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Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.  **The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. - [Español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/) - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Read Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) - [Visit ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) Menu  ## CFG: Main Menu Mega - Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items ## Shopping and Donating Make smart shopping decisions, know your rights, and solve problems when you shop or donate to charity. [View Shopping and Donating](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Shopping](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/shopping) - [For the Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/for-the-home) - [Health](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/health) - [Funerals](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/funerals) - [Buying and Owning a Car](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/buying-and-owning-car) - [Donating to Charity](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/donating-charity) ## Consumer Alerts ### [How to make your World Cup experience scam free](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-make-your-world-cup-experience-scam-free) March 17, 2026 BCP Staff Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the United States, Mexico, and Canada get ready to welcome thousands of fans for one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet — the FIFA World Cup! While die-hard fans are preparing to support their countrymen, scammers are looking to take advantage of the rush for tickets. Learn how to make your World Cup experience scam free. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items ## Credit, Loans, and Debt Learn about getting and using credit, borrowing money, and managing debt. [View Credit, Loans, and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Credit and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/credit-and-debt) - [Loans and Mortgages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/loans-and-mortgages) ## Consumer Alerts ### [Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam) April 2, 2026 BCP Staff Life happens and sometimes you end up with trouble paying your mortgage. Maybe you were affected by a natural disaster, lost your job, or got stuck with a bunch of medical bills after an illness. Then, suddenly, you get an unexpected call offering you mortgage relief. But could it be a scam? [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items ## Jobs and Making Money What to know when you're looking for a job or more education, or considering a money-making opportunity or investment. [View Jobs and Making Money](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/money-making-opportunities-and-investments) - [Jobs](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs) - [Education and Training](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/education-and-training) ## Consumer Alerts ### [Protecting franchisees: The FTC’s case against Xponential Fitness](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/protecting-franchisees-ftcs-case-against-xponential-fitness) March 18, 2026 BCP Staff If you’re thinking about opening a franchise, you’re probably looking for things like name recognition, training, and support to help you grow your business. What you’re probably not looking for is for a franchisor to mislead you about the risks and costs of opening a franchise. That’s exactly what the FTC alleges Xponential Fitness, one of the world’s largest franchisors of boutique fitness studios, did to prospective franchisees. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items ## Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts What to do about unwanted calls, emails, and text messages that can be annoying, might be illegal, and are probably scams. [View Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Unwanted Calls](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-calls) - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail) ## Consumer Alerts ### [That text about a traffic violation is probably a scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/text-about-traffic-violation-probably-scam) April 14, 2026 BCP Staff Did you get a text with a picture of what looks like an official notice of a traffic hearing? You’re not alone. The FTC has seen a spike in reports about this text scam in the last month. It’s just the latest story of how scammers are trying to separate people from their money. Here’s how this scam works — and how to avoid it. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items ## Identity Theft and Online Security How to protect your personal information and privacy, stay safe online, and help your kids do the same. [View Identity Theft and Online Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Identity Theft](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft) - [Online Privacy and Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security) - [Protecting Kids Online](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online) ## Consumer Alerts ### [That text about a traffic violation is probably a scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/text-about-traffic-violation-probably-scam) April 14, 2026 BCP Staff Did you get a text with a picture of what looks like an official notice of a traffic hearing? You’re not alone. The FTC has seen a spike in reports about this text scam in the last month. It’s just the latest story of how scammers are trying to separate people from their money. Here’s how this scam works — and how to avoid it. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - [Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams) - [Search](https://consumer.ftc.gov/search) Show/hide Search menu items - [Español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/) - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Read Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) - [Visit ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) ## CFG: Main Navigation - [Shopping and Donating](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-donating) Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items - [Shopping](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/shopping) - [For the Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/for-the-home) - [Health](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/health) - [Funerals](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/funerals) - [Buying and Owning a Car](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/buying-and-owning-car) - [Donating to Charity](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/donating-charity) - [Credit, Loans, and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-debt) Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items - [Credit and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/credit-and-debt) - [Loans and Mortgages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/loans-and-mortgages) - [Jobs and Making Money](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-making-money) Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/money-making-opportunities-and-investments) - [Jobs](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs) - [Education and Training](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/education-and-training) - [Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-texts) Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items - [Unwanted Calls](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-calls) - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail) - [Identity Theft and Online Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-online-security) Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items - [Identity Theft](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft) - [Online Privacy and Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security) - [Protecting Kids Online](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online) - [Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams) Show/hide Scams menu items - [Gift Card Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/gift-card-scams) - [Government and Business Impersonators](https://consumer.ftc.gov/government-business-impersonators) - [Phone Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/phone-scams) - [Romance Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/romance-scams) - [Scams Against Immigrants](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-immigrants) - [Scams Against Older Adults](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-older-adults) - [Scams Against Small Businesses](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-small-businesses) - [Wire Transfer Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/wire-transfer-scams) # Recognize an FTC Impersonator The FTC will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to “protect it,” or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. That’s a scam. [Learn more](https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams "Learn more") ## Take action - [Report fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Report identity theft](https://www.identitytheft.gov/) - [Get your free credit report](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports) - [Get consumer alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8 "Stay Connected") ## The Latest in Consumer Advice ## Articles Credit, Loans, and Debt Article ### [How To Get Out of Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-get-out-debt) December 9, 2025 If you’re worried about how to get out of debt, here are some things to know — and how to find legitimate help. Identity Theft and Online Security Article ### [How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams) September 26, 2025 Tech support scammers try to scare you into believing there’s a problem with your computer. They tell lies to get your financial information or remote access to your computer. Their goal is to steal your money, or worse, steal your identity. Shopping and Donating Article ### [What To Know Before Donating To Help First Responders, Active Duty Military, Veterans, and Their Families](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-donating-help-first-responders-active-duty-military-veterans-and-their-families) September 25, 2025 Do you get asked to donate to your local first responders, like firefighters or police officers? Or see appeals asking you to help veterans? [All articles](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles) ## Consumer Alerts Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Consumer Alert ### [That text about a traffic violation is probably a scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/text-about-traffic-violation-probably-scam) BCP Staff April 14, 2026 Did you get a text with a picture of what looks like an official notice of a traffic hearing? You’re not alone. The FTC has seen a spike in reports about this text scam in the last month. It’s just the latest story of how scammers are trying to separate people from their money. Here’s how this scam works — and how to avoid it. Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Consumer Alert ### [Got a text about expiring reward points? Look closer](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/got-text-about-expiring-reward-points-look-closer) BCP Staff April 7, 2026 If you’re signed up for a rewards program, you may have gotten texts warning that your points are expiring soon. A message like that may catch your attention, but people are reporting to the FTC that some of those messages aren’t real — and come from scammers. So how can you tell which messages are real and which are phishing scams? Credit, Loans, and Debt Consumer Alert ### [Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam) BCP Staff April 2, 2026 Life happens and sometimes you end up with trouble paying your mortgage. Maybe you were affected by a natural disaster, lost your job, or got stuck with a bunch of medical bills after an illness. Then, suddenly, you get an unexpected call offering you mortgage relief. But could it be a scam? [All consumer alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [](https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/how-report-fraud-reportfraudftcgov) [How to Report Fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/how-report-fraud-reportfraudftcgov) ## Get consumer alerts More from the FTC  ### Report to help fight fraud\! Protect your community by reporting fraud, scams, and bad business practices. [Report fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/)  ### Pass It On The truth is that sharing what you know can help protect someone who you know from a scam. [Share Now](https://staging.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0030-pass-it) More Tips and Advice [](https://militaryconsumer.gov/) ### [For Military and Veterans](https://militaryconsumer.gov/) Defend yourself against fraud and stay financially secure with tools and resources for service members, veterans, and families. [](https://www.consumer.gov/) ### [Consumer.gov](https://www.consumer.gov/) Consumer protection basics... plain and simple. 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## Take action - [Report fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Report identity theft](https://www.identitytheft.gov/) - [Get your free credit report](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports) - [Get consumer alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8 "Stay Connected") The Latest in Consumer Advice Articles Credit, Loans, and Debt Article [How To Get Out of Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-get-out-debt) December 9, 2025 If you’re worried about how to get out of debt, here are some things to know — and how to find legitimate help. Identity Theft and Online Security Article [How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams) September 26, 2025 Tech support scammers try to scare you into believing there’s a problem with your computer. They tell lies to get your financial information or remote access to your computer. Their goal is to steal your money, or worse, steal your identity. Shopping and Donating Article [What To Know Before Donating To Help First Responders, Active Duty Military, Veterans, and Their Families](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-donating-help-first-responders-active-duty-military-veterans-and-their-families) September 25, 2025 Do you get asked to donate to your local first responders, like firefighters or police officers? Or see appeals asking you to help veterans? [All articles](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles) Consumer Alerts Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Consumer Alert [That text about a traffic violation is probably a scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/text-about-traffic-violation-probably-scam) BCP Staff April 14, 2026 Did you get a text with a picture of what looks like an official notice of a traffic hearing? You’re not alone. The FTC has seen a spike in reports about this text scam in the last month. It’s just the latest story of how scammers are trying to separate people from their money. Here’s how this scam works — and how to avoid it. Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Consumer Alert [Got a text about expiring reward points? Look closer](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/got-text-about-expiring-reward-points-look-closer) BCP Staff April 7, 2026 If you’re signed up for a rewards program, you may have gotten texts warning that your points are expiring soon. A message like that may catch your attention, but people are reporting to the FTC that some of those messages aren’t real — and come from scammers. So how can you tell which messages are real and which are phishing scams? Credit, Loans, and Debt Consumer Alert [Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam) BCP Staff April 2, 2026 Life happens and sometimes you end up with trouble paying your mortgage. Maybe you were affected by a natural disaster, lost your job, or got stuck with a bunch of medical bills after an illness. Then, suddenly, you get an unexpected call offering you mortgage relief. But could it be a scam? [All consumer alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [](https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/how-report-fraud-reportfraudftcgov) [How to Report Fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/how-report-fraud-reportfraudftcgov) ## Get consumer alerts More from the FTC  Report to help fight fraud\! Protect your community by reporting fraud, scams, and bad business practices. [Report fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/)  Pass It On The truth is that sharing what you know can help protect someone who you know from a scam. [Share Now](https://staging.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0030-pass-it) More Tips and Advice [](https://militaryconsumer.gov/) [For Military and Veterans](https://militaryconsumer.gov/) Defend yourself against fraud and stay financially secure with tools and resources for service members, veterans, and families. [](https://www.consumer.gov/) [Consumer.gov](https://www.consumer.gov/) Consumer protection basics... plain and simple. [](https://www.bulkorder.ftc.gov/) [Order Free Resources](https://www.bulkorder.ftc.gov/) Order free publications for consumers and businesses. [Return to top](https://consumer.ftc.gov/#top)