U.S. Government News

Finacial Scams: FinCEN Reminds Public to be Aware of Financial Scams

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:28:17 PST

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is reminding the public to be alert to ongoing financial scams that attempt to solicit funds from unsuspecting victims.

Health advisory for Northern California

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:19:36 PST

Wildfire smoke in Sacramento Valley, surrounding foothill and mountain regions expected to continue

30,000 Lip Gloss Recalled from Walmart

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:45:34 PST

The lobster claw clasp on the bracelet contains high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects.

Beware of fraudulent e-mails seeking money for "charitable" causes.

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:19:50 PST

In recent months, several natural disasters throughout the world—including floods, earthquakes, severe storms, tornadoes, and wildfires—have devastated lives and property. In the wake of these events, which cause emotional distress and great monetary loss to numerous victims, individuals across the nation often feel a desire to help by offering charitable donations.

FTC Consumer Alert: Television is Going Digital: Get the Picture:

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:13:39 PST

Big changes are coming to your television. But they have nothing to do with summer re-runs or the new fall season. These changes involve the transition to digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009.

84,000 Fireworks recalled by Fireworks Over America

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:05:24 PST

84,000 Fireworks recalled by Fireworks Over America

102,000 Toy Helicopters Recalled Due to Fire Risk

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:02:58 PST

The rechargeable battery inside the helicopter can overheat. This can result in the helicopter’s body melting, as well as a risk of fire or burns to consumers.

Illegal and Improper Use of Fireworks Continue to Harm Consumers

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:55:47 PST

For most Americans, the Fourth of July celebration is a time for food, fun and fireworks, but in 2007 nearly 10,000 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries. Today on the National Mall, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that 64 percent of these injuries occurred during the one month period surrounding the July 4th holiday.

Sweepstakes Scammers: FTC Warns Against Sweepstakes Scammers Posing as Government Officials

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:10:42 PST

Putting a new twist on an old scam, con artists are posing as government officials when they tell consumers they have won a sweepstakes prize. Crooks also take advantage of Internet technology, which can make it appear that they are calling from Washington, DC, or the consumer’s hometown while they tell consumers they represent the Federal Trade Commission or some other government agency

Fake Cancer Cures: FDA Warns Individuals and Firms to Stop Selling Fake Cancer Cures

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:47:05 PST

Warning Letters have been sent to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals marketing a wide range of products fraudulently claiming to prevent and cure cancer, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today. The FDA also warns North American consumers against using or purchasing the products, which include tablets, teas, tonics, black salves, and creams, and are sold under various names on the Internet.

Wal-Mart Recalls 39,000 Additional Charm Key Chains Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:32:48 PST

The charms on the key chain can contain high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects.

15,000 Children’s Merry-Go-Rounds Sold Exclusively at Toys R Us Recalled by Pacific Cycle Due to Fall Hazard

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:51:43 PST

The inner bearing on the merry-go-round can fail, causing the seat assembly to suddenly drop to the ground. This poses a fall hazard to children riding the merry-go-round.

Free Software CD Internet Operation Settles FTC Charges

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:18:37 PST

Defendants who allegedly offered "free" software CDs that weren’t free, and billed unsuspecting consumers for a software continuity program they didn’t know they were enrolled in, have agreed to settle FTC charges that their practices violated federal law. The settlement bars the illegal practices in the future and requires the defendants to give up more than $2 million for consumer redress.

Exploitation of Adobe Flash Vulnerability Cyber Alert

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:34:43 PST

A vulnerability that affects Adobe Flash Player is being actively exploited to install malicious software.

Scam E-Mails Seek Donations to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims

Fri, 23 May 2008 12:27:48 PST

The FBI is asking people to beware of e-mails claiming to be raising money to help victims of the recent earthquake in China. Tragic incidents such as 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Minnesota Bridge collapse, and the Virginia Tech shootings have all prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions for a charitable organization and/or a good cause. Some of the Chinese earthquake scam messages claim to be offering free vacation trips to the largest donors and even use fake logos of legitimate online pay services to fool people.

Scam artists targeting local credit union customers

Wed, 21 May 2008 07:03:25 PST

Attorney General Jay Nixon says Kansas City-area consumers are receiving phone calls, text messages and e-mails that appear to be from Mazuma Credit Union, but actually are from t hieves.

Fake Nike Shoes Seized by CBP

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:40:46 PST

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport continue to seize millions of dollars worth of counterfeit Nike footwear

Frightened of Food: Living with Food Allergies

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:53:26 PST

Food allergies cause about 30,000 severe allergic reactions and 150 deaths every year in the United States. They affect nearly 4% of adults and about 7% of children under 4 years old. Several studies show that food allergies are becoming more common.

Dietary Supplement Alert: Supplement Contains Hazardous Levels of Selenium (up to 200 times)

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:23:02 PST

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working collaboratively with state health departments, the American Association of Poison Control Centers, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on reports of adverse health effects following consumption of the dietary supplement “Total Body Formula,” and “Total Body Mega Formula” manufactured in the USA exclusively for Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc. This dietary supplement has been found by FDA to contain hazardous levels of selenium (up to 200 times the label value) and chromium (up to 17 times the label value).

Lowes Recalls 84,000 Children’s Storage Bins due to Lead Hazard

Sun, 04 May 2008 19:34:47 PST

Surface paint on the storage bins could contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.