NASHVILLE – As many as 300,000 spectators are expected in downtown Nashville when the National Football League (NFL) holds its annual draft from April 25 – 27, 2019, in Music City. The event, which is free and open to the public, will bring worldwide attention to Tennessee. To assist those who might be attending the event, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is offering safety, insurance, and scam prevention tips.

NASHVILLE – With Tax Day (April 15, 2019) less than two weeks away, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs and the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy is offering Tennesseans the following tips to help navigate the income tax filing process, make the most of their income tax refund and avoid fraudulent tax preparers and scammers.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is advising Tennessee consumers to be wary of callers purporting to represent the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in light of recent warnings from both agencies about nationwide telephone impersonation scams.

NASHVILLE – Scam artists pilfered over $18 million from Tennesseans in 2018, making the Volunteer State the nation’s fifth-leading state per capita when it comes to complaints about fraud and other scams, according to a new report by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reports of identity theft also grew in a year’s time, moving Tennessee to 21st in the country in 2018.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs highlights the importance of consumer education and protection each day during National Consumer Protection Week (March 3 – March 9, 2019).

The promise of “free” back, neck, or knee braces might sound enticing to those in need of such devices. Unfortunately, Tennessee consumers end up paying when they’re duped by Medicare swindlers who are after consumers’ money and personal information.

NASHVILLE – With Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14, 2019) quickly approaching, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be wary of ‘sweetheart’ scammers who claim to love you but, in reality, are only after your money.

Kind-hearted Tennesseans will turn to charitable organizations this year to help make a positive impact for those who are less fortunate. Unfortunately, charity scammers will use the end-of-year giving surge and take advantage to consumers’ generosity. To help consumers avoid charity scams, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is advising consumers to always research charitable organizations before opening their wallets or entering personal information online.

NASHVILLE – For scammers, the season of holiday giving is the season of taking, and Tennesseans’ hard-earned money again tops scammers’ wish lists. Unfortunately, Tennessee consumers are falling for scammers’ ploys when it comes to gift card swindles in increasing numbers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Consumer Sentinel Network reports Tennesseans lost nearly $1 million – over $943,000 – through prepaid gift card scams in 2018, which is a 44 % increase compared to 2017 when scammers stole $653,709 from consumers.

NASHVILLE – The option to “try before your buy” when looking for a product or service can be enticing, but the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs Division is advising consumers to approach free trial offers with caution.

NASHVILLE – With the holiday shopping season underway, many Tennesseans are gearing up to score discount deals on Black Friday (11/23) and Cyber Monday (11/26). Whether giving or receiving gifts, it's always important to be aware of a store’s return policy to prevent hassles and headaches at the cash register.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is partnering with Lipscomb Academy to offer free document shredding at Lipscomb’s annual recycling event. The event, which is held to celebrate America Recycles Day, offers consumers the opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded items not accepted by standard recycling drop sites.

NASHVILLE – Though they served their nation admirably, Tennessee’s military members and their families are frequently the target of scammers intent on doing them financial harm. As the nation prepares to honor those who have served in the armed forces this Veterans Day (Nov. 12), the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Divisions of Consumer Affairs and Securities remind Tennesseans about scams targeting veterans and how they can be avoided.

NASHVILLE – Severe weather made its way across the Volunteer State late Monday afternoon and evening and into early Tuesday morning leaving a trail of damage in its wake. As those affected by last night’s storms begin recovery, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is reminding consumers of tips to aid them as they move forward.

NASHVILLE – Identity theft, fraud, and financial abuse are increasingly common ways for scammers to take advantage of Tennessee consumers of all ages. A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report ranked Tennessee 10th nationally in reports of fraud. Additionally, Tennesseans filed over 43,000 fraud reports totaling over $13.7 million in losses in 2017. Of these reports, 5,586 of were for identity theft. Further, TDHS’ Adult Protective Services (APS) division received more than 4,000 complaints of financial exploitation in fiscal year 2017-2018. That’s more than the year prior and an increase of 33% from state fiscal year 2015-2016.