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Free Publications for Consumers and Businesses About Email Scams, the Internet Frauds, Identity Theft and
How to Report
Frauds
Now you can get free, useful consumer information in the form of guides, fact
sheets, and how-to's from the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
This information is direct from the FTC's website! Just scroll down the page
(unless you want
information to protect your business, then see this page,
Publications and information
for Businesses)
Popular Free Publications:
Adult Content and Gambling
Auctions Scams on eBay, Craig's List, etc.
-
Auction Guides: Not So Hot Properties [PDF] - Warns about ads for auction guides that promise vehicles for as
little as $500 or foreclosed homes from $5,000, with no money down.
How to avoid shelling out your hard-earned dollars for fraudulently
marketed auction guides. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
Automobiles and Truck buying
-
Auto Service Contracts [PDF] - Explains the differences between service contracts and warranties.
Discusses key terms: cost, coverage, claims, and buyer responsibilities.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Buying A New Car [PDF] - Discusses pricing terms, financing options, trade-ins, and service
contracts. Includes a worksheet to help the buyer when purchasing a car.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Buying a Used Car [PDF]
[en
español] - Discusses pricing terms, financing options, warranties, trade-ins, and
service contracts. 8.5"x11", 20 pages, color.
-
Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines [PDF] - Helps consumers determine whether a car dealer’s special offer provides
real savings. 8.5”x 11”, 2 pages.
-
Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative
Vehicle Fuels [PDF] - Explains the labels consumers see on alternative fueled vehicles and
alternative fuel dispensers, and suggests several factors consumers should
consider as they investigate their options. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
Financing, Leasing, or Renting
-
Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines [PDF] - Helps consumers determine whether a car dealer's special offer provides
real savings. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
- Keys
to Vehicle Leasing] - Explains the differences between leasing and buying a car. Sample leasing
form explains information required on a lease agreement, as well as buyer
rights and responsibilities. 4"x9", 6 pages, color.
-
Renting A Car [PDF] - Outlines points to consider and questions to ask when you rent a car.
Explains key terms: collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance,
personal effects coverage, and fees such as mileage fees and airport
surcharges. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Understanding Vehicle Financing [PDF]
[en
español] - Get the facts on dealership financing - what it is, how you apply,
special financing offers, cash back and rebates you may be eligible for, and
more. 8.5"x11", 10 pages, color.
-
Vehicle Repossession: Understanding the Rules of the Road [PDF] - Discusses your creditor's rights in seizing and reselling your car for
nonpayment, and explains deficiency - the difference between what you owe on
your loan and what your creditor gets for reselling your car. 8.5"x11", 4
pages.
-
Look Before You Lease [PDF]
- Renting A Car: What Everyone Should Know [PDF] - The Federal Trade Commission urges parents and kids to talk about the
risks involved in using social networking sites and offer tips for using
them safely.
Auto and Truck Maintenance
-
Auto Service Contracts [PDF] - Explains the differences between service contracts and warranties.
Discusses key terms: cost, coverage, claims, and buyer responsibilities.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative
Vehicle Fuels [PDF] - Explains the labels consumers see on alternative fueled vehicles and
alternative fuel dispensers, and suggests several factors consumers should
consider as they investigate their options. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Gas Saving Products: Fact or Fuelishness [PDF] - Cautions consumers about gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil
and gas additives. Offers practical steps you can take to increase gas
mileage. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline [PDF] - Explains octane levels for gas, that premium octane isn't always
necessary and advises consumers to check their owner's manual. 8.5"x 11", 2
pages.
-
Taking the Scare Out of Auto Repair [PDF] - Explains how your vehicle works, how to identify common car problems, how
to select a good technician, and the kinds of questions to ask. Explains
your rights. 4"x9", 20 pages, color.
-
Gas-Saving Products: Proceed with Caution [PDF]
-
Good, Better, Best: How to Improve Gas Mileage [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Saving Money at the Gas Pump: A Bumper-to-Bumper Guide [PDF]
-
The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith [PDF]
Franchise Business Scams
-
Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide [PDF] - Explains to consumers how to shop for a franchise opportunity,
including what questions to ask before they invest. Describes
potential benefits — such as brand recognition, training, and
support — but also the costs, obligations, and risks that a
franchisee may face. 8.5"x11", 18 pages, color.
-
Could Biz Opp Offers Be Out for Your Coffers? [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains the importance of getting pre-investment information in
writing, and researching other aspects of the business' performance
by interviewing other people who have bought into the program.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Franchise and Business Opportunities [en
español] - Explains the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise and Business
Opportunity Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Medical Billing Opportunities: Worth a Second Opinion [PDF]
[en
español]
- Medical billing opportunity promoters often misrepresent earnings
potential and don't provide key, pre-investment information required
by law. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Net Based Business Opportunities: Are Some Flop-portunities? [PDF] - Cautions consumers about web-based business opportunities that
promise more than they can possibly deliver, and what you can do to
protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Answering the Knock of a Business 'Opp' [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Buying a Janitorial Services Franchise: Making a Clean Sweep [PDF]
-
Lotions and Potions: The Bottom Line About Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF]
-
The Bottom Line About Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF]
-
The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed [PDF]
-
Guidance Documents: Franchise and Business Opportunities
- Includes reports, rules and acts, compliance information, and
workshops.
Identity Theft
-
Deter, Detect, Defend: Avoid IDTheft [PDF]
[en
español] - Tri-fold brochure with tips for consumers on how to deter, detect,
and defend against identity theft. 4"x9", 2 pages, color.
-
Extra! Extra! Count on Scammers and Schemers to Follow the News [PDF] - Warns consumers that scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue
Service or the Social Security Administration may call or send emails
saying they need personal or financial information to deposit a tax
rebate check directly. The scammers then use that information to commit
identity theft.
- How To Plan and Host Protect Your Identity Days
Kit [PDF] - A comprehensive toolkit to help organizations combat identity theft by
raising awareness and educating people by hosting a Protect Your
Identity Day. The kit includes information and sample materials on a
CD-ROM and videos on a DVD. 5.125”x11”, 28 pages, color.
- Instructions for Completing the IDTheft Affidavit
[PDF]
[en
español] - This form helps you report an identity theft to your creditors.
8.5"x11", 7 pages, color.
-
IDTheft Consumer Education Kit [en
español] - Folder/Kit includes everything you need to educate your community about
how to deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. DVD of 10
minute video, CD with resources, How-To Guide, publication samples.
9"x12", color. Maximum order of 10 copies.
-
Fighting Back
Against Identity Theft - This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of
identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect,
and defend against identity theft.
-
Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud [PDF]
[en
español] - Steps to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card
numbers, and how to report losses and fraud. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
-
Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What To Do If They're Lost or Stolen [PDF]
[en
español] - Outlines procedures for reporting loss or theft, and how to minimize
your risk. 8.5"x11", 4 pages. color.
-
File Segregation: New ID Is a Bad IDea [PDF] - You're promised a chance to hide unfavorable credit information by
establishing a new credit identity. The problem: "File segregation" is
illegal. If you use it, you could face fines or even a prison sentence.
8.5"x11", 4 pages, color.
-
Identity Crisis... What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen [PDF]
[en
español] - Advice on dealing with identity theft. 8.5"x11", 8 pages, color.
- ID Theft Data Clearinghouse Fact Sheet [PDF]
[en
español]
-
ID Theft: What It's All About [PDF] - The FTC's primer on identity theft. Includes how to minimize the risk of
identity theft and basics on what to do if you are a victim. 4"x9", 36
pages, color.
-
Military Personnel & Families Fighting Back Against Identity Theft [PDF] - Brochure with tips for military personnel and their families on how to
deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. 4"x9", 8 panels,
color.
-
Pretexting: Your Personal Information Revealed [PDF] - Pretexting is when someone tries to get your personal information
under false pretenses, to sell it, steal your assets or identity, or get
credit in your name. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Remedying the Effects of Identity Theft [PDF]
[en
español] - Summarizes your rights as a victim of identity theft. 8.5"x11", 2
pages.
-
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft [PDF]
[en
español] - The FTC's comprehensive guide for victims of identity theft. Includes
the ID Theft Affidavit. 8.5"x11", 52 pages, color.
-
To Buy or Not To Buy: Identity Theft Spawns New Products and Services To
Help Minimize Risk [PDF]
- Publication to help consumers evaluate whether they should initiate
fraud alerts or credit freezes or invest in identity theft products and
services such as credit monitoring that are for sale. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Your Access to Free Credit Reports [PDF]
[en
español] - Learn how to order a free copy of your credit report from each of the
nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and
TransUnion — once every 12 months.
-
Active Duty Alerts Help Protect Military Personnel from IDT [PDF]
-
The Download on Disposing of Your Old Computer [PDF]
-
FTC Cautions Consumers about Voter Registration Scams [PDF]
-
Hurricane Recovery: Identity Protection
-
Hoax Targets Elderly African Americans [PDF]
-
Vets: Delete Unsolicited Offers by Email; Don't Disclose Personal
Information to Unsolicited Callers [PDF]
-
What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised [PDF]
-
Fight Back Against Identity Theft [PDF] - While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a victim of ID
theft, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. The Federal Trade
Commission encourages consumers to Deter, Detect and Defend to help cut down
on identity theft.
Investment Scams
-
Buying a Janitorial Services Franchise [PDF] - Explains how these franchises work, problems that may arise, and
requirements under the FTC Franchise Rule. 3.75"x8.5", 20 pages,
color.
-
Day Trading Ads: Cutting Through the 'Bull' [PDF] - Cautions consumers about ads for some day trading systems or
advisory services that make investing look like a virtual bonanza.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Invention Promotion Firms [PDF] - Urges consumers to use caution when it comes to determining market
potential for their inventions. Tips to avoid falling for the
sweet-sounding promises of a fraudulent promotion firm. 8.5"x11", 4
pages.
-
Investment Risks [PDF] - Cautions consumers about ventures that are touted as sure-fire
money-makers. Explains approaches used by investment scam artists to
take your money. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF] - Explains how MLM plans and illegal pyramiding works. Offers tips to
help you decide whether to join a MLM plan. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
-
Seminar Pitch: A Real Curve Ball [PDF] - Warns consumers about solicitations and infomercials promoting
seminars and conferences that promise to help consumers make a lot
of money. Tips to avoid getting hit by the seminar pitch. 8.5"x11",
4 pages.
-
Test Your Investment IQ [PDF] - Ten questions - and answers - to help you tell whether an investment
opportunity is solid or risky. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Investing in Rare Coins
-
Lights, Camera, Rip-Off: How to Tell When a Scam Is Born [PDF]
-
The Lowdown on Chain Letters [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Spotting Sweet-Sounding Promises of Fraudulent Invention Promotion Firms
[PDF]
-
Taxpayers With IRAs: FYI The IRS Does Not Approve IRA Investments [PDF]
- Don’t Let Deception Steal Your Invention [PDF] - Urges consumers to use caution when it comes to determining market
potential for their inventions. Tips to avoid falling for the sweet-sounding
promises of a fraudulent promotion firm.
Lottery Scams
Malware and viruses
-
Dot Con [PDF]
-
Warns consumers that con artists have gone high-tech, using the Internet to
defraud consumers. Lists the top 10 dot cons facing consumers who surf the
Internet, as well as many of the fraudsters behind them. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers [PDF] - Booklet for consumers on how to buy and sell products and services on
Internet auctions safely and securely. 3.75"x 8.5", 32 pages, color.
-
Minimizing the Effects of Malware on Your Computer [PDF] - Urges consumers to protect their computers against malware and
offers tips on how to reclaim their computer and electronic
information if malware is already on their computer. 8.5 x 11, 4
pages.
-
Net Based Business Opportunities: Are Some Flop-portunities? [PDF] - Cautions consumers about web-based business opportunities that
promise more than they can possibly deliver, and what you can do to
protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- OnGuard
Online: Stop. Think. Click. [PDF]
[en español] - Tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud,
secure their computers, and protect their personal information.
4"x9", 16 pages, color.
-
Site-Seeing on the Internet
- Provides basic information for parents to discuss with their kids
about using the Internet. Includes information on privacy, online
shopping, chat rooms, and other online subjects. 6"x9", 8 pages,
color.
-
Bank Failures, Mergers and Takeovers: A “Phish-erman’s Special” [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Check Overpayment Scams: Seller Beware [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Cost of "Free" Adult Content Adds Up [PDF]
-
"Free Security Scan" Could Cost Time and Money [PDF]
-
How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Trapped in the Tangled Web: Web Scheme Diverts Consumers from Their Intended
Sites [PDF]
-
Stop.Think.Click: 7 Practices for Safer Computing [PDF]
- OnGuard Online Bookmark [PDF] - Provides tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud,
secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 2.5"x7", 2
pages, color.
- OnGuard Online Poster [PDF] - Provides tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud,
secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 2.5"x7", 2
pages, color.
Shopping Online
-
A Consumer's Guide to E-Payments [PDF]
-
Describes online payment technologies, and how to make your transactions
secure.
-
Check 21: Substitute Checks, Electronic Processing, and What It Means To You
[PDF] - Explains how your paper checks can be replaced with copies called
"substitute checks" or other electronic items. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Cooling Off Rule [PDF] - Explains your three-business-day right to cancel purchases of $25 or
more that are made in your home or at a location that is not the
seller's permanent place of business. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Electronic Check Conversion [PDF] - Explains how electronic check conversion works. Offers tips on
keeping close tabs on your accounts. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers [PDF]
[en
español] - Booklet for consumers on how to buy and sell products and services on
Internet auctions safely and securely. 3.75"x 8.5", 32 pages, color.
-
10 Tips for Smart Holiday Shopping Online [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Being Frank about Search Engine Rank [PDF]
-
Check Overpayment Scams: Seller Beware [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Going, Going, Gone: Using Wire Transfers for Internet Auction Purchases Can
Be Risky [PDF]
-
Going Shopping? Go Global! A Guide for E-Consumers [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Online Auctions: Bidders Be Wary [PDF]
-
Problems With Holiday Purchases?
[PDF]
- Supplement: Stop-Think-Click: 7 Practices for Safer
Computing [PDF]
Social Networks and Online Gaming
Spam
Telemarketing and Phone Scams
-
Advance-Fee Loan Scams: ‘Easy’ Cash Offers Teach Hard Lessons [PDF]
[en
español] - Provides tips on how to spot a scam and avoid losing your money. Rule
number one: Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely
to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad
credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
-
Automatic Debit Scams [PDF] - Cautions consumers not to give out checking account information, or any
other personal information, over the phone unless they're familiar with the
company and agree to pay for something. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
-
900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers [PDF] - Explains your rights under the 900 Number Rule, and that before making a
900 number call, you need to know how much the call will cost, what you will
get for your money, and what will happen if you have a billing dispute.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Charitable Donations: Give or Take? [PDF]
[en
español] - Offers tips to help make sure the money you contribute will support a
worthwhile cause. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Ditch the Pitch: Hanging Up on Telephone Hucksters [PDF] - Lists some of the newest fraudulent telemarketing pitches and how to
respond. Outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. 8.5"x11",
4 pages.
-
Fraud: Recognize It. Report It. Stop It. [PDF] - Highlights the latest trends and sophisticated techniques used by scam
artists to steal your money, offers tips to help protect yourself, and
explains what to do and where to complain if you're victimized. 4"x9", 8
pages, color.
-
Hang Up on Cross-Border Phone Fraud [PDF] - Provides information on the kinds of telemarketing fraud calls that come
from boiler rooms across the border. 4"x9", 24 pages.
-
Magazine Subscription Scams [PDF] - Lists common sales techniques used by unscrupulous sellers, offers tips
to help you avoid a scam, and outlines your rights under the Telemarketing
Sales Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Ojo! Be On the Alert Against Fraud [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Putting Telephone Scams on Hold [PDF] - Explains how telemarketing scams work, how older people become victims,
and how to protect yourself. Also outlines your rights under the
Telemarketing Sales Rule. 4"x9", 12 pages, color.
-
Solving Consumer Problems [PDF] - Simple strategies for resolving a problem you may have with a product or
service. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Straight Talk About Telemarketing [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains how telemarketing scams work, offers tips to protect yourself,
and outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. Explains how to
reduce unwanted calls. 8.5"x11", 6 pages, color.
-
Telemarketing Travel Fraud [PDF] - Warns consumers about "bargain" vacations offers, gives examples of
fraudulent sales pitches, and explains how to investigate a travel package
before you buy. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Who's Calling? Recognize & Report Phone Fraud [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains how to recognize and report phone fraud and encourages consumers
to register their number in the National Do Not Call Registry. Trifold
brochure 3.67"x8.5", six panels, color.
-
You Make the Call: The FTC's New Telemarketing Sales Rule [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains how the National Do Not Call Registry makes it easier and more
efficient for consumers to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing sales
calls they get, and how to register. 8.5"x11", 4 pages, color.
-
A Scam
Based on Relative-ity: Would-Be Grandchildren Bilking Honest Grandparents
[PDF]
-
Border-Line Scams Are The Real Thing [PDF]
-
Free Grants: Don't Take Them For Grant-ed [PDF]
-
FTC Cautions Consumers about Voter Registration Scams [PDF]
-
"I'm from the Government…": Sweepstakes Scams Feature Con Artists
Impersonating Government Officials [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Medicare Part D Solicitations: Words to the Wise About Fraud [PDF]
-
Putting Cold Calls On Ice [PDF]
-
Scammers Exploit the FTC’s Good Name, Promise Phony Sweepstakes Prizes
[PDF]
-
Travel Tips: How to Gear Up for a Great Trip [PDF]
[en
español]
-
When to Ditch the Cold Call Pitch [PDF]
Telephones - Unauthorized Charges
-
Automatic Debit Scams [PDF] - Cautions consumers not to give out checking account information, or any
other personal information, over the phone unless they're familiar with
the company and agree to pay for something. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
-
Cramming: Mystery Phone Charges [PDF] - Discusses how unexplained charges can appear on your phone bill for
services you never ordered, authorized, received, or used, and what to
do if it happens to you. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
International Telephone Number Scams [PDF] - Urges consumers to be cautious when calling an unfamiliar telephone
number - it could be a costly international telephone call. Tips to
protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Magazine Subscription Scams [PDF] - Lists common sales techniques used by unscrupulous sellers, offers
tips to help you avoid a scam, and outlines your rights under the
Telemarketing Sales Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Toll Free Telephone Number Scams [PDF] - Explains the rules for companies who charge for calls to 800 or 888
numbers, and gives tips on lowering your risk of unauthorized charges.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Who's Calling? Recognize & Report Phone Fraud [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains how to recognize and report phone fraud and encourages
consumers to register their number in the National Do Not Call
Registry. Trifold brochure 3.67"x8.5", six panels, color.
Telephone Services
-
900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers [PDF] - Explains your rights under the 900 Number Rule, and that before
making a 900 number call, you need to know how much the call will
cost, what you will get for your money, and what will happen if you
have a billing dispute. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Buying Time: The Facts About Pre-Paid Phone Cards [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains how pre-paid calling cards work. Lists common consumer
complaints, and how to avoid them. How to buy telephone time and
value. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Ditch the Pitch: Hanging Up on Telephone Hucksters [PDF] - Lists some of the newest fraudulent telemarketing pitches and how to
respond. Outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Shopping for Broadband: Satisfying Your Need for Speed [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains how broadband works and the types of broadband that are
available. Offers shopping tips and questions to ask providers. 8.5"x11", 4
pages.
-
VoIP: It’s A Phone, It’s a Computer, It’s ... [PDF]
[en
español] - Informs consumers of the benefits and risks associated with receiving
their telephone service via Voice over Internet Protocol. 8.5"x11", 4
pages.
-
Long Distance Deals [PDF]
-
Radiation Shields: Do They 'Cell' Consumers Short? [PDF]
[en
español]
-
The 411 on Disposing of Your Old Cell Phone [PDF]
[en
español]
Weight Loss Scams
-
Health Spas: Exercise Your Rights [PDF]
-
Although most consumers who join health clubs are pleased with their
choices, others are not. To avoid the problems of high-pressure sales
tactics, misrepresentation of facilities and services, broken promises about
cancellations and refunds, here are some suggestions from experts at the
Federal Trade Commission. Tips to help you shop for a gym membership.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Indoor Tanning [PDF] - Cautions consumers about the risks associated with using indoor
tanning devices, and how to protect yourself. Highlights claims
commonly made about indoor tanning - and the facts. 8.5"x11", 4
pages.
-
Pump Fiction: Tips for Buying Exercise Equipment [PDF] - Helps consumers carefully evaluate advertising claims for exercise
products, as well as questions to ask to find the right equipment for
them. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Setting Goals for Weight Loss [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains that successful weight loss and healthy weight management depend
on sensible goals and expectations, and how to determine your weight/health
profile. Lists resources for more help. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Test Your Supplement Savvy [PDF] - A short quiz to find out how much you know about using dietary
supplements safely. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads [PDF]
[en
español] - Helps consumers evaluate claims for weight loss products by outlining
several typical false claims. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Weight Loss: Finding a Weight Loss Program that
Works for You [PDF] - Gives information to help the consumer evaluate weight loss products
and services, including important questions to ask. 8.5"x11", 12 pages,
color.
-
Avoiding the Muscle Hustle: Tips for Buying Exercise Equipment [PDF]
[en
español]
- Amazing Claims Bookmark [PDF]
[en
español] - Promotional item. The facts about effective weight loss. 2.5"x9",
2-sided, color.
Work at Home / Work from Home Scams
-
Costly Coupon Scams [PDF] - Cautions the public about fraudulent promoters who claim consumers
can earn big money clipping coupons, or selling "coupon certificate
booklets." 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Medical Billing Opportunities: Worth a Second Opinion [PDF]
[en
español] - Medical billing opportunity promoters often misrepresent earnings
potential and don't provde key, pre-investment information required
by law. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF] - Explains how MLM plans and illegal pyramiding works. Offers tips to
help you decide whether to join a MLM plan. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
-
Net Based Business Opportunities: Are Some Flop-portunities? [PDF] - Cautions consumers about web-based business opportunities that
promise more than they can possibly deliver, and what you can do to
protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Read Up! How to be an Informed Consumer [PDF]
[en
español] - A comprehensive, bilingual guide for Hispanic consumers with
information on managing personal finances, major purchases and
investments, consumer rights, and identity theft. 7"x10", 44 pages,
color.
- Read Up and Reach Out: A Guide to Consumer Education and
Outreach [PDF]
[en
español] - Mailer with CD for organizations with tips on how to conduct
consumer education in the community and create partnerships.
Includes calendar with suggested topics to speak about. Accompanies
Read Up consumer guide. 7"x10", 6 pages, color.
-
Seminar Pitch: A Real Curve Ball [PDF] - Warns consumers about solicitations and infomercials promoting
seminars and conferences that promise to help consumers make a lot
of money. Tips to avoid getting hit by the seminar pitch. 8.5"x11",
4 pages.
-
Work At Home Schemes [PDF]
[en
español] - Advises consumers interested in work-at-home opportunities
(including medical billing, envelope stuffing , and craft or
assembly work) to research these offers carefully. 8.5"x11", 4
pages.
-
Take This Scheme and Stuff It: Avoiding Envelope-Stuffing Rip-Offs [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Business Opportunity e-card
Your Rights and Laws to Protect Consumers
-
66 Ways to Save Money [PDF] - Lists ways to save money on a range of consumer purchases, including
housing, transportation, and insurance. 4”x9”, 12, pages, color.
All That Glitters... How to Buy Jewelry [PDF]
[en
español] - Information to help you get the best quality jewelry for your money,
whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store by
catalog or online. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Billed for Merchandise You Never Received? Here's What To Do [PDF] - Explains your rights and steps to take to correct the problem.
Includes a sample dispute letter. 8.5"x11", 4 pages, color.
-
Check 21: Substitute Checks, Electronic Processing, and What It Means To You
[PDF] - Explains how your paper checks can be replaced with copies called
"substitute checks" or other electronic items. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Considering a Private Residential Treatment Program for a Troubled Teen?
Questions for Parents and Guardians to Ask [PDF] - Have a troubled teen? Think you’ve exhausted intervention
alternatives? Considering a private residential treatment program?
Questions to ask representatives of programs you may be considering.
8.5"x11", 4 pages
-
Cooling Off Rule [PDF] - Explains your three-business-day right to cancel purchases of $25 or
more that are made in your home or at a location that is not the
seller's permanent place of business. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Costly Coupon Scams [PDF] - Cautions the public about fraudulent promoters who claim consumers
can earn big money clipping coupons, or selling "coupon certificate
booklets." 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Electronic Check Conversion [PDF] - Explains how electronic check conversion works. Offers tips on
keeping close tabs on your accounts. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
How to Right a Wrong [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains your rights when it comes to mail and telephone
order shopping, unordered merchandise, and door-to-door sales. Also tells
you how to write an effective complaint letter, and lists some resources for
additional help. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Making Sure the Scanned Price Is Right [PDF] - Advises consumers how to avoid being overcharged for scanning
errors. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Ojo! Be On the Alert Against Fraud [PDF]
[en
español]
-
Paying Final Respects: Your Rights When Buying Funeral Goods and Services
[PDF]
[en
español] - An abbreviated version of "Funerals: A Consumer Guide." Explains the
Funeral Rule in brief. 8.5"x11", 6 pages.
-
Personal Emergency Response Systems [PDF] - Explains how a PERS works; lists purchasing, renting, and leasing
options; offers questions to ask the response center; and includes a
shopping checklist. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Prenotification Negative Option Plans [PDF] - Explains how negative option plans work and your rights under
Federal Trade Commission's Negative Option Rule. Lists factors a
buyer should consider before subscribing to a plan. 8.5"x11", 4
pages.
-
Resolving Consumer Disputes: Mediation and Arbitration [PDF] - Explains the alternative dispute resolution process for consumers.
8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Shopping by Phone or Mail [PDF] - Explains the FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Rule and the Fair Credit
Billing Act, how to resolve problems with purchases, and how to reduce
direct marketing solicitations. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Solving Consumer Problems [PDF] - Simple strategies for resolving a problem you may have with a product or
service. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Taking the Scare Out of Auto Repair [PDF] - Explains how your vehicle works, how to identify common car
problems, how to select a good technician, and the kinds of
questions to ask. Explains your rights. 4"x9", 20 pages, color.
- The Real Deal: Playing the Buying Game [PDF] - Provides tips and activities for kids on how to spend wisely, shop
smart, and separate fantasy from reality. 8.5"x11", 12 pages, color.
-
Trial Offers: The Deal is in the Details [PDF]
[en
español] - Explains how conditional trial offers work, and what "No Risks or
Obligations" really means. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Unordered Merchandise [PDF] - Offers questions and answers about dealing with unordered
merchandise, including demands for payment. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
-
Warranties [PDF] - Explains that federal law requires that warranties be available for you
to read before you buy, even when you're shopping by catalog or on the
Internet. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
-
Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads [PDF]
[en
español] - Helps consumers evaluate claims for weight loss products by
outlining several typical false claims. 8.5”x11”, 2 pages.
Consumer Alerts
Promotional Items
- Real Deal Book Cover [PDF] - Promotional item for young consumers. Covers standard size
text book. 28"x12", 1 page, color.
Articles You can reprint these articles in your
newsletter, magazine or website.
- Is A Sale Price Your Best Deal? [PDF] - With consumers soon to be blanketed by pre-holiday sales, holiday sales
and post-holiday sales, the trick is to make sure the deal you're
getting is really the best deal. To help you get the most for you money,
the Federal Trade Commission offers these tips.
- Television Is Going Digital: Get The Picture
[PDF] [en
español] - If you get your programming on an analog television through a
rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears,” you will have to take action to
keep your TV sets working after February 17, 2009. If you decide to
connect your analog TV to a converter box that will get digital
reception, you need to know about a special program from the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration. To learn
more, visit www.dtv2009.gov.
- Tips for Buying and Using Gift Cards [PDF] - What to look for when buying and using gift cards, especially
the terms and conditions of their use.
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