Beware! Scammers target everyone, claiming urgent threats to your finances to scare you. They'll help only if you pay or give personal info. Don't panic—it's a trick! Hang up, and never share details. Verify claims directly with banks or authorities. Stay safe! 🚫☎️🔒 Learn more:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/how-handle-unexpected-calls-claim-your-money-risk #ConsumerAlert #StopScams #FraudPrevention
How to handle unexpected calls that claim your money is at risk
Your phone rings and what the caller says next sends you into a panic. They claim there’s fraud on your credit card, someone hacked your bank account, you owe a tax debt, or your benefits will end today. Your adrenaline is pumping, and your mind races a hundred miles an hour. They sense this—and they say they can help. Should you trust them? No.
Millions eligible for Amazon Prime refund—beware of email/postcard scams! 🕵️♀️ Only respond to official FTC communications. Don’t get fooled! 💸 Never share personal info. To file a claim, check the legit process. Protect yourself & stay informed:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/questions-about-your-amazon-prime-settlement-refund-read #ScamAlert #ConsumerProtection #AmazonPrimeRefund
Questions about your Amazon Prime settlement refund? Read on
If you’re one of the many millions of people eligible for a refund from the FTC’s settlement with Amazon, you might already have gotten a check for up to $51. If you got it and deposited or cashed it, you’re all set. You might also have gotten an email or postcard this month with instructions on how to submit a claim. But based on what we’re hearing from consumers, some people have questions about Amazon’s refund process and their eligibility, whether they need to file a claim, and how to do it. If that’s you, let’s get you to some answers.
🚨 Watch out! Post-storm utility scams target those without power. Scammers may pose as utility companies demanding payments. Stay safe: never give personal info or pay over the phone. Always verify with your utility company directly. Protect yourself and spread the word! 🌨️⚠️ More info:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/avoid-weather-related-utility-scams-after-recent-winter-storm #ScamAlert #UtilityScam #WinterStorm #ConsumerProtection
Avoid weather-related utility scams after the recent winter storm
It’s going to take time to recover from the winter storm that affected a large part of the country and left hundreds of thousands without power. You can be sure that, after a big storm like this one, utility and other scammers aren’t far behind.
Scam alert! 🎯 Workers, beware of fake boss emails/texts asking for gift cards. It's a scam! Protect yourself: always verify directly with your boss; never buy or send gift cards without confirmation. Spread the word and stay alert. 🤔🔍
#GiftCardScam #ConsumerAlert https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/no-thats-not-your-boss-asking-you-buy-gift-cards
No, that’s not your boss asking you to buy gift cards
While the gift-giving holidays are over, scammers still want gift card money. Some scammers might even reach out by pretending to be your boss and asking you to buy gift cards for them. But it’s a scam. Here’s how to spot and avoid it.
Small businesses, beware! Cybercriminals target all sizes, so protect your data! On Data Privacy Day, review your cybersecurity practices. Use FTC resources to bolster your defenses. Stay safe, safeguard your business and customers. Get started now! More info:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/data-privacy-day-and-every-day-protect-your-small-business #DataPrivacyDay #SmallBiz #Cybersecurity 🚨🔒
On Data Privacy Day (and every day): Protect your small business
Cybercriminals target companies big and small. Today is Data Privacy Day — a great opportunity to take a look at how you keep your business and customer data protected. Get started with the FTC’s updated resources at ftc.gov/cybersecurity.
👨👩👧👦 Parents, protect your kids online! With more activities moving to the web, ensure their safety by teaching privacy and smart online decisions. Join the FTC's Age Verification Workshop to see how technology can aid this effort. Equip yourself with free FTC tools and tips! Stay informed and keep your kids secure.
#OnlineSafety #AgeVerification #PrivacyProtection 👉
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/join-ftc-workshop-age-verification
Join the FTC for a workshop on age verification
With so many kids spending time online — gaming, texting, and connecting with friends — parents need tools to help kids make good decisions and stay safe. The FTC has free resources with practical advice to empower parents and caregivers to talk with kids about their privacy and safety online. And this week the FTC will host an Age Verification Workshop to explore whether technology can help.
Protect yourself from identity theft! 🛡️ Thieves can steal your info and commit fraud. Stay safe by monitoring your accounts and using strong passwords. Join FTC's Identity Theft Awareness Week for tips and advice on staying secure. Act now to safeguard your identity! 🔍
#IdentityTheft #StaySafe https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/identity-theft-awareness-week-starts-today
Identity Theft Awareness Week starts today
Identity theft is one of the most-reported problems to the FTC every year. So, chances are, it’s affected you or someone you know. That’s why the FTC and its partners dedicate a week to raising awareness and organizing events to help everyone protect and recover from identity theft.
Taxpayers: Beware of texts/emails about your "tax refund." 🚫 Scammers want your info to steal your refund. Don't click links or respond. Stay safe: verify with official IRS sources. 📞 Share this alert!
#TaxScam #ConsumerProtection 🍀 More info:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/text-or-email-about-your-tax-refund-scam
That text or email about your “tax refund” is a scam
Tax season is approaching, and if you’re getting a refund, scammers are looking to steal it before you’ve had a chance to claim it. So, before you respond to a text or email about a “tax refund” — especially one that asks you to click a link — know that this could be a scam designed to get your personal information and steal your tax refund.
Beware: Fake loan text scams target ALL! 🧐 You get a message about a $10,000 loan application you never made. Don't call back or reply! Instead, block & delete that text. Keep your info safe! 📵👀 Learn more:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/can-you-spot-fake-loan-text-scam #ScamAlert #ConsumerProtection #StaySafeCan you spot a fake loan text scam?
You get a text message, supposedly following up on a $10,000 loan application. Only, you never applied for a loan. Is this pure luck or a scam? Before you use the callback number in the message to find out, or even reply “NO” to cancel the application, learn to spot a fake loan text scam.
Anyone can be targeted by identity theft at any time! 🚨 Last year, over a million cases were reported. Protect yourself by learning to spot signs and act quickly. Check out resources and events during Identity Theft Awareness Week. Stay safe! 🔍💪 More info:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/identity-theft-awareness-week-find-tools-and-events-just-you #IdentityTheft #ConsumerProtection #StaySafe
This Identity Theft Awareness Week, find tools and events just for you
Identity theft can happen anytime, to anyone. In fact, last year, more than a million people reported identity theft to the FTC. So, being ready to spot identity theft — and deal with it if it happens — can make a big difference.
