Are You A Safe Cyber Surfer?

October 2002

Every time you buy stuff online, do your banking or pay bills over the Internet, check in with your office by e-mail or just surf the Web for fun, you open a gateway to the personal information on your computer-including credit-card numbers, bank balances and more.

Is A Sale Price Your Best Deal?

October 2002

With consumers soon to be blanketed by pre-holiday sales, holiday sales and post-holiday sales, the trick is to make sure the deal you're getting is really the best deal. To help you get the most for you money, the Federal Trade Commission offers these tips.

Don't Let Scam Artists Make You A Lottery Loser

September 2002

A current ploy used by some criminals is to lure Americans into buying phony "low-risk" chances in supposed high-stakes foreign lotteries. Victims of these scams not only lose their money, but also risk violating federal law, which generally prohibits playing lotteries by phone or mail.

Federal and Postal Job Scams: Ads That Don't Add Up

September 2002

The ad in the "help wanted" section of his local newspaper looked like the opportunity of a lifetime: high-paying wildlife jobs with the federal government. The Delaware man called the toll-free telephone number listed to get more information about federal jobs being filled in his local area.

Tipping the Scales? Weight-Loss Ads Found Heavy on Deception

September 2002

A new report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finds that many weight-loss ads need some toning.

The review of 300 ads that ran during 2001 found that many made claims promising more than the product or service could likely deliver. The ads often boasted "miraculous" results - quick, easy and effective weight loss - while ignoring and often contradicting the basic tenets of successful weight loss and weight maintenance - calorie reduction and exercise. Many ads lacked scientific evidence to support their performance claims, instead using misleading consumer testimonials and expert endorsements and other deceptive techniques to bolster the credibility of their products.

Deposit Check, Forfeit Cash: The New Twist in Phony Prize Promotions

August 2002

Imagine getting a phone call announcing that you've won $125,000 in a Canadian sweepstakes. You're told that a cashier's check for $25,000 - the first installment on your winnings - is in the mail, but that you won't have to pay the fees and taxes on your prize until you've deposited the check in the bank.

Putting a Lid on Deceptive Spam

July 2002

When Joe Mastruserio of Cincinnati got fed up with "spam" email containing unsavory offers he did not want - like adult entertainment and pyramid schemes - he clicked on the "remove me" or "unsubscribe" links in the text of the email messages. Much to his dismay, those links often led nowhere. So Mastruserio did what more than 200,000 consumers did last year: He complained to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Can You Recognize a Business Opportunity Fraud?

June 2002

Every year, thousands of consumers across the nation fall prey to fraudulent business opportunity promoters, even though many potential entrepreneurs are diligent about meeting with the promoters, checking references and verifying the business' legal status before they pay any money. Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that fraudulent business opportunities consistently rank in the top 10 categories in the FTC's database of consumer fraud complaints.

Pre-Planning Funerals Helps Make Decisions Easier

May 2002

The increasing trend toward pre-need planning-when people make funeral arrangements in advance-suggests that many consumers want to compare prices and services so that ultimately, the funeral reflects a wise and well-informed purchasing decision, as well as a meaningful one.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers seven steps to help shop for funeral products and services pre-need.

Renting A Car: What Everyone Should Know

May 2002

Renting a car can be confusing and expensive if you don't understand industry terms and how fees are calculated. If you have a poor driving record, renting a car may be next to impossible.

Tips On Used Car Buying

May 2002

To help you stay on the road to safety and savings the next time you buy a used car, the Federal Trade Commission offers this advice.

Keys To Buying Gold And Gemstone Jewelry

April 2002

If you're planning a special gift of gold or gemstone jewelry for Mom, your wife or your sweetheart this Mother's Day, it can help to take some time to learn the terms used in the industry.

Medical Billing Opportunities: Not What the Doctor Ordered

April 2002

The classified ad looked like the perfect set-up for a Cloverdale, Ind., man: He could earn good money working at home so he could care for his three children and sick wife. He called a toll-free number and heard that for $377, he would get everything he needed to launch a lucrative work-at-home medical billing business, including the computer software program and the names of doctors who wanted the service.

Protecting Your Organization From Fraud

April 2002

It may pay for businesses and other organizations to answer the following question: Could we be the victims of an office supply scam? If a group doesn't have adequate purchasing controls, the answer is probably yes.

Chain Emails: Just Another Ploy or the Real McCoy?

Feb 2002

Few people escape them - chain letters. They used to circulate by regular mail, but these days, they're more likely to come via email or Internet chat rooms.

Health Spas: Exercise Your Rights

February 2002

Although most consumers who join health clubs are pleased with their choices, others are not. To avoid the problems of high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentation of facilities and services, broken promises about cancellations and refunds, here are some suggestions from experts at the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC's Proposal to Create a National "Do Not Call" Registry

Jan 2002

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is soliciting consumer comments on a proposal to amend the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). The FTC's proposal includes creating a national "do not call" registry. If the FTC decides to adopt the proposal and implement a national "do not call" registry, it will be months before it takes effect. The FTC enforces the TSR, which protects consumers from unwanted late-night telemarketing calls and prohibits deceptive sales calls. Under the FTC's proposal, it would be illegal for telemarketers to call consumers who place their phone number on the national registry.