NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is proud to join the Administration for Community Living in promoting May as Older Americans Month. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Connect, Create, Contribute,” which encourages older adults and their communities to: • Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation. • Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment. • Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is joining the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help alert Tennessee consumers to increased reports of “one ring” or “Wangiri” scam robocalls targeting specific area codes in bursts, often calling multiple times in the middle of the night.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) is joining other state and national regulators to warn consumers about reports of people claiming to represent genetic testing firms who are visiting senior living communities, assisted living facilities and senior centers to swab seniors’ cheeks purportedly to collect genetic material in order to screen for cancer or other life-threatening diseases. Instead, these people are reportedly acquiring consumers’ sensitive personal information under the guise of DNA testing and should be avoided.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs will join the Better Business Bureau and its partners to provide free document shredding in Clarksville, Franklin, and Memphis on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

NASHVILLE – Home warranties, which often cover the repair or replacement of a home’s important appliances and systems, can provide peace of mind to homeowners. But when it comes to purchasing a warranty, the options and coverages can seem overwhelming. To assist consumers, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is providing tips to help consumers learn more to help them find the right home warranty for them.

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.