Popular Free Publications:

Adult Content and Gambling

• Cost of "Free" Adult Content Adds Up [PDF]
• Online Gambling and Kids: A Bad Bet [PDF]

Auctions Scams on eBay, Craig's List, etc.

• Auction Guides: Not So Hot Properties [PDF] - Warns about ads for auction guides that promise vehicles for as little as $500 or foreclosed homes from $5,000, with no money down. How to avoid shelling out your hard-earned dollars for fraudulently marketed auction guides. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.

Automobiles and Truck buying

• Auto Service Contracts [PDF] - Explains the differences between service contracts and warranties. Discusses key terms: cost, coverage, claims, and buyer responsibilities. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Buying A New Car [PDF] - Discusses pricing terms, financing options, trade-ins, and service contracts. Includes a worksheet to help the buyer when purchasing a car. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Buying a Used Car [PDF] [en español] - Discusses pricing terms, financing options, warranties, trade-ins, and service contracts. 8.5"x11", 20 pages, color.
• Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines [PDF] - Helps consumers determine whether a car dealer’s special offer provides real savings. 8.5”x 11”, 2 pages.
• Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels [PDF] - Explains the labels consumers see on alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuel dispensers, and suggests several factors consumers should consider as they investigate their options. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.

Financing, Leasing, or Renting

• Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines [PDF] - Helps consumers determine whether a car dealer's special offer provides real savings. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
• Keys to Vehicle Leasing] - Explains the differences between leasing and buying a car. Sample leasing form explains information required on a lease agreement, as well as buyer rights and responsibilities. 4"x9", 6 pages, color.
• Renting A Car [PDF] - Outlines points to consider and questions to ask when you rent a car. Explains key terms: collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, personal effects coverage, and fees such as mileage fees and airport surcharges. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Understanding Vehicle Financing [PDF] [en español] - Get the facts on dealership financing - what it is, how you apply, special financing offers, cash back and rebates you may be eligible for, and more. 8.5"x11", 10 pages, color.
• Vehicle Repossession: Understanding the Rules of the Road [PDF] - Discusses your creditor's rights in seizing and reselling your car for nonpayment, and explains deficiency - the difference between what you owe on your loan and what your creditor gets for reselling your car. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.

• Look Before You Lease [PDF]
• Renting A Car: What Everyone Should Know [PDF] - The Federal Trade Commission urges parents and kids to talk about the risks involved in using social networking sites and offer tips for using them safely.

Auto and Truck Maintenance

• Auto Service Contracts [PDF] - Explains the differences between service contracts and warranties. Discusses key terms: cost, coverage, claims, and buyer responsibilities. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels [PDF] - Explains the labels consumers see on alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuel dispensers, and suggests several factors consumers should consider as they investigate their options. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Gas Saving Products: Fact or Fuelishness [PDF] - Cautions consumers about gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Offers practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline [PDF] - Explains octane levels for gas, that premium octane isn't always necessary and advises consumers to check their owner's manual. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
• Taking the Scare Out of Auto Repair [PDF] - Explains how your vehicle works, how to identify common car problems, how to select a good technician, and the kinds of questions to ask. Explains your rights. 4"x9", 20 pages, color.
• Gas-Saving Products: Proceed with Caution [PDF]
• Good, Better, Best: How to Improve Gas Mileage [PDF] [en español]
• Saving Money at the Gas Pump: A Bumper-to-Bumper Guide [PDF]
• The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith [PDF]

Franchise Business Scams

• Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide [PDF] - Explains to consumers how to shop for a franchise opportunity, including what questions to ask before they invest. Describes potential benefits — such as brand recognition, training, and support — but also the costs, obligations, and risks that a franchisee may face. 8.5"x11", 18 pages, color.
• Could Biz Opp Offers Be Out for Your Coffers? [PDF] [en español] - Explains the importance of getting pre-investment information in writing, and researching other aspects of the business' performance by interviewing other people who have bought into the program. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Franchise and Business Opportunities [en español] - Explains the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Medical Billing Opportunities: Worth a Second Opinion [PDF] [en español] - Medical billing opportunity promoters often misrepresent earnings potential and don't provide key, pre-investment information required by law. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Net Based Business Opportunities: Are Some Flop-portunities? [PDF] - Cautions consumers about web-based business opportunities that promise more than they can possibly deliver, and what you can do to protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Answering the Knock of a Business 'Opp' [PDF] [en español]
• Buying a Janitorial Services Franchise: Making a Clean Sweep [PDF]
• Lotions and Potions: The Bottom Line About Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF]
• The Bottom Line About Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF]
• The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed [PDF]
• Guidance Documents: Franchise and Business Opportunities - Includes reports, rules and acts, compliance information, and workshops.

Identity Theft

• Deter, Detect, Defend: Avoid IDTheft [PDF] [en español] - Tri-fold brochure with tips for consumers on how to deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. 4"x9", 2 pages, color.
• Extra! Extra! Count on Scammers and Schemers to Follow the News [PDF] - Warns consumers that scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration may call or send emails saying they need personal or financial information to deposit a tax rebate check directly. The scammers then use that information to commit identity theft.
• How To Plan and Host Protect Your Identity Days Kit [PDF] - A comprehensive toolkit to help organizations combat identity theft by raising awareness and educating people by hosting a Protect Your Identity Day. The kit includes information and sample materials on a CD-ROM and videos on a DVD. 5.125”x11”, 28 pages, color.
• Instructions for Completing the IDTheft Affidavit [PDF] [en español] - This form helps you report an identity theft to your creditors. 8.5"x11", 7 pages, color.
• IDTheft Consumer Education Kit [en español] - Folder/Kit includes everything you need to educate your community about how to deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. DVD of 10 minute video, CD with resources, How-To Guide, publication samples. 9"x12", color. Maximum order of 10 copies.
• Fighting Back Against Identity Theft - This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
• Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud [PDF] [en español] - Steps to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers, and how to report losses and fraud. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What To Do If They're Lost or Stolen [PDF] [en español] - Outlines procedures for reporting loss or theft, and how to minimize your risk. 8.5"x11", 4 pages. color.
• File Segregation: New ID Is a Bad IDea [PDF] - You're promised a chance to hide unfavorable credit information by establishing a new credit identity. The problem: "File segregation" is illegal. If you use it, you could face fines or even a prison sentence. 8.5"x11", 4 pages, color.
• Identity Crisis... What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen [PDF] [en español] - Advice on dealing with identity theft. 8.5"x11", 8 pages, color.
• ID Theft Data Clearinghouse Fact Sheet [PDF] [en español]
• ID Theft: What It's All About [PDF] - The FTC's primer on identity theft. Includes how to minimize the risk of identity theft and basics on what to do if you are a victim. 4"x9", 36 pages, color.
• Military Personnel & Families Fighting Back Against Identity Theft [PDF] - Brochure with tips for military personnel and their families on how to deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. 4"x9", 8 panels, color.
• Pretexting: Your Personal Information Revealed [PDF] - Pretexting is when someone tries to get your personal information under false pretenses, to sell it, steal your assets or identity, or get credit in your name. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Remedying the Effects of Identity Theft [PDF] [en español] - Summarizes your rights as a victim of identity theft. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft [PDF] [en español] - The FTC's comprehensive guide for victims of identity theft. Includes the ID Theft Affidavit. 8.5"x11", 52 pages, color.
• To Buy or Not To Buy: Identity Theft Spawns New Products and Services To Help Minimize Risk [PDF] - Publication to help consumers evaluate whether they should initiate fraud alerts or credit freezes or invest in identity theft products and services such as credit monitoring that are for sale. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Your Access to Free Credit Reports [PDF] [en español] - Learn how to order a free copy of your credit report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once every 12 months.
• Active Duty Alerts Help Protect Military Personnel from IDT [PDF]
• The Download on Disposing of Your Old Computer [PDF]
• FTC Cautions Consumers about Voter Registration Scams [PDF]
• Hurricane Recovery: Identity Protection
• Hoax Targets Elderly African Americans [PDF]
• Vets: Delete Unsolicited Offers by Email; Don't Disclose Personal Information to Unsolicited Callers [PDF]
• What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised [PDF]
• Fight Back Against Identity Theft [PDF] - While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a victim of ID theft, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. The Federal Trade Commission encourages consumers to Deter, Detect and Defend to help cut down on identity theft.

Investment Scams

• Buying a Janitorial Services Franchise [PDF] - Explains how these franchises work, problems that may arise, and requirements under the FTC Franchise Rule. 3.75"x8.5", 20 pages, color.
• Day Trading Ads: Cutting Through the 'Bull' [PDF] - Cautions consumers about ads for some day trading systems or advisory services that make investing look like a virtual bonanza. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Invention Promotion Firms [PDF] - Urges consumers to use caution when it comes to determining market potential for their inventions. Tips to avoid falling for the sweet-sounding promises of a fraudulent promotion firm. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Investment Risks [PDF] - Cautions consumers about ventures that are touted as sure-fire money-makers. Explains approaches used by investment scam artists to take your money. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF] - Explains how MLM plans and illegal pyramiding works. Offers tips to help you decide whether to join a MLM plan. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Seminar Pitch: A Real Curve Ball [PDF] - Warns consumers about solicitations and infomercials promoting seminars and conferences that promise to help consumers make a lot of money. Tips to avoid getting hit by the seminar pitch. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Test Your Investment IQ [PDF] - Ten questions - and answers - to help you tell whether an investment opportunity is solid or risky. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Investing in Rare Coins
• Lights, Camera, Rip-Off: How to Tell When a Scam Is Born [PDF]
• The Lowdown on Chain Letters [PDF] [en español]
• Spotting Sweet-Sounding Promises of Fraudulent Invention Promotion Firms [PDF]
• Taxpayers With IRAs: FYI The IRS Does Not Approve IRA Investments [PDF]
• Don’t Let Deception Steal Your Invention [PDF] - Urges consumers to use caution when it comes to determining market potential for their inventions. Tips to avoid falling for the sweet-sounding promises of a fraudulent promotion firm.

Lottery Scams

• Fraud: Recognize It. Report It. Stop It. [PDF] - Highlights the latest trends and sophisticated techniques used by scam artists to steal your money, offers tips to help protect yourself, and explains what to do and where to complain if you're victimized. 4"x9", 8 pages, color.
• Prize Offers: You Don't Have to Pay to Play [PDF] [en español] - Offers tips for consumers on how to avoid prize and sweepstakes rip-offs. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• International Lottery Scams [PDF]
• "I'm from the Government…": Sweepstakes Scams Feature Con Artists Impersonating Government Officials [PDF] [en español]
• Scammers Exploit the FTC’s Good Name, Promise Phony Sweepstakes Prizes [PDF]
• Don't Let Scams Artists Make You a Lottery Loser [PDF] - A current ploy used by some criminals is to lure Americans into buying phony "low-risk" chances in supposed high-stakes foreign lotteries. Victims of these scams not only lose their money, but also risk violating federal law, which generally prohibits playing lotteries by phone or mail.

Malware and viruses

• Dot Con [PDF] - Warns consumers that con artists have gone high-tech, using the Internet to defraud consumers. Lists the top 10 dot cons facing consumers who surf the Internet, as well as many of the fraudsters behind them. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers [PDF] - Booklet for consumers on how to buy and sell products and services on Internet auctions safely and securely. 3.75"x 8.5", 32 pages, color.
• Minimizing the Effects of Malware on Your Computer [PDF] - Urges consumers to protect their computers against malware and offers tips on how to reclaim their computer and electronic information if malware is already on their computer. 8.5 x 11, 4 pages.
• Net Based Business Opportunities: Are Some Flop-portunities? [PDF] - Cautions consumers about web-based business opportunities that promise more than they can possibly deliver, and what you can do to protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• OnGuard Online: Stop. Think. Click. [PDF] [en español] - Tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 4"x9", 16 pages, color.
• Site-Seeing on the Internet - Provides basic information for parents to discuss with their kids about using the Internet. Includes information on privacy, online shopping, chat rooms, and other online subjects. 6"x9", 8 pages, color.
• Bank Failures, Mergers and Takeovers: A “Phish-erman’s Special” [PDF] [en español]
• Check Overpayment Scams: Seller Beware [PDF] [en español]
• Cost of "Free" Adult Content Adds Up [PDF]
• "Free Security Scan" Could Cost Time and Money [PDF]
• How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam [PDF] [en español]
• Trapped in the Tangled Web: Web Scheme Diverts Consumers from Their Intended Sites [PDF]
• Stop.Think.Click: 7 Practices for Safer Computing [PDF]
• OnGuard Online Bookmark [PDF] - Provides tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 2.5"x7", 2 pages, color.
• OnGuard Online Poster [PDF] - Provides tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 2.5"x7", 2 pages, color.

Shopping Online

• A Consumer's Guide to E-Payments [PDF] - Describes online payment technologies, and how to make your transactions secure.
• Check 21: Substitute Checks, Electronic Processing, and What It Means To You [PDF] - Explains how your paper checks can be replaced with copies called "substitute checks" or other electronic items. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Cooling Off Rule [PDF] - Explains your three-business-day right to cancel purchases of $25 or more that are made in your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Electronic Check Conversion [PDF] - Explains how electronic check conversion works. Offers tips on keeping close tabs on your accounts. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers [PDF] [en español] - Booklet for consumers on how to buy and sell products and services on Internet auctions safely and securely. 3.75"x 8.5", 32 pages, color.
• 10 Tips for Smart Holiday Shopping Online [PDF] [en español]
• Being Frank about Search Engine Rank [PDF]
• Check Overpayment Scams: Seller Beware [PDF] [en español]
• Going, Going, Gone: Using Wire Transfers for Internet Auction Purchases Can Be Risky [PDF]
• Going Shopping? Go Global! A Guide for E-Consumers [PDF] [en español]
• Online Auctions: Bidders Be Wary [PDF]
• Problems With Holiday Purchases? [PDF]
• Supplement: Stop-Think-Click: 7 Practices for Safer Computing [PDF]

Social Networks and Online Gaming

• Social Networking Sites: A Parent's Guide [PDF] - Urges parents and kids to talk about the risks involved in using social networking sites and offers tips for using them safely. Includes resources for more information. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens [PDF] - Urges parents and kids to talk about the risks involved in using social networking sites and offers tips for using them safely. Includes resources for more information. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• P2P File-Sharing: Evaluating the Risks [PDF] [en español]
• Video Games: Reading the Ratings on the Games People Play [PDF]
• Virtual Worlds and Kids: Mapping the Risks [PDF]

Spam

• You’ve Got Spam: How to "Can" Unwanted Email [PDF] - Explains what spam is, how to reduce the amount you receive, how to avoid spam scams, and where to complain. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• After a Disaster: Spam May Scam [PDF] [en español]
• Bank Failures, Mergers and Takeovers: A “Phish-erman’s Special” [PDF][en español]
• Botnets and Hackers and Spam (Oh, My!) [PDF] [en español]
• The Lowdown on Chain Letters [PDF] [en español]
• The "Nigerian" Scam: Costly Compassion [PDF] [en español]
• Unsolicited Mail, Telemarketing and Email: Where to Go to Just Say No [PDF]

Telemarketing and Phone Scams

• Advance-Fee Loan Scams: ‘Easy’ Cash Offers Teach Hard Lessons [PDF] [en español] - Provides tips on how to spot a scam and avoid losing your money. Rule number one: Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Automatic Debit Scams [PDF] - Cautions consumers not to give out checking account information, or any other personal information, over the phone unless they're familiar with the company and agree to pay for something. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• 900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers [PDF] - Explains your rights under the 900 Number Rule, and that before making a 900 number call, you need to know how much the call will cost, what you will get for your money, and what will happen if you have a billing dispute. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Charitable Donations: Give or Take? [PDF] [en español] - Offers tips to help make sure the money you contribute will support a worthwhile cause. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Ditch the Pitch: Hanging Up on Telephone Hucksters [PDF] - Lists some of the newest fraudulent telemarketing pitches and how to respond. Outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Fraud: Recognize It. Report It. Stop It. [PDF] - Highlights the latest trends and sophisticated techniques used by scam artists to steal your money, offers tips to help protect yourself, and explains what to do and where to complain if you're victimized. 4"x9", 8 pages, color.
• Hang Up on Cross-Border Phone Fraud [PDF] - Provides information on the kinds of telemarketing fraud calls that come from boiler rooms across the border. 4"x9", 24 pages.
• Magazine Subscription Scams [PDF] - Lists common sales techniques used by unscrupulous sellers, offers tips to help you avoid a scam, and outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Ojo! Be On the Alert Against Fraud [PDF] [en español]
• Putting Telephone Scams on Hold [PDF] - Explains how telemarketing scams work, how older people become victims, and how to protect yourself. Also outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. 4"x9", 12 pages, color.
• Solving Consumer Problems [PDF] - Simple strategies for resolving a problem you may have with a product or service. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Straight Talk About Telemarketing [PDF] [en español] - Explains how telemarketing scams work, offers tips to protect yourself, and outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. Explains how to reduce unwanted calls. 8.5"x11", 6 pages, color.
• Telemarketing Travel Fraud [PDF] - Warns consumers about "bargain" vacations offers, gives examples of fraudulent sales pitches, and explains how to investigate a travel package before you buy. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Who's Calling? Recognize & Report Phone Fraud [PDF] [en español] - Explains how to recognize and report phone fraud and encourages consumers to register their number in the National Do Not Call Registry. Trifold brochure 3.67"x8.5", six panels, color.
• You Make the Call: The FTC's New Telemarketing Sales Rule [PDF] [en español] - Explains how the National Do Not Call Registry makes it easier and more efficient for consumers to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing sales calls they get, and how to register. 8.5"x11", 4 pages, color.
• A Scam Based on Relative-ity: Would-Be Grandchildren Bilking Honest Grandparents [PDF]
• Border-Line Scams Are The Real Thing [PDF]
• Free Grants: Don't Take Them For Grant-ed [PDF]
• FTC Cautions Consumers about Voter Registration Scams [PDF]
• "I'm from the Government…": Sweepstakes Scams Feature Con Artists Impersonating Government Officials [PDF] [en español]
• Medicare Part D Solicitations: Words to the Wise About Fraud [PDF]
• Putting Cold Calls On Ice [PDF]
• Scammers Exploit the FTC’s Good Name, Promise Phony Sweepstakes Prizes [PDF]
• Travel Tips: How to Gear Up for a Great Trip [PDF] [en español]
• When to Ditch the Cold Call Pitch [PDF]

Telephones - Unauthorized Charges

• Automatic Debit Scams [PDF] - Cautions consumers not to give out checking account information, or any other personal information, over the phone unless they're familiar with the company and agree to pay for something. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Cramming: Mystery Phone Charges [PDF] - Discusses how unexplained charges can appear on your phone bill for services you never ordered, authorized, received, or used, and what to do if it happens to you. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• International Telephone Number Scams [PDF] - Urges consumers to be cautious when calling an unfamiliar telephone number - it could be a costly international telephone call. Tips to protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Magazine Subscription Scams [PDF] - Lists common sales techniques used by unscrupulous sellers, offers tips to help you avoid a scam, and outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Toll Free Telephone Number Scams [PDF] - Explains the rules for companies who charge for calls to 800 or 888 numbers, and gives tips on lowering your risk of unauthorized charges. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Who's Calling? Recognize & Report Phone Fraud [PDF] [en español] - Explains how to recognize and report phone fraud and encourages consumers to register their number in the National Do Not Call Registry. Trifold brochure 3.67"x8.5", six panels, color.

Telephone Services

• 900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers [PDF] - Explains your rights under the 900 Number Rule, and that before making a 900 number call, you need to know how much the call will cost, what you will get for your money, and what will happen if you have a billing dispute. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Buying Time: The Facts About Pre-Paid Phone Cards [PDF] [en español] - Explains how pre-paid calling cards work. Lists common consumer complaints, and how to avoid them. How to buy telephone time and value. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Ditch the Pitch: Hanging Up on Telephone Hucksters [PDF] - Lists some of the newest fraudulent telemarketing pitches and how to respond. Outlines your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Shopping for Broadband: Satisfying Your Need for Speed [PDF] [en español] - Explains how broadband works and the types of broadband that are available. Offers shopping tips and questions to ask providers. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• VoIP: It’s A Phone, It’s a Computer, It’s ... [PDF] [en español] - Informs consumers of the benefits and risks associated with receiving their telephone service via Voice over Internet Protocol. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Long Distance Deals [PDF]
• Radiation Shields: Do They 'Cell' Consumers Short? [PDF] [en español]
• The 411 on Disposing of Your Old Cell Phone [PDF] [en español]

Weight Loss Scams

• Health Spas: Exercise Your Rights [PDF] - Although most consumers who join health clubs are pleased with their choices, others are not. To avoid the problems of high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentation of facilities and services, broken promises about cancellations and refunds, here are some suggestions from experts at the Federal Trade Commission. Tips to help you shop for a gym membership. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Indoor Tanning [PDF] - Cautions consumers about the risks associated with using indoor tanning devices, and how to protect yourself. Highlights claims commonly made about indoor tanning - and the facts. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Pump Fiction: Tips for Buying Exercise Equipment [PDF] - Helps consumers carefully evaluate advertising claims for exercise products, as well as questions to ask to find the right equipment for them. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Setting Goals for Weight Loss [PDF] [en español] - Explains that successful weight loss and healthy weight management depend on sensible goals and expectations, and how to determine your weight/health profile. Lists resources for more help. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Test Your Supplement Savvy [PDF] - A short quiz to find out how much you know about using dietary supplements safely. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads [PDF] [en español] - Helps consumers evaluate claims for weight loss products by outlining several typical false claims. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Weight Loss: Finding a Weight Loss Program that Works for You [PDF] - Gives information to help the consumer evaluate weight loss products and services, including important questions to ask. 8.5"x11", 12 pages, color.
• Avoiding the Muscle Hustle: Tips for Buying Exercise Equipment [PDF] [en español]
• Amazing Claims Bookmark [PDF] [en español] - Promotional item. The facts about effective weight loss. 2.5"x9", 2-sided, color.

Work at Home / Work from Home Scams

• Costly Coupon Scams [PDF] - Cautions the public about fraudulent promoters who claim consumers can earn big money clipping coupons, or selling "coupon certificate booklets." 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Medical Billing Opportunities: Worth a Second Opinion [PDF] [en español] - Medical billing opportunity promoters often misrepresent earnings potential and don't provde key, pre-investment information required by law. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Multilevel Marketing Plans [PDF] - Explains how MLM plans and illegal pyramiding works. Offers tips to help you decide whether to join a MLM plan. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Net Based Business Opportunities: Are Some Flop-portunities? [PDF] - Cautions consumers about web-based business opportunities that promise more than they can possibly deliver, and what you can do to protect yourself. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Read Up! How to be an Informed Consumer [PDF] [en español] - A comprehensive, bilingual guide for Hispanic consumers with information on managing personal finances, major purchases and investments, consumer rights, and identity theft. 7"x10", 44 pages, color.
• Read Up and Reach Out: A Guide to Consumer Education and Outreach [PDF] [en español] - Mailer with CD for organizations with tips on how to conduct consumer education in the community and create partnerships. Includes calendar with suggested topics to speak about. Accompanies Read Up consumer guide. 7"x10", 6 pages, color.
• Seminar Pitch: A Real Curve Ball [PDF] - Warns consumers about solicitations and infomercials promoting seminars and conferences that promise to help consumers make a lot of money. Tips to avoid getting hit by the seminar pitch. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Work At Home Schemes [PDF] [en español] - Advises consumers interested in work-at-home opportunities (including medical billing, envelope stuffing , and craft or assembly work) to research these offers carefully. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Take This Scheme and Stuff It: Avoiding Envelope-Stuffing Rip-Offs [PDF] [en español]
• Business Opportunity e-card

Your Rights and Laws to Protect Consumers

• 66 Ways to Save Money [PDF] - Lists ways to save money on a range of consumer purchases, including housing, transportation, and insurance. 4”x9”, 12, pages, color.
  All That Glitters... How to Buy Jewelry [PDF] [en español] - Information to help you get the best quality jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store by catalog or online. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.

• Billed for Merchandise You Never Received? Here's What To Do [PDF] - Explains your rights and steps to take to correct the problem. Includes a sample dispute letter. 8.5"x11", 4 pages, color.
• Check 21: Substitute Checks, Electronic Processing, and What It Means To You [PDF] - Explains how your paper checks can be replaced with copies called "substitute checks" or other electronic items. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Considering a Private Residential Treatment Program for a Troubled Teen? Questions for Parents and Guardians to Ask [PDF] - Have a troubled teen? Think you’ve exhausted intervention alternatives? Considering a private residential treatment program? Questions to ask representatives of programs you may be considering. 8.5"x11", 4 pages
• Cooling Off Rule [PDF] - Explains your three-business-day right to cancel purchases of $25 or more that are made in your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Costly Coupon Scams [PDF] - Cautions the public about fraudulent promoters who claim consumers can earn big money clipping coupons, or selling "coupon certificate booklets." 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Electronic Check Conversion [PDF] - Explains how electronic check conversion works. Offers tips on keeping close tabs on your accounts. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• How to Right a Wrong [PDF] [en español] - Explains your rights when it comes to mail and telephone order shopping, unordered merchandise, and door-to-door sales. Also tells you how to write an effective complaint letter, and lists some resources for additional help. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Making Sure the Scanned Price Is Right [PDF] - Advises consumers how to avoid being overcharged for scanning errors. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Ojo! Be On the Alert Against Fraud [PDF] [en español]
• Paying Final Respects: Your Rights When Buying Funeral Goods and Services [PDF] [en español] - An abbreviated version of "Funerals: A Consumer Guide." Explains the Funeral Rule in brief. 8.5"x11", 6 pages.
• Personal Emergency Response Systems [PDF] - Explains how a PERS works; lists purchasing, renting, and leasing options; offers questions to ask the response center; and includes a shopping checklist. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Prenotification Negative Option Plans [PDF] - Explains how negative option plans work and your rights under Federal Trade Commission's Negative Option Rule. Lists factors a buyer should consider before subscribing to a plan. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Resolving Consumer Disputes: Mediation and Arbitration [PDF] - Explains the alternative dispute resolution process for consumers. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.

• Shopping by Phone or Mail [PDF] - Explains the FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Rule and the Fair Credit Billing Act, how to resolve problems with purchases, and how to reduce direct marketing solicitations. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Solving Consumer Problems [PDF] - Simple strategies for resolving a problem you may have with a product or service. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Taking the Scare Out of Auto Repair [PDF] - Explains how your vehicle works, how to identify common car problems, how to select a good technician, and the kinds of questions to ask. Explains your rights. 4"x9", 20 pages, color.
• The Real Deal: Playing the Buying Game [PDF] - Provides tips and activities for kids on how to spend wisely, shop smart, and separate fantasy from reality. 8.5"x11", 12 pages, color.
• Trial Offers: The Deal is in the Details [PDF] [en español] - Explains how conditional trial offers work, and what "No Risks or Obligations" really means. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Unordered Merchandise [PDF] - Offers questions and answers about dealing with unordered merchandise, including demands for payment. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
• Warranties [PDF] - Explains that federal law requires that warranties be available for you to read before you buy, even when you're shopping by catalog or on the Internet. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
• Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads [PDF] [en español] - Helps consumers evaluate claims for weight loss products by outlining several typical false claims. 8.5”x11”, 2 pages.

Consumer Alerts

• 10 Tips for Smart Holiday Shopping Online [PDF][en español]
• Avoiding an Eyesore: What to Know Before You Buy Cosmetic Contacts [PDF] [en español]
• Buying, Giving, and Using Gift Cards [PDF] [en español]
• Consumers Can Tell It to the FTC - Toll-Free [PDF]
• Diversity Visa Lottery: Read the Rules, Avoid the Rip-Offs [PDF] [en español]
• Holiday Shopping: Is a Sale Price Your Best Deal? [PDF]
• How to Be the Class 'Value-dictorian' [PDF] [en español]
• Petal Pushers: Is Your 'Local' Florist Really Long-Distance? [PDF]
• Problems With Holiday Purchases? [PDF]
• Taking the 'Bait' Out of Rebates [PDF]
• Television is Going Digital: Get the Picture [PDF] [en español]
• The Eyes Have It - Get Your Prescription [PDF]
• The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith [PDF]