Businesses and Consumers

Small Business Assistance and Information

Consumer Protection

Consumers are often a target of fraudulent and deceptive practices. Constituents can learn how to protect themselves by viewing information that helps them spot, stop, and avoid them.

  • Identity Theft
    • Constituents should be vigilant to protect themselves and their communities from the dangers caused by identity thieves. If you become a victim of ID theft, please contact our offices for personal assistance or visit the Federal Trade Commission identity theft website for advice on how to secure your personal data as well as what to do if your identity is stolen.
    • OnGuardOnline.gov 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. You can also view videos and play games to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of phishing, spam, spyware and other online scams. In addition, learn about spam e-mail.
  • Credit and Loans — Almost every day, you are involved in some type of financial transaction requiring an educated decision, whether you are shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, checking the accuracy of your credit report, dealing with debt collectors, or looking for ways to protect your personal financial information. Many companies that solicit new credit card accounts and insurance policies use prescreening to identify potential customers for the products they offer. Visit the Federal Trade Commissions' website to learn more about credit and loan information and how prescreening works and what happens when you opt out.
  • Scams — Stay a step ahead with the latest information and practical tips about scams from the nation’s consumer protection agency. Browse FTC scam alerts by topic or by most recent alert.
  • Cross-Border Fraud — Phony job opportunities, postal job scams, bogus work-at-home schemes, and fake charities are among the many types of mail fraud schemes used to prey on consumers. Cross-border fraud is a serious problem that has resulted in consumers in the U.S. and other countries to lose billions of dollars each year.
  • Information Security - Take the necessary steps to safeguard sensitive data in your files and on your computers so it does not fall into the wrong hands.
  • Investments — Get the facts from the FTC's investments page on how to invest wisely and avoid fraud. Be wary of swindlers and scam artists and review the SEC's Investor Alerts and Bulletins.
  • “Do Not Call” Registry — The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Learn more about the National Do Not Call Registry from the Federal Trade Commission.
  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) — Passed by Congress in October 1998, requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue and enforce rules concerning children's online privacy. Learn more about keeping your kids safe online. Learn more about how to make sure your business is COPPA compliant.

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