FAQs
How do I know this FTC payment or claim form is legit?
- The FTC currently sends payments by check, prepaid debit card, PayPal, and Zelle.
- A payment or claim form sent as part of an FTC settlement will include an explanation and details about the case.
The purpose of FTC warning letters is to warn companies that their conduct is likely unlawful and that they can face serious legal consequences, such as a federal lawsuit, if they do not immediately stop.
How do you report your concerns to the Federal Trade Commission FTC if you suspect you are victim of identity theft? ›
Consumers can report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov, the federal government's one-stop resource to help people report and recover from identity theft. The site provides step-by-step advice and helpful resources like easy-to-print checklists and sample letters.
Will the FTC text you? ›
FTC Impersonation Scams
Or they might pretend they're the “Refund Department,” say they have money for you, and ask for your bank account number. These are all scams. The real FTC will never contact you and ask for money or information like your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number.
How to verify an FTC employee? ›
Verify Federal Trade Commission Employees
Truework allows you to complete employee, employment and income verifications faster. The process is simple and automated, and most employees are verified within 24 hours.
Do federal agents contact you by phone? ›
Be advised, federal agencies do not call or e-mail individuals threatening arrest or demanding money. Scammers often spoof caller ID information, and these phone calls are fraudulent even if they appear to be coming from an agency's legitimate phone number. Recipients should hang up immediately and report the call.
What is an example of a FTC warning letter? ›
After reviewing your website, we are concerned that your use of the environmental certification “______________” fails to conform to the Green Guides and therefore may be deceptive, in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act. FTC staff has not determined whether your environmental claims violate the law.
Can the FTC put you in jail? ›
That means that, while we can't put people in jail, many of our partners can and do, including the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys, and other federal, state, and local criminal law enforcers. When FTC cases include behavior that also violates criminal laws, we let criminal prosecutors know.
Is the FTC sending out checks? ›
Generally, to be eligible for an additional payment, the consumer must have cashed their previous payment. In addition, the FTC sometimes imposes a minimum check amount that excludes some consumers who otherwise would have been eligible. In general, the FTC does not mail checks of less than $10.
What are signs that your identity has been stolen? ›
Beware of these warning signs:
- Bills for items you did not buy.
- Debt collection calls for accounts you did not open.
- Information on your credit report for accounts you did not open.
- Denials of loan applications.
- Mail stops coming to or is missing from your mailbox.
As soon as you think you see a scam, talk with someone, and then tell the FTC. Go to ftc.gov/complaint to file your report.
Does complaining to FTC do anything? ›
The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by: collecting complaints and conducting investigations. suing companies and people that break the law. developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace.
Can a scammer get your info if you text back? ›
In short, no. You can't get hacked by simply answering your phone. However, you can fall prey to “vishing,” which is the verbal equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters call, impersonating bank officials, to create a sense of urgency in hopes of getting you to sign into your account.
Would a federal agent text you? ›
Unsolicited texts from supposed FBI agents are nearly always scams. The FBI does not initially contact people by text. Verify any suspicious texts before responding.
Why would the Federal Trade Commission be calling me? ›
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Are FTC refund checks real? ›
In 2023, FTC actions led to $324 million in refunds to consumers across the country. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize.
How do I know if my payment is real or fake? ›
Verify the Transaction ID
Each Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has a distinctive transaction ID. You must cross-check this transaction ID in your bank statement or UPI app to confirm the legitimacy of a payment. The payment is presumably deceptive if the transaction ID is missing or does not match.
How do I check the status of my FTC claim? ›
How can I check the status of my request? If you submitted your request through the FTC's Public Access Link, or PAL, click here. Or you could email us at [email protected] .
How do you know if a contract is real or fake? ›
It is normally obvious when a person has entered a contract; there was an intention to make an agreement (for example to buy something, or to have service is carried out,), formal paperwork was produced and signed or stamped by each party, and the terms of the agreement are clearly set out in that contract.
