Scammers See Opportunity in Open Enrollment Season
Open enrollment season for health care plans is becoming open season on consumers as spoofers and robocallers pose as insurers and try to pedal bogus plans.
11/23/18
Avoid the Temptation of Smishing Scams
"Smishing" is a mashup of SMS - for short message service - and phishing. These types of deceptive text messages are used to bait you into clicking a link or making a call. Learn how to avoid getting hooked.
11/09/18
FCC Rules for Political Robocalls and Robotexts Explained
Did you get an increase in calls and/or texts from - or about - political campaigns this election season? You're not alone. Learn more about FCC rules for political robocalls calls and robotexts.
10/26/18
Scam 'Charities' Will Take Your Money and Run
News images of destruction caused by natural disasters may inspire you to give what you can when calls from charities reach you. As you do your part, though, take care to ensure your money is really going to a worthy cause.
10/10/18
Beware New Medicare Card Scams
A decision earlier this year by Medicare to stop using its beneficiaries' Social Security numbers as account numbers has not gone unnoticed by scammers.
9/28/18
Skip This IRS October Surprise
With the Oct. 15 filing deadline approaching for taxpayers who sought extensions last April, recent news reports indicate a spike in calls from scammers claiming to be with the IRS.
9/27/18
Finding Charities to Believe In
Scammers count on Americans' good will after natural disasters. If you get a cold call asking for a donation, check the charity's legitimacy before offering your credit card number.
9/20/18
Veterans Targeted in Benefits Scams
Veterans who receive calls or messages claiming to be from "veterans services" should have their guard up. Scammers are attempting to steal personal and financial info using caller ID spoofing.
9/18/18
Back-to-School Scams Test College Students
As college students across the country settle in for the fall semester, they may find themselves prime targets for scammers seeking to capitalize on the busy academic season.
8/28/18
Protecting Military Families from Imposter Scams
In honor of Military Consumer Month, the FCC is helping raise awareness of scams in which bad actors use robocall and caller ID spoofing to target U.S. servicemen and women and their families.
7/16/18
The FCC received numerous consumer complaints about scammers trying to steal money or personal information by posing as Chinese consulate employees. The callers speak Chinese and have been targeting areas with large Chinese American populations.
6/6/18
Broadband improves lives for people of all ages, from connecting far-flung family members and friends to providing easy online access to a virtual world of goods and services. The FCC provides information about how - and why - you can Get Connected.
5/23/18
Grandparents often have a difficult time saying no to their grandchildren, and con artists know it. Be on alert for scam callers impersonating family members in crisis.
5/22/18
Because phone scams can be multi-lingual, the FCC offers translations of its consumer guides with tips for dealing with different types of scams. Guides are available in Spanish as well as the four Asian and Pacific Islander languages most commonly spoken in the U.S.
5/11/18
As if to show they hold nothing sacred, bad actors have recently used the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) in an attempt to scam consumers in the New York metropolitan area using spoofed caller ID.
5/1/18
If a call sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of callers spoofing phone numbers to impersonate government agents. These scammers are after your money or personal information.
4/25/18
The FCC and FTC co-hosted an Expo for consumers on April 23 in Washington. Exhibitors showcased technologies, devices and applications to minimize or eliminate illegal robocalls.
4/16/18
Scammers - often using caller ID spoofing - are impersonating law officers and threatening unwary consumers with fines or jail unless they immediately make payment for "missing jury duty."
4/12/18
The FCC and FTC co-hosted a Joint Policy Forum highlighting the actions the agencies and others have taken to fight the scourge of illegal robocalls.
- Watch Video of the Event (3/23/18)
3/23/18
Don't be fooled by a spoofed number that appears to be from the IRS. Watch out for this perennial phone scam, which is especially prevalent during tax season.
3/9/18
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Patrick Webre discusses illegal robocalls, Caller ID spoofing, bill cramming and more.
- Video: CGB Chief Webre on Top Consumer Issues
- Video: Chairman Pai Kicks Off NCPW 2018
- Consumer Alert: 'Neighbor Spoofing' Scam Calls
3/8/18
WEA is a public safety system that allows customers to receive messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area.
2/1/18
Telecommunications tips and other helpful resources to use during and after a natural disaster emergency.
1/4/18
What should you do to prepare for a natural disaster emergency? The FCC and FEMA have tips that can help.
- FCC/FEMA Tips for Communicating During an Emergency
- Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands Updates | Post-Storm Scams
12/7/17
The FCC and FTC hosted a free webinar to share tips for consumers this holiday season.
- Video: Watch the Webinar | FCC Consumer Advisory
- Video: Chairman Pai - Avoiding Robocalls and Spoofing
12/4/17
Scammers are always looking for new victims and, unfortunately, natural disasters leave people at their most vulnerable.
10/4/17
You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. If you're suspicious about a call, don't respond to any requests for personal information and hang up.
9/16/17