FTC: Surprise Credit Card Rate-Lowering Offers Are a Red Flag
The FTC says cold calls offering quick interest-rate relief often depend on fees, vague promises, and pressure that do not solve the real debt problem.
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The FTC says cold calls offering quick interest-rate relief often depend on fees, vague promises, and pressure that do not solve the real debt problem.
The CFPB’s annual complaint report for 2025 continued to highlight how often consumers are still running into trouble with credit reporting and related complaint handling.
The FTC warned consumers at the end of March that unclaimed-property calls and texts can be a phishing play for fees, personal information, or both.
The FTC’s late-March alert said consumers looking for debt relief should be skeptical of anyone demanding fees up front or guaranteeing quick loan forgiveness or full debt settlement.
An FTC March alert explained how scammers were using Iran-related headlines to create fake fraud alerts, fake military emergencies, and fake charity appeals.
The FTC warned that fake side-hustle offers are targeting people trying to catch up on bills, often by stealing bank details or Social Security numbers instead of offering real work.
The FTC reminded consumers in February that a collector’s demand is not enough by itself. Before paying, consumers should confirm the debt is real and review the validation information.
An FTC early-year planning alert highlighted budgeting, debt help, and credit-report review as practical steps consumers can take before problems become emergencies.
The FTC opened Identity Theft Awareness Week by pointing consumers back to the basics: watch for identity misuse early, use recovery tools fast, and protect credit before fraud spreads.
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