New FTC Web Site Helps Consumers Cope With Tough Economic Times

3/31/2009 FTC Press Release:

Provides Advice on Debt, Employment, and Avoiding Scams

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has a new Web site at ftc.gov/MoneyMatters for people dealing with debt; struggling to find a job; or trying to create a budget, save, and spend wisely during these difficult times.

Money Matters offers short, practical tips, videos, and links to reliable resources for more information on topics like credit repair, debt collection, job-hunting and jobs scams, vehicle repossession, managing mortgage payments, and foreclosure rescue scams.

To learn more, go to www.ftc.gov/MoneyMatters.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

(FYI money matters)

Cyber-Scams on the Uptick in Downturn

From the Federal Citizen’s Information Center:

Experts and law-enforcement officials who track Internet crime say scams have intensified in the past six months, as fraudsters take advantage of economic confusion and anxiety to target both consumers and businesses. Thieves are sending out phony emails and putting up fake Web sites pretending to be banks, mortgage-service providers or even government agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Cellphones and Internet-based phone services have also been used to seek out victims.

Click here to read the full story at the Wall Street Journal