Lesley Fair Senior Attorney Federal Trade Commission

For The Consumer

LAW ENFORCEMENT BUSINESS GUIDANCE CONSUMER EDUCATION PROTECTING AMERICA’S CONSUMERS

WHAT THE FTC HAS LEARNED ABOUT OLDER CONSUMERS  We’re savvy – and skeptical.  We’re NOT more likely to be victims of fraud, but when we are, the consequences can be devastating.  We’re online – but we use the Internet differently.  We seek out information from trusted sources.

 ID THEFT: Safeguarding personal information from ID thieves  FRAUD PREVENTION: Helping consumers spot, stop, and report fraud  CREDIT & DEBT: Empowering people to manage their finances in tough times  BOGUS CURES: Educating consumers about the telltale signs of snake oil REFRIGERATOR ISSUES

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST ID THEFT  Protect your personal info. Always ask “Why do you need that information and what are you planning to do with it?”  Know when bills arrive. Read them carefully.  Exercise your legal right to a free credit report at (Watch out for companies that charge!)  Stay safe online with updated virus, spyware protection, and “strong” passwords.

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST FRAUD  Are you on the National Do Not Call Registry?  Spread the word about money transfer scams.  Contribute to national charities or local groups you know. Be on guard against “sound-alikes.”  Sorry, but you didn’t win the Canadian Lottery or the Irish Sweepstakes – especially if you didn’t enter.

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST FINANCIAL FLIM-FLAMS  Friends facing foreclosure? There’s real help available free of charge. Don’t do business with anyone who wants money upfront.  Report abusive debt collectors at  Thinking of a reverse mortgage? Investigate your options before making a decision.

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST HEALTH FRAUD  Be smart and be skeptical. Real breakthroughs are announced on the front page – not in an or a flyer stapled to a telephone pole.  Just because a product is advertised on TV – or endorsed by a celebrity – doesn’t mean it’s been proven to work.  Just because a product is advertised as “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe and effective.  Just because something calls itself “insurance” doesn’t mean it is.

USING FTC MATERIALS  FTC materials are FREE – no copyright!  Hand copies out at Senior Centers.  Make materials available at your place of worship.  Work with schools, soccer leagues, scouts, etc.  Active in a union, fraternal group, business association, homeowners or tenants group? Explain why this would be a great public service.  Link on web pages and blogs.  Leave a stack in the waiting room at your doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic.