The Federal Trade Commission says that Florida is one of the highest-ranking states for debt collection calls. At least 31,000 Floridians have filed complaints about these calls that are persistent and sometimes even aggressive.

The newly formed Clay County STEM Alliance in Middleburg, Fla., has launched its first competitive robotics team, the 'Robo Runnerz,' under the FIRST Tech Challenge. Despite not having secured all necessary equipment, the student-led team, supported by adult mentors, will participate in a regional scrimmage to gain experience and foster skills like resilience and teamwork, while the Alliance seeks community support and sponsorship to overcome financial barriers to STEM education.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, about 2% of U.S. identity theft reports in 2025 so far have involved children under age 19.

The FTC says the gig working company “Arise Virtual Solutions” targeted people looking for work-from-home side hustles and promised pay of up to $18 an hour. In reality, the FTC says, the jobs paid far less.

Gen Z has digital savvy but lacks financial experience, which can make them a ripe target for scams.

An FTC rule to make it easier to cancel subscriptions is scrapped - for now. We look at how consumers can protect their money in the meantime.

A “click-to-cancel” rule, which would have made it easier for consumers to end unwanted subscriptions, has been blocked by a federal appeals court days before it was set to go into effect.

The agency says Panda Benefit Services tricked borrowers into paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal fees for fake student loan forgiveness.

Scammers keep up with the times and with a lot of job cuts in the headlines consumer advocates say job hunters need to protect themselves.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is introducing a new rule to address hidden fees in ticketing and vacation rental pricing, promising greater transparency for consumers.

A scheme that scammed millions of dollars out of consumers burdened with student loan debt has been stopped in its tracks, the Federal Trade Commission says.

The federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits.

While there are some government-funded solar programs for households that qualify, “going solar” isn’t free.

People report getting calls in bursts of anywhere from five to even 20 a day, all from different numbers, all with the same story. But there never was a loan application.

Missing jury duty can come with real consequences. You could face a fine, go to court, or even get arrested. Scammers take advantage of that to get your money or sensitive information. But their story is a lie.

A scam targeting college students is making the rounds, particularly preying on those starting new internships or on-campus jobs.

Most people can probably agree that there are few things more frustrating than airline delays or cancellations that leave you stranded at the airport.

When it comes to student loan forgiveness, scammers are targeting Spanish speakers with false promises of debt relief help.

The FTC and FDA are calling out five sellers of edible cannabis products using packaging that imitates foods popular with kids.

Did someone supposedly spot fraud or criminal activity on one of your accounts? Did they offer to help “protect” your money by moving it from your bank, investment, or retirement account? It's a scam, warned the FTC.

People are getting letters in the mail from a law firm saying that one of their clients has died and they’re looking for the heir. It's a scam, the FTC warns.

Before you spend money on that celebrity-endorsed premium cookware, weight loss product, or can’t-miss money-making opportunity, pause. Take a breath. Are you sure a celebrity or influencer is really endorsing that product or program?

Social media feeds are flooded with ads offering steep discounts on brand-name products, including luxury items. But are these offers real or a scam?

Remember to ignore “Hi how are you” text messages from strangers.

New data from the cybersecurity company McAfee predicted one in four people will fall victim to travel scams this summer.

If someone trusts you enough to admit to you that they've been scammed, especially if the scammer is still in touch with them, the FTC has some advice to help guide you.

Have you ever bought a video game, e-book, song, or movie to enjoy on one of your devices, whether it be a gaming console, tablet, or phone? If so, you might think that you’ll always have access to these things. But you might not — here’s why.

If you’re looking for a new job, getting paid to shop might sound like a dream. But while some mystery shopping jobs are legitimate, many aren’t. So how do you spot the scams?

If a new employer mails your first paycheck before you even start working, that’s your cue to stop -- it’s a scam.

That’s why the FTC wants to hear what happened if you recently tried to get a product repaired.

The News4JAX I-TEAM found out what Florida law requires to do after a breach and if you can hold them legally liable for negligence for not adequately protecting your data following a ransomware attack at Beaches Energy in Jacksonville Beach.

A new report from the Federal Trade Commission suggests grocery giants used inflation and supply chain disruptions during the pandemic to drive their profits and keep raising prices.

Scammers are impersonating well-known companies and scaring you into paying to fix computer problems that might not exist, the Federal Trade Commission warns.

When you’re planning a trip, you might be tempted to jump on an offer for a great deal. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes hide behind those offers.

More than 94 million Americans will use their phones to scan a QR code this year. However, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a new warning about these handy codes.

If the gift card you're about to buy isn't for a gift, put it down and walk away.

Scammers are targeting small business owners and we want to make sure you can spot the lies, so you don’t get ripped off.

The Federal Trade Commission's Data Book shows that people who reported scams to the FTC lost $10 billion in 2023, the highest losses ever reported to the agency.

Many online sellers guarantee that if you order now, they can deliver on or before Valentine’s Day.

The FTC wants to hear from you about the protections the agency is considering when it comes to what information websites can collect from children and how they use and share that information.

Scammers follow the seasons -- and that means with New Year's resolutions revving up, there are likely to be some fake "new year, new you" promotions, the Federal Trade Commission warns.

Scammers are impersonating real companies in ads on Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms. So, how do you navigate past the fakes without passing up the real bargains?

Unexpected life events, like a job loss or drop in income, may affect your ability to pay your bills, including car payments. The FTC has advice for what to do if you get behind on payments.

Here’s how to avoid charity scams and make sure your donation counts.

Since 2021, people have reported losing $2.7 billion to scams that started on social media — way more than with any other contact method, the FTC says.

The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is Federal Student Aid.

But now, some gift card companies are flagging fraudulent transactions and freezing stolen gift card money so that scammers can’t get it. And those gift card companies want to give that money back.

Apps like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle make it easy to send money fast to friends or family. But what happens when it’s a scammer on the other end?

Scammers aren't just targeting customers -- they've got their sights set on delivery drivers and restaurants, too.

With the phase out of a pandemic requirement to keep people enrolled in Medicaid, those who need Medicaid now have to re-enroll. If they’re not eligible for Medicaid, they need to find new insurance. And that means scammers will start targeting those people — including people with disabilities.

The FTC and FDA are sending cease and desist letters to sellers of edible Delta 8 products and telling them to stop marketing products that may entice young children.

Can you trust a company when it promises to keep your sensitive DNA data private? If you’re considering using a DNA testing service, here are some things the Federal Trade Commission says you should consider.

According to data from the FTC, people in their 20s reported losing money to fraud at a higher rate than people in their 70s.

Most unexpected emails saying to act quickly, click a link, or call a number are phishing scams.

Nearly 700 marketing companies are on the chopping block after the Federal Trade Commission issued a warning saying they will not hesitate to use their authority to target companies whose products don't match their claims.

After announcing a settlement in a case against American Vehicle Protection, the Federal Trade Commission offered consumers some important advice if they're receiving unwanted calls about extended auto warranties.

The Federal Trade Commission said it recently sent 24 cease and desist letters to eye doctors after getting reports they may have violated the Contact Lens Rule by ignoring important rights of patients.

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday announced a new claims process to return money to thousands of former AT&T customers as a result of a $60 million settlement with AT&T.

Following hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Federal Trade Commission is warning potential buyers of how to steer clear of a flood-damaged car.

Have you ever been unhappy with a service — like your phone or Internet — and tried to cancel it? But, when you tried, you found it difficult or nearly impossible?

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit that alleges the website “Credit Karma” deceived people by falsely claiming that they had been “pre-approved” or had “90% odds” of approval for credit cards or loans.

After President Biden announced his plan for student loan relief Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about potential scams.

The Federal Trade Commission wants to send a reminder about some rights related to credit and discrimination.

“I received a notification from my bank that said your Venmo transaction of $1,800 has been approved right after that. It said your Venmo of $2,000 has been approved 3,800 total.” Frasier recalls.

Scammers have been reaching out to people, pretending to be companies that offer at-home employment.

Consumers in 2021 reported losing about $770 million to fraud initiated on social media—about one-fourth of all reported fraud losses for the year and an 18-fold increase from 2017, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s latest Consumer Protection Data Spotlight.

The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down to make sure the online reviews you read before buying a product are true.

The Federal Trade Commission is demanding 25 companies stop promising you products that prevent or treat COVID-19.

No matter what anyone tells you, you can’t buy COVID-19 vaccines online and there’s no out-of-pocket cost to get the shots.

Did you get a bill for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, but you didn’t apply for one? It’s possible that an identity thief applied for the loan using your personal or business information. The SBA has new guidance about reporting the fraud, and the FTC has tips to help you clear up any credit problems it may cause. The SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance has been issuing the loans under its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Keep these invoices until the SBA has finished reviewing your identity theft report.

Think back, if you can, to the last time you tried to buy tickets online to go to a concert, a game, or a play. Ticket bots may also be a factor. They also might use bots to cheat the ticketing system and bypass ticket limits or to buy tickets using fake names and addresses. Congress passed the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act to address these problems. The Federal Trade Commission settled three cases with companies that violated the BOTS Act.

You might be one of the nine million people getting a letter from the IRS letting you know how to register on their website to claim your payment by Oct. 15, 2020. If you get this letter from the IRS, it’s legit. Go only to the IRS’s real website at IRS.gov/EIP or call them directly at 800-919-9835 to register to claim your payment. But if someone claiming to be from the IRS calls, emails or texts about helping you get your stimulus payment, that person is running a government imposter scam on you. And be sure to tell the FTC if someone pretending to be from the government contacts you.

Finding ways to lower those bills -- sometimes by simply calling your credit card company directly and asking for a lower rate -- can save you lots of cash. So what about those companies that call with a guaranteed credit card interest rate reduction offer (for a small fee) and a promise to save you thousands of dollars? Their goal, says the FTC, was to sell a bogus credit card interest rate reduction service. Heres how to protect yourself from this type of scam:The best way to get a lower credit card interest rate is to do it yourself for free. Did you spot a credit card interest rate reduction scam, or get a robocall?

People learn about the fraud when they get a notice from their state unemployment benefits office or their employer about their supposed application for benefits. Report the fraud to your state unemployment benefits agency. These include placing a free, one-year fraud alert on your credit, getting your free credit reports, and closing any fraudulent accounts opened in your name. These include placing a free, one-year fraud alert on your credit, getting your free credit reports, and closing any fraudulent accounts opened in your name. If you get benefits you never applied for, report it to your state unemployment agency and ask for instructions.

Hey college students: Even though you’re likely far from campus, scammers are still trying to find you, the Federal Trade Commission warns. Maybe you or your friends have gotten an email claiming to be from the “Financial Department” of your university. Don’t click on a link. Don’t click on a link. While some phishing emails look completely legit, bad grammar and spelling can be a tip-off to phishing.

Most legitimate shelters and rescue leagues post their adoption fees online and they wont ask you to pay additional unexpected fees. If you stick with a local organization, you may not have to pay until you pick up your new pet. Most legitimate shelters and rescue leagues post their adoption fees online and they wont ask you to pay additional unexpected fees. Then research the seller online. Then research the seller online.

Thats why the three national credit reporting agencies are giving people weekly access to monitor their credit report -- for free. Your credit report has information about your credit history and payment history -- information that lenders, creditors, and other businesses use when giving you loans or credit. Thats because everyone is eligible to get free weekly credit reports from the three national credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. The credit reporting agencies are making these reports free for the next year. Notify the credit reporting agencies directly.

People who had contact with someone infected with COVID-19 may first get a text message from the health department, telling them theyll get a call from a specific number. But scammers, pretending to be contact tracers and taking advantage of how the process works, are also sending text messages. Unlike a legitimate text message from a health department, which only wants to let you know theyll be calling, this message includes a link to click. There are several ways you can filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you. Your wireless provider may have a tool or service that lets you block text messages.

But, while you’re focused on getting a loan, scammers may be focused on you: hoping to trick you into giving them sensitive business information, like your bank account numbers, employees’ Social Security numbers, and even your money. Here are some “dos” and “don’ts” to help you stay clear of scammers as you apply for a small business loan. You don’t have to pay up front to get an SBA loan. The SBA won’t call unsolicited to find out information about you or your business, or to ask you to apply for a loan. It’s a The SBA won’t call unsolicited to find out information about you or your business, or to ask you to apply for a loan.

That’s why the FTC rolled out a fun, new way to help you spot scammers: scam bingo. The FTC wants you to share your bingo card on social media, so when you get a call from a scammer, you can recognize something sounds fishy and spread the word to help protect others in your community. And, when you have bingo, share it with the FTC on Facebook or Twitter, and with News4Jax. Even if you don’t play the game, the FTC asks you to report scams at ftc.gov/complaint. And remember, if you get a call or email offer that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The new coronavirus has infected more than 40,000 people globally and killed over 900. Now, the U.S. government is concerned about scammers who want to take advantage of fears surrounding the virus. According to the FTC, the emails and posts may contain fake information about cases in your neighborhood or they may ask you to donate to patients. Here are some tips to protect yourself:If you receive any suspicious emails, phone calls or text messages about the coronavirus, report them to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. As of Monday, according to the Office of Attorney General Ashley Moody, there have been no local coronavirus scams.

The Federal Trade Commission is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to help you guard against potential census scams. The ProcessIn mid-March 2020, the Census Bureau will start mailing out (and, in some areas, hand delivering) invitations to participate in the 2020 Census. Starting in May 2020, census takers will start visiting homes that haven’t responded to make sure everyone is counted. If you aren’t home or can’t come to the door, the census taker will come back up to six times. For the full list of questions on the 2020 Census, visit Questions Asked.