Two Recent FTC Scam Alerts: Phone Deactivation Calls and Charity Prize Fees

Original Bangla Digital Guide illustration. Independent reporting; not an FTC publication or endorsement.

USA consumer safety • Checked 29 October 2026 (Asia/Dhaka)

Two recent Federal Trade Commission alerts describe different stories with a similar goal: pressuring people into sharing information or sending money. Here is what the agency reported, followed by practical examples of how to pause and verify.

This is a dated roundup of alerts published on 22 and 26 October—not a claim that either scheme began today or is currently trending.

1. A caller threatens to deactivate your phone number

In its 22 October alert, the FTC describes impostors claiming that a phone registered in your name is being used for scams abroad. They may invent badge details, transfer you to a fake police officer, request identity information and later demand a supposed security deposit.

The agency says its real employees do not threaten to disconnect phones, demand money or secrecy, or send employee-ID photos as proof of identity. A caller's badge number or apparent transfer is not independent verification.

Illustrative example: A caller says, “Cooperate now or your number will be closed.” End the call. If you are concerned about your mobile service, open your provider's app or use a number from your bill—not contact details supplied by the caller.

2. A familiar charity name is used to sell a fake prize

The FTC's 26 October alert warns about people impersonating charities and claiming you won a charity-sponsored sweepstakes. Its central warning: do not pay to receive a supposed prize.

Impostors can copy real charity names and caller ID, and may place misleading search advertisements. The agency advises researching the organization and contest instead of trusting the first result or an unexpected call.

Illustrative example: A message says your past donation won a prize, but a “release fee” is due first. Do not send the fee. Find the charity's genuine website independently and ask whether it runs that contest. This example is fictional; it does not accuse any named charity.

A short verification checklist

1. Pause before responding to urgency or secrecy.
2. Use contact information you already trust, rather than instructions provided by the unexpected caller.
3. Keep passwords, login codes and identity documents private while you check the claim.
4. If you sent money or disclosed account details, contact the relevant bank or service through its official channel promptly.
5. US readers can report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

More practical phone-safety help

Our Android safety guide with five visual examples explains useful account and phone checks. Device settings help protect access, but they cannot make every unexpected message trustworthy.

Official sources

• FTC: The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number — 22 October 2026.
• FTC: Spot scammers impersonating well-known charities and sweepstakes — 26 October 2026.

Original summary and illustrative scenarios by Bangla Digital Guide. Guidance may change; check the linked official alerts. This website contains advertisements.