These are all resources provided by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s largest consumer protection agency, to help protect against fraud and detect deception.
1. Report a Rip-Off
www.FTCcomplaintassistant.gov | 877-FTC-HELP
Does this actually resolve the complaint? Not necessarily. This just reports the activity to a database that is used by several law enforcement agencies across the country. If they see a pattern of abuse, or abuses that are extreme they will begin investigation which could lead to eventual resolution of the matter.
2. No More Phone Calls
www.DONotCall.gov | 888-382-1222
Once you place your phone number on this list, you will be put on a list of number not to call. Make sure to do it for all of your phone numbers.
3. Information about Credit
www.ftc.gov/credit |1-877-FTC-HELP
Information about consumer protection laws that are related to credit, loans and mortgages.
4. Get a free copy of your credit report
www.annualcreditreport.com | 1-877-322-8228
Do not go to any of those other sites that promise free credit reports, they may have subscription fees that you are unaware of. Make sure to get the free version of the report because it still asks you to choose between the free version and other upgrade features.
5. Report ID Theft
www.ftc.gov/idtheft |1-877-ID-THEFT
If you suspect identity theft, check out the resources available on this page and make sure you communicate with authorities, your creditors, and banks as soon as you can.
6. Stay safe online
Provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.