INSANE: The federal trade commission | Vintage Vibes

8 Government Refunds and Payments You Should Never Have to Pay a Fee to Receive

“You have money waiting, but there’s a small processing fee before we can release it.” That sentence should immediately make you suspicious when someone claims...

Saving Advice · Sep 23

That Used Car Online May Not Exist — Scammers Are Cloning Real Dealership Websites

That used car listing may look like it belongs to a legitimate dealership because scammers can copy the dealership itself. The Federal Trade Commission recently warned that criminals are cloning real dealer websites, including logos, vehicle listings, photos, and even customer testimonials.

Clever Dude · Sep 23

The “Safe Account” Call: Banks Never Ask You to Move Money — and Wire Losses Are Rarely Refunded

The caller ID shows your bank’s name, and the person on the phone already seems to know something about your account. There’s supposedly suspicious activity...

Saving Advice · Sep 22

Extra Grocery Delivery Can Cost More Than Receipt Shows — The FTC Is Looking at Why

Ordering $80 worth of groceries online doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay $80 plus a simple delivery charge. Service fees, higher online item prices, small-order charges, subscriptions and other costs can make grocery delivery considerably more expensive than shoppers initially expect.

Grocery Coupon Guide · Sep 14

The FTC Shut Down a Credit Repair Operation Accused of Taking Nearly $200 Million — Here’s the Red Flag to Know

A credit repair company can sound like the financial equivalent of a fresh coat of paint: pay a fee, fix the ugly spots, and suddenly everything looks better. But the Federal Trade Commission recently took action against Credit Glory, a network of related companies that the agency accuses of using…

Everybody Loves Your Money · Sep 14

AI firms must be punished for ‘dangerous products’, says former regulator

Existing laws could see Anthropic, OpenAI and others face punishment for rogue systems

The Independent UK · Sep 14

Would You Let Your Child Add Whatever They Want to Your Online Shopping Cart?

Hand your child your phone and tell them, “Put whatever you want in the cart.”

Kids Ain't Cheap · Sep 11

Fake Car Dealership Websites Are Taking Buyers’ Money — Here’s How to Spot One Before You Pay

A car can look like the deal of the century on a computer screen, right up until the buyer sends money and discovers the dealership never existed. Scammers now create convincing dealership websites that copy real businesses, complete with vehicle photos, logos, listings, testimonials, and polished sales pages. The Federal…

Clever Dude · Sep 11

The FTC Is Paying Millions Back to Consumers—Could Some of It Be Yours?

The Federal Trade Commission is sending money back to consumers in cases involving everything from deceptive credit repair services to rental fees and unwanted purchases. Some payments arrive automatically, meaning a check or electronic deposit could show up even if you have not recently filed a claim. Other FTC refunds…

Budget and the Bees · Sep 9

Got a Letter Promising to Lower Your Mortgage Payment? The FTC Says Homeowners Are Being Targeted

A letter promising a lower mortgage payment can look awfully tempting, especially when it arrives with your name, property information, and a very specific offer printed neatly on official-looking stationery. The Federal Trade Commission recently warned homeowners about a mortgage relief operation that allegedly mailed letters nationwide promising lower mortgage…

Everybody Loves Your Money · Sep 6