Consumer Issues

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• Going Shopping on the Internet?

  Going shopping on the Internet? Here are a few Quick Tips to keep in mind.

• Social Security Fraud

  Tips on how to avoid being scammed by fraudsters who falsely claim to be Social Security employees.

• Identity Theft

  These days, you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your identity. Help protect your identity, and learn where to turn if you've fallen victim to an identity thief, with these Quick Tips.

• Protect Your Business Against Fraud

  Each year, small businesses are targets of fraudulent or deceptive sales practices. Use these Quick Tips to help spot the scammers before your business falls victim.

• Phishing

  “Phishing" is the fraudulent attempt by individuals to obtain personally identifiable information from the public at large by sending millions of emails randomly to anyone with an email address. Learn how to avoid phishing scams with these Quick Tips.

• The Fake Check/Sweepstakes Scam

  An unsolicited and official-looking check arrives in your mailbox. Before you cash that check, learn more about this common scam with these Quick Tips.

• The “Grandparents” Scam

  Seniors are so often the targets of family emergency scams that they’ve earned the nickname, “the grandparents scam.” Before you send money, take a deep breath and do some quick checking to make sure you don’t fall victim.

• A Consumer Guide to Travel Scams

  By arming yourself with some basic knowledge about the travel industry, you can protect yourself from becoming the victim of a travel scam.

• The Imposter Scams

  A prerecorded phone call tells you that you that you owe tax money and will be arrested, prosecuted or face other legal action if you do not immediately send funds. Before you act, read these Quick Tips to avoid falling victim to this pervasive, nationwide scam.

• Mortgage Assistance Scams

  These scams usually begin with an offer that seems too good to be true but, in all scenarios, the homeowner ends up in a worse financial situation and often loses the home. Use these Quick Tips to learn how to avoid mortgage assistance scams.

• Mortgage Scam: Spanish-Speaking Homeowners Targeted

  A nationwide scam operating from the Dominican Republic, but pretending to be based out of Chicago, was calling Spanish-speaking distressed homeowners in the United States. Use these Quick Tips to learn about the scam and to avoid falling victim.

• National Charities Information Bureau

  The Alliance reports on nationally soliciting charitable organizations that are the subject of donor inquiries.

• Buying a Used Car?

  But before you buy a used car, read these Quick Tips and find out what protections are available to you under the law.

• Automobile Repair in Connecticut

  Learn about automobile repair, licensing and estimates in Connecticut with these Quick Tips.

• Public Interest Research Group

  U.S. PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated, or our natural environment is threatened, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, U.S. PIRG speaks up and takes action.