Fund Targets Victims Scammed Via Western Union

If you, a friend or loved one lost money in a scam involving Western Union, some or all of those funds may be recoverable thanks to a more than half-billion dollar program set up by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. In January 2017, Englewood, Colo.-based Western Union settled a case with the FT...

FTC providing partial refunds for Advanced Tech Support victims

Last month, the FTC announced the recovery of 10 million dollars from Advanced Tech Support, one of the most successful US-based tech support scammers ever. This money will be put towards partial refunds for victims of ATS who purchased products or services from them between April 2012 and Novemb...

FTC Releases Alerts on Protecting Against Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released two alerts to educate consumers on recommended protections against identity theft after the recent data breach at Equifax. Users should consider placing security freezes with the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Transunion, and Experian...

Potential Phishing Scams Related to Equifax Data Breach

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released an alert on phishing attacks related to the Equifax data breach. Phishing attacks try to trick message recipients into sharing sensitive information with cyber criminals. FTC warns consumers to be wary of calls or emails purporting to be from Equifax...

Hurricane-Related Scams

As the peak of the 2017 hurricane season approaches, US-CERT warns users to be watchful for various malicious cyber activity targeting both disaster victims and potential donors. Users should exercise caution when handling emails that relate to recent hurricanes, even if those emails appear to...

Beware of Hurricane Harvey Relief Scams

U.S. federal agencies are warning citizens anxious to donate money for those victimized by Hurricane Harvey to be especially wary of scam artists. In years past we've seen shameless fraudsters stand up fake charities and other bogus relief efforts in a bid to capitalize on public concern over an...

Complaint Alleges Hotspot Shield VPN Engages in Deceptive Trade Practices

A complaint has been filed with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission alleging that a free VPN service marketed as a provider of secure and anonymous internet access shares user data and redirects traffic to partners, including online advertising companies. The Center for Democracy and Technology CDT...

FTC Releases Alert on Government Grant Scams

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released an alert on government grant scams. In these schemes, scammers pose as government officials to get consumers to send them money. Anytime someone asks you to pay money to get money, stop and think twice. US-CERT encourages consumers to refer to the FTC...

Lawsuit Alleges Disney Illegally Tracks Children Via Apps

The Walt Disney Company is fighting allegations this week that its apps fail to safeguard children’s personal information. The move follows a class action lawsuit brought against the company and four others who produce the apps. According to the complaint .PDF, Amanda Rushing and her child filed...

The Segway miniPRO balance of the car vulnerability research-exploit warning-the black bar safety net

Segway miniPRO Electric balance car presence of a critical security vulnerability, a malicious attacker could exploit the vulnerability may completely control the balance of the car. IOActive latest study found that Segway miniPRO Electric balance of the car in the presence of a critical security...

Ashley Madison to Pay $11.2 Million to Data Breach Victims

Ashley Madison, an American most prominent dating website that helps people cheat on their spouses has been hacked, has agreed to an $11.2 Million settlement for roughly 37 million users whose personal details were exposed in a massive data breach two years ago. Though the parent company of Ashle...

FTC Releases Alert on Digital Security While Traveling

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released an alert on ensuring good digital security while traveling. Security recommendations include using caution while accessing free Wi-Fi hotspots, keeping all software updated, and using Virtual Private Networks VPNs. US-CERT encourages users to refer to...

FTC Releases Alert on Charity Scams

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released an alert on charity scams. Recent acts of fraud include solicitations from scammers requesting payment to claim a sweepstakes prize. Anytime someone asks you to pay to obtain a prize, it is a scam. US-CERT encourages consumers to refer to the FTC Aler...

Got Robocalled? Don’t Get Mad; Get Busy.

Several times a week my cell phone receives the telephonic equivalent of spam: A robocall. On each occasion the call seems to come from a local number, but when I answer there is that telltale pause followed by an automated voice pitching some product or service. So when I heard from a reader who...

FTC Releases Alert on Tech-Support Scams

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released an alert on technical-support scams. In these schemes, deceptive tech-support operations offer to fix problems that don't exist, placing calls or sending pop-ups to make people think their computers are infected with viruses. Users should not give...

FTC Recommends Steps to Protect Against Mobile Phone Theft

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released an alert about the theft of mobile phones and the best way to prepare for and recover from this kind of theft. Precautionary steps include regularly backing up the data on the phone, using strong passwords, and using two-factor authentication on any...

FTC Releases Alert on Fraudulent Emails

The Federal Trade Commission FTC has released an alert about scammers sending out fake emails that look authentic to trick you into sending money to them. Users should be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls or email messages from individuals asking about your information. If an unknown individu...

Industry Braces for Repeal of ISP Privacy Rules

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to overturn rules scheduled to go into effect later this year that would have banned internet service providers such as Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Verizon from tracking user online activities and reselling the data without consumers first...

US Senate Just Voted to Let ISPs Sell Your Web Browsing Data Without Permission

The ISPs can now sell certain sensitive data like your browsing history without permission, thanks to the US Senate. The US Senate on Wednesday voted, with 50 Republicans for it and 48 Democrats against, to roll back a set of broadband privacy regulations passed by the Federal Communication...

National Consumer Protection Week

March 5–11 is National Consumer Protection Week NCPW, an event to encourage people and businesses to learn more about avoiding scams and understanding consumer rights. During NCPW, the Federal Trade Commission FTC and its fellow agencies highlight free resources to help protect against consumer...