Ahead of Valentine's Day, beware of romance scams. Loneliness can drive people to seek connections online. Unfortunately, this can make seniors especially vulnerable to online romance scams. Scammers can pose as charming partners to gain your trust and then ask for money or personal details.

Scammers use urgent calls and voicemails about "prequalified" loans you didn't apply for to pressure you into acting fast and giving up personal info. Protect yourself from phone scams: 1. NEVER Call Back 2. Don't Trust Caller ID 3. Block the Number Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

¡Protéjase contra inversiones fraudulentas! Tenga cuidado con los argumentos que afirman que necesita invertir ahora o perderá la oportunidad. www.youtube.com/shorts/xjcSs...

Did you know that foster youth are at a higher risk of identity theft? Minors often don't find out until they apply for a job or credit years later. Key steps authorized adults can take: Check for a Credit Report Place a Credit Freeze Secure Personal Data consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Tired of unwanted calls? 📞 -Register your number for free with the National Do Not Call Registry. -Hang up on robocalls and report them at DoNotCall.gov. -Block specific numbers or send unknown callers to voicemail. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Not all home loans are created equal. Your choices can affect monthly payment, upfront and long-term costs, and level of risk. A loan option consists of the loan term, interest rate type, and loan type. Explore this guide to understand your choices: www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-hom...

Did you know there are more illicit massage establishments in Utah than there are McDonald’s or Subways? Listen to our latest episode of the Scamalot Fraudcast, where we discuss the new law designed to identify illicit storefronts and clean up the industry for legitimate businesses.

Selling your car online? Watch out for fake check scams! Scammers send a check for more than the asking price. They then ask you to return the "extra" money. While funds may appear initially, your bank will discover the fraud and reclaim the money. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

This Identity Theft Awareness Week, be empowered to know how to recover if you become a victim of identity theft. 1. Contact the companies where the fraud occurred 2. Change logins, passwords, and PINs for accounts 3. Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

It's Identity Theft Awareness Week. Watch this video to learn five steps to take to prevent your identity from falling into the wrong hands: vimeo.com/352067376?fl...

It's Identity Theft Awareness Week. Protect yourself by placing a free credit freeze to stop new accounts from being opened in your name. A fraud alert adds extra verification. A freeze doesn't affect your credit score and lasts until you lift it. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Did you know all HOAs are required to register with the Utah Department of Commerce's Office of the Homeowners' Ombudsman and must now renew their registration annually? Here's what you need to know about registering an HOA: commerce.utah.gov/hoa/new-regi...

Hiring a new employee? Beware of scammers. Scammers may contact new hires, posing as their supervisor, and ask for favors such as purchasing gift cards or sharing personal information. Inform staff how you’ll reach out and share your contact details. www.ftc.gov/business-gui...

Have you ever waited in an online queue for concert tickets only to find higher prices at checkout? In this week's Scamalot Fraudcast episode, we explore the psychology of "Junk Fees," highlighting the Taylor Swift Era’s Tour ticket situation and Utah’s push for pricing transparency.

¿Alguien que conoces quiere que inviertas con él? Verifique que tengan licencia y tenga cuidado con los argumentos de venta de alta presión. www.youtube.com/shorts/_PtsE...

Should you register your business as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) in Utah? Read our blog post on eight reasons why registering your DAO in Utah can give your business a competitive edge. commerce.utah.gov/2024/03/27/w...

Scammers are targeting retirees, claiming "suspicious activity" on their accounts. Remember to: - Never transfer money if asked unexpectedly. - Talk to someone you trust. - Verify by contacting the organization directly. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

"You've won!" While exciting, those words can be a scammer's trick. How to spot a prize scam: -They ask for "taxes," "shipping," or "processing fees." -Rush to prevent you from thinking things through. If you didn't enter, you didn't win. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Is your strong password enough to keep your accounts safe? While a solid password is a great start, it’s not foolproof. Cyber attackers have various ways to compromise your security. Consider also using two-factor authentication for your accounts. Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use...

The start of a new year is an excellent time to reevaluate your budget. Try the 50/30/20 budget rule. This divides your after-tax income into 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. Check out the budget calculator: www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/nerdwallet-budget-calculator

2025 was a landmark year for the Utah Department of Commerce! Highlights include launching the Office of the Homeowners’ Association and hosting the Utah AI Summit. Read an in-depth recap of our 2025 achievements: commerce.utah.gov/2026/01/07/y...

Happy New Year from the Scamalot Fraudcast! As we kick off 2026 and focus on our resolutions, many of us are seeking new jobs, passive income streams, or better investment opportunities. But before you say "yes" to that dream opportunity, listen to our latest episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

When real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, and appraisers give you their word, remember to do your research to ensure they are trustworthy. Be aware of common real estate scams: scams.utah.gov

Have you ever received a verification code when logging into your bank account? This is part of two-factor authentication. Scammers may impersonate trusted contacts and ask for your code. Sharing it can lead to account access and loss of savings. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Whether you are trying to teach your kids about finance or you want to learn more yourself, here are some common financial terms that you may come across: www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-too...

Dreaming of making money from home? Be cautious of scammers. How to spot a job scam: -High pay for little effort? Likely a scam. -Asked to pay for starter kits or training? Legit employers don’t charge you. -Received a check and told to send money back? It’s a scam. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Tune in to the Scamalot Fraudcast! 🎙️Our podcast dives deep into the world of scams. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to hear us interview experts as we discuss key red flags and share essential tips to protect yourself and your loved ones. Learn more here: commerce.utah.gov/fraudcast/

Got a message saying your cloud storage is full? Be cautious! - Don’t click the link! - Log in to your account using the official website, not the link in the message. - No account? If you don't have storage with them, it's a scam. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Cuidado con los esquemas Ponzi. Investigue la oferta y verifique la licencia antes de invertir. www.youtube.com/shorts/AG5D-...

New online "friend" asking for money? That's a scammer! Scammers create fake profiles, build your trust, make excuses for not meeting in person, and eventually ask for money. NEVER send money to someone you haven't met in person. Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Tune in to our latest episode of the Scamalot Fraudcast! We delve into construction fraud, unlicensed contractors, and the need to verify professional licenses. If you're planning any home repair work in the new year, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform.

Don't get tricked when looking for health insurance! Some marketers try to sell medical discount plans that aren't actual health insurance. -Always get details in writing before signing. -Research the company by searching its name along with "complaint" or "scam." consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Catch our newest Scamalot Fraudcast episode! 🎙️This week, we discuss scamps impacting senior citizens. This episode dives into common scam tactics, including fear-based, excitement-based, and romance-based impostor scams. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform.

This holiday season, beware of online shopping scams! Many fake shopping sites offer tempting deals on popular items at shockingly low prices. These sites often trick you with stolen images and logos! Always do your research before buying from an unfamiliar seller. consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

It's time to start preparing for the holidays to avoid financial surprises later. Create a bill calendar to manage your monthly expenses. Learn how to get started:https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/budget-help-manage-your-monthly-expenses-bill-calendar/

Text scams are on the rise, and scammers are cashing in! With 98% open rates for text messages, it's easy to fall victim. Common text scams include: -Fraud alerts -Delivery problems -Unpaid tolls - Job offers -"Wrong number" messages Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

As you wait for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday deliveries to arrive, scammers know this is their chance. You may receive a text claiming a delivery service cannot deliver your package. If you are unsure if it's legit, don't click any links. blog.commerce.utah.gov/2022/11/21/t...

What a powerful day at the AI Summit! 💡 Leaders came together to discuss shaping a "Pro-Human" future for AI yesterday, with the core message that AI must be human-guided, not human-replacing.

If you're looking to earn some extra money this holiday season, be cautious of unexpected messages offering "quick money" for online tasks. -Ignore generic job messages -Never pay for a job -Be wary of anyone offering money for positive ratings consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...

Right away, @utahcommerce.bsky.social says it will seek bills in the Utah legislature to regulate AI "companions" and require metadata be disclosed on AI-generated videos: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

It's Black Friday! If you're searching for the best deal, we want to remind you that our Division of Consumer Protection is here to help if your package never arrives or the product isn't what you expected. File a complaint at: dcp.utah.gov/complaints.h...

Join Chris Malachowsky, founder of NVIDIA, at the 2025 Utah AI Summit next week for a fireside chat about sharing insights leading in the AI landscape while prioritizing human values and innovation. Register now: aisummit.utah.gov

Join Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, at the 2025 Utah AI Summit next week for a fireside chat on AI’s greatest promises and perils. Discover how Cloudflare leverages cutting-edge infrastructure to enhance trust, safeguard global security, and preserve human agency. Register now: aisummit.utah.gov

Have questions about your neighborhood's HOA? Know your rights as a homeowner: secure.utah.gov/hoa/overview...

Catch our newest Scamalot Fraudcast episode! 🎙️This week, we discuss the evolving world of artificial intelligence and how malicious actors use it to deceive. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. Learn more here: commerce.utah.gov/podcast/

Governor Spencer J. Cox kicks off the Utah AI Summit in less than two weeks! Learn how Utah is setting the national standard for responsible AI, ensuring technology empowers people, not replaces them.

Get ready for our Interactive Policy Discussions on AI! 🚀 Choose from 5 exciting topics and dive into workshops addressing key AI challenges: -AI Companions -Algorithmic Pricing -Your Data as Currency -Personalized Medicine -Learning & Education with AI

ICYMI, @utahcommerce.bsky.social is warning retailers across the state to have a plan to deal with the disappearance of pennies so customers don’t get short-changed: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

Is cryptocurrency legitimized by pro athletes taking their salaries in it, or is it just hype? 🎙️ Tune into the Scamalot Fraudcast's latest episode as we dive deep into cryptocurrency. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more: commerce.utah.gov/podcast/

Great discussion today at the Axios event on Building Utah’s Affordable Energy Future! Our Division of Public Utilities Director, Chris Parker, joined Sen. John Curtis and Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson to dive into the opportunities and challenges that impact the state’s energy landscape.