicited Checks & Credit Offers

Consumer News

Unsolicited Checks & Credit Offers

So you come home at 6:00 PM, and begin leafing through your mail. In an oddly-official-looking envelope from a company you’ve never heard of, you find a check for $250…

“Low Cost” Internet Access Can Really Add Up

Consumer News

“Low Cost” Internet Access Can Really Add Up

There are many considerations when it comes to choosing an Internet service provider – type (cable, dial-up, DSL, or satellite), speed, price, hardware needed, reliability, and level of support. When…

Fraudsters Finding New Ways to Target Immigrants

Consumer News

Fraudsters Finding New Ways to Target Immigrants

Consumer advocates warn of new scams.

Diploma Mills: Degrees of Deception

Consumer News

Diploma Mills: Degrees of Deception

Imagine earning a college or graduate degree without having to do any work. Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is. Though you may have seen or heard…

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