Consumer Alerts

When facing financial stress, offers promising quick debt relief can be tempting—but many of these offers are scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), dishonest companies often claim they can eliminate or reduce debt for an upfront fee, only to disappear once payment is made. These scammers may use official-sounding names or pressure tactics to gain trust, leaving consumers in worse financial shape. Legitimate debt relief programs never guarantee results or demand payment before providing help. To protect yourself, be cautious of any company that asks for payment before settling debts or instructs you to stop communicating with your […]

Scammers are contacting individuals claiming they are owed “unclaimed funds” or money from government agencies, but these calls are often fraudulent. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), legitimate agencies will never call, text, or email unexpectedly to request personal information or payment to release funds. These scams often pressure victims to act quickly or pay a fee to claim nonexistent money, putting personal and financial information at risk. If contacted about unclaimed funds, it’s important to stay calm and verify the legitimacy of the claim before taking any action. Never share Social Security numbers, bank details, or other sensitive […]

Cybercriminals are using increasingly advanced methods to target consumers through phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent social media messages. These scams often appear to come from legitimate businesses or trusted contacts, making them difficult to spot. Once personal or financial information is shared, it can be used to access bank accounts, steal identities, or make unauthorized purchases. Staying informed and cautious is the first line of defense against these evolving threats. To reduce the risk of falling victim to online fraud, it’s important to verify the authenticity of messages before clicking links or sharing information. Look for signs such as misspelled web addresses, […]

Have you noticed unusual party invitations appearing in your email inbox? These messages might not be genuine and could pose a serious risk to your personal information. Recently, community members have shared concerns about suspicious emails that look like birthday or party invitations. These emails often seem to come from trusted sources, such as friends or family, but are actually part of a scheme intended to steal email and banking credentials. Typically, the recipient is prompted to click a link to “open” the invitation. After clicking, the page requests the user’s email address and password. When the information is submitted, […]

Scammers are increasingly impersonating banks, government agencies, and well-known companies to convince people their money is in danger. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these fraudsters often call unexpectedly, claiming that accounts have been compromised or that funds must be moved to a “safe” location. They may use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate and pressure victims to act quickly, often requesting personal information, wire transfers, or gift card payments. These calls are designed to create panic and trick individuals into handing over their money or sensitive data. The FTC advises never to trust unsolicited calls about financial or account issues. […]

As children spend more time online for learning, entertainment, and socializing, it’s essential to help them understand how to protect their personal information and stay safe. The MVSB Financial Learning Center emphasizes that kids should never share private details such as their full name, address, school, or passwords with anyone online. Encouraging open communication about internet use and setting clear boundaries can help prevent exposure to scams, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. Parents and guardians can take proactive steps to create a safer online environment. Monitoring online activity, using parental controls, and discussing the importance of privacy can help children make responsible choices. […]

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information—such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information—without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. According to the American Bankers Association (ABA), identity thieves often gain access through data breaches, phishing scams, stolen mail, or by exploiting weak passwords. Once they have this information, they can open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or even file false tax returns in the victim’s name Protecting personal information is the best defense against identity theft. Consumers should regularly monitor financial accounts, review credit reports, and use strong, unique passwords for online […]

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s recent alert, Scammers are increasingly using text messages to trick consumers into sharing personal or financial information by posing as legitimate lenders. These messages often promise quick approval, low interest rates, or guaranteed loans, and may include links to fake websites designed to steal sensitive data. Once a victim clicks the link or provides information, scammers can use it to access bank accounts, commit identity theft, or demand upfront “processing fees” that never lead to a real loan. To protect against these scams, it’s important to recognize the warning signs. Legitimate lenders will never ask […]

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is an annual campaign dedicated to helping individuals understand their consumer rights and make informed financial decisions. The FTC emphasizes that staying alert to scams, protecting personal information, and recognizing deceptive business practices are key to preventing fraud and financial loss. NCPW brings together government agencies, consumer organizations, and businesses to share resources that empower people to spot, stop, and report scams. Consumers can take simple steps to protect themselves year-round. Staying informed about common scams—such as phishing emails, fake investment opportunities, and identity theft—can prevent costly mistakes. Reviewing […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers to be cautious of scams targeting those trying to fix or improve their credit. According to the FTC, fraudulent “credit repair” companies often promise to remove accurate negative information or create a new credit identity for a fee—claims that are both misleading and illegal. Scammers may also ask for payment upfront before providing any services, which is a violation of federal law. Consumers should be wary of any company that guarantees quick fixes or instructs them to dispute accurate information on their credit report. The FTC advises individuals to take control of their credit by […]