The Latest Breaking News from FTC

Meta Launches Incognito AI Chat Days After Removing Instagram Encryption

Meta launched Incognito Chat with Meta AI on May 13, 2026, five days after quietly removing end-to-end encryption from Instagram direct messages — a sequence that digital-rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation called a broken promise.

International Business Times · May 15

7 Signs a Contractor May Be Preparing to Overcharge an Older Homeowner

For many older homeowners, finding a trustworthy contractor feels more stressful than ever. Rising repair costs, aggressive home-improvement marketing, and an increase in scams targeting...

Saving Advice · May 13

Woman Loses $10K in Hilton Head Island Rental Scam — Facebook Accused of Becoming 'Breeding Ground' for Fraud

A woman lost $10,800 (£8,530) to a fake Hilton Head rental via Facebook. FTC data shows half of reported rental scams now start on the platform

International Business Times UK · May 13

FTC Reports A Rise In Fake Toll-By-Plate Text Scams, Targeting Drivers In Multiple States

Scam texts are hitting drivers with a surprising sense of urgency, and they look official enough to cause real confusion in just seconds. The Federal Trade Commission has flagged a sharp rise in fake toll-by-plate messages that trick people into believing they owe unpaid road fees. These messages often demand…

Clever Dude · May 4

‘How is that possible’: Tennessee woman waited three hours at Discount Tire only to be told the vehicle she bought brand new might not be hers

She bought it brand new off the lot

We Got This Covered · Apr 28

Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams last year, 8 times more than in 2020. Facebook alone cost users more than texts and emails combined

More than two-thirds of the total amount lost came from Meta-owned apps, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Fortune · Apr 28

Disabled veteran speaks out after losing more than $170K in social media scam

Social media investment scams account for roughly half of the $2.1 billion lost to financial fraud in the U.S. in 2025, according to federal officials

The Independent UK · Apr 28

Social media scams cost Americans more than $2.1 billion last year, according to the FTC

According to a new FTC report, 30% of reported scams in 2025 began on social media, costing consumers more than $2.1 billion.

Tom’s Guide · Apr 27

A New Age-Verification Bill Could Make You Show ID To Use a Computer or Smartphone

Plus: The war with Iran is raising condom prices, increased legal liability for chatbot advice could backfire, and more...

Reason · Apr 22

JetBlue told a grieving customer to clear his cookies after a $230 price hike—then deleted the evidence

The FTC has been studying surveillance pricing since 2024 and recently its chairman told a Senate committee it may be time to review its disclosure rules for companies.

Fortune · Apr 21