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 – 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.

NASHVILLE –Automobile accidents can leave victims upset, disoriented, and unsettled. While consumers’ priorities after an accident should include recovering from any injuries and contacting the appropriate insurance providers, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs and the Tennessee Attorney General advises consumers to be aware of individuals who may prey upon victims in order to lure them into the “accident clinic” trap.

NASHVILLE – Hamilton County area residents can safely dispose of outdated medications or shred personal documents and records during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (EDT) at locations throughout Hamilton County.

NASHVILLE – Sending and receiving money is easier than ever before thanks to electronic fund transfers, often called person-to-person (or P2P) payment systems. Person-to-person payment systems, like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle, allow consumers to link bank accounts, debit cards, and/or credit cards in order to send and receive money to another party via mobile and desktop applications.

NASHVILLE – While technological advances have made everyday tasks easier, they’ve also increased the vulnerability of consumers’ most sensitive personal data. Electronic financial accounts, healthcare information, and social media profiles can be exposed in just a few clicks by enterprising scammers. In recognition of October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs and Securities divisions are providing tips to help keep your information safe online.

NASHVILLE – Does paying $150 to obtain a certificate of existence for a business seem pricey? It might seem reasonable but, in fact, that service and others are actually available free of charge or at minimal cost through governmental agencies.

NASHVILLE — Ahead of the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Florence this weekend, Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III and Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak are urging consumers to be alert to potential price gouging that could occur.

NASHVILLE – The fall sport season kick off means Tennesseans will crowd stadiums and arenas in the coming months to cheer on their favorite teams. With a plethora of ticket-buying options, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is reminding consumers to be on the lookout for fraudulent tickets and ticket-buying scams that could make losers out of consumers.

NASHVILLE – The offer sounds simple, lucrative, and fun: Get paid to advertise a well-known company or product just by adding a decal to your vehicle. Unfortunately, consumers are the ones being left in the dust by scammers who eventually drive away with the profits.

NASHVILLE – As technology is increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, scammers are using these new tools to reinvent their schemes and swindle unsuspecting consumers. To help raise consumer awareness, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is reminding Volunteer State residents to be on the lookout for con artists using technology as their platform to perpetrate scams.

NASHVILLE – As temperatures have soared to new heights, most Tennesseans would agree that an air-conditioning unit is a survival staple. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is warning consumers to be on the lookout for scammers trying to make a profit from charging for unnecessary AC repair work.