Fraud takes over as consumers' top complaint to FTC
Fueled by an explosion in government imposter scams, fraud of all types pushed aside debt collection and ID theft
Federal Trade Commission
Advocates say Facebook tricked kids into in-game purchases
FTC urged to probe if the social-media company illegally enticed minors to spend money without parental consent
Facebook, FTC reportedly discussing "multibillion dollar" fine
The fine would be the largest ever imposed on a tech company, and is related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal
Behind the increase in dating app scams
As more people go online to look for love, the FTC is warning that romance scams are rising. Fraudsters often find their victims through a dating site, app, or social media. More than 21,000 Americans reported falling for the scams last year, according to a new report. They lost a total of $143 million. CBS News contributor and Wired editor-in-chief Nicholas Thompson joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss dating app security.
15 senators demand FCC, FTC investigate carriers selling location data
The demand comes after a report found carriers such as AT&T were selling data to buyers such as bounty hunters
Facebook may face a record FTC fine over privacy lapses
The FTC is reportedly considering the record fine due to Facebook's Cambridge Analytica scandal
Partial government shutdown affects FDA, FTC
The partial government shutdown is having a big impact beyond the hundreds of thousands of federal employees who have been furloughed. The Federal Food and Drug Administration has not been doing routine inspections at food processing facilities since the shutdown started 19 days ago. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission's robocall registry is down.
Beware of growing scam involving gift cards
Best Buy and AARP are joining forces to warn about a growing scam: imposters posing as a loved one, or even the IRS, and demanding gift cards be used for services rendered. The Federal Trade Commission said the number of these reported scams has jumped 270 percent over the last three years. Tony Dokoupil reports.
Grandparents targeted by impostor scams
The government is releasing new information about a growing scam targeting older Americans. It tricks people into mailing cash to people pretending to be their grandchildren. Victims reportedly lose an average of $9,000. The FTC says Americans lost up to $41 million in the scam this year, nearly twice as much as last year. Anna Werner reports.
Grandparents targeted by impostors who know "everything" about them
The FTC says Americans lost up to $41 million in the scam this year, nearly twice as much as last year
Acting AG on advisory board to company accused of scam
Matthew Whitaker tied to shuttered Florida advisory firm fined $26 million for allegedly stiffing would-be inventors
"Overbiffing" is the latest outrage in debt collection
Debt collectors are allegedly inflating balances to scam debtors out of money they don't owe
Payday loan victims to get $505M refund from feds
Scott Tucker's lending scheme took $2 billion from millions of consumers -- now some are getting refunds
Animal lovers decry "pet leasing" contracts
Customers who thought they were taking out loans to buy pets discover they are only leasing the animals – and must continue payments even if the pet dies
Feds crack down on bogus military charities
The FTC enlists more than 70 agencies in 50 states to file legal actions against dozens of unscrupulous groups
Thousands of Uber drivers to get settlement checks
FTC had sued the company last year, claiming it mislead drivers about income estimates and lease agreement terms
These bedbug treatments were bogus -- the refunds are real
Federal Trade Commission says checks averaging $252 are going to buyers of the deceptively marketed products
What's behind all those Chinese-speaking robocalls
Chinese immigrants in the U.S. are getting scammed into paying up to avoid putting their status here in jeopardy
The rise of social media influencers
Internet celebrities with fashion sense and marketing savvy (and millions of social media followers) are becoming valued selling tools for fashion, accessory and makeup companies
FDA warns on nicotine packaging that can appeal to kids
Liquid nicotine meant for e-cigs is being put in what look like juice boxes and other kids' snack packages
FTC: Lending Club's "no hidden fees" claim is phony
Shares of the peer-to-peer lender plummet after the government alleges customers were deceived by a phony promise
Rules for net neutrality changing
The internet as you know it may change: Net neutrality is ending. The rules that govern internet service providers (ISPs) and how they deliver content to consumers has radically changed. Proponents of the the changes say it will spur investment and innovation, while critics point out it will hurt start-ups and consumers. Max Eddy, software analyst with PC Magazine, joins CBSN to explain.
Facebook audit cleared social network despite Cambridge Analytica
An FTC settlement required Facebook to undergo audits of its privacy practices—but an audit of 2015-17 found no issues
YouTube violates children's privacy, consumer groups claim
Consumer privacy advocates ask FTC to stop YouTube from collecting kids' data without parents' permission
What questions should Congress ask Mark Zuckerberg?
Technology writer April Glaser shares the questions she wants the Facebook CEO to answer under oath
Live
Border czar Homan says feds will withdraw 700 law enforcement personnel
Since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News there have been "conversations" with the federal government
Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
How federal policing upended daily life, public trust in Minneapolis
The police chief and mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, react to new ICE body cameras and speak about economic impacts and eroding trust in local law enforcement.
Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill almost 20 in one morning
Gaza medical officials say Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people, including two infants, with one hospital director asking, "Where is the ceasefire?"
Watchdog shares whistleblower complaint involving Gabbard with Congress after delay
The complaint was closed administratively by the intelligence community inspector general's office in June 2025, under prior leadership, watchdog says.
Trump signs funding bill to end shutdown after package clears House
The House on Tuesday voted 217 to 214 to fund major parts of the government and end the partial shutdown.
Trump suggests Republicans should nationalize voting. Here's what to know.
President Trump has continued to claim without evidence that there is widespread fraud in U.S. elections.
Athletes to watch from Team USA at the Winter Olympics
American athletes are preparing for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. These are some of the top Team USA competitors to watch.
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn running for Congress
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn — who emerged as a national figure after the Jan. 6 riot — announced a second bid for Congress on Wednesday.
U.S.
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Police dog helps rescue boy with special needs during snowstorm
The child walked away from his home during a snowstorm Saturday night, as temperatures fell below freezing.
How federal policing upended daily life, public trust in Minneapolis
The police chief and mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, react to new ICE body cameras and speak about economic impacts and eroding trust in local law enforcement.
Athletes to watch from Team USA at the Winter Olympics
American athletes are preparing for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. These are some of the top Team USA competitors to watch.
Feds releasing 4th-grader who's from same suburb as Liam Ramos, officials say
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
Penny the Doberman pinscher wins best in show at Westminster Dog Show
A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
MoneyWatch
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China banning hidden car door handles starting in 2027 due to safety concerns
China will ban hidden door handles on cars, commonly used on Tesla's electric vehicles and many other EV models, starting next year, due to safety concerns.
More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
SBA shuts out non-U.S. citizens from its main lending program
Starting March 1, the SBA will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals, including green card holders.
PepsiCo cuts prices of Cheetos, Doritos and other snacks
PepsiCo said the price cuts are aimed at making its products more affordable as consumers struggle with affordability.
Disney names parks chief Josh D'Amaro to succeed CEO Bob Iger
Josh D'Amaro, who oversees Disney theme parks and dozens of resort hotels worldwide, will become the next Disney CEO.
Politics
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Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn running for Congress
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn — who emerged as a national figure after the Jan. 6 riot — announced a second bid for Congress on Wednesday.
Feds releasing 4th-grader who's from same suburb as Liam Ramos, officials say
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
Top Minnesota corrections official questions when immigration agencies will draw down forces
In the week-and-a-half since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News it's not clear when the government will start drawing down forces.
Judge restricts use of tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland protests
The ruling comes just days after federal agents launched tear gas at a crowd of demonstrators, including young children, that local officials described as peaceful.
Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with "flu-like symptoms"
A spokesman for Sen. Mitch McConnell said the Kentucky Republican's "prognosis is positive."
HealthWatch
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Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
World
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China banning hidden car door handles starting in 2027 due to safety concerns
China will ban hidden door handles on cars, commonly used on Tesla's electric vehicles and many other EV models, starting next year, due to safety concerns.
Greek coast guard ship and migrant speedboat collide, killing at least 15
A search and rescue operation involving patrol vessels, an air force helicopter and a boat carrying divers was underway for potentially missing passengers.
Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill almost 20 in one morning
Gaza medical officials say Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people, including two infants, with one hospital director asking, "Where is the ceasefire?"
Boat crew tosses 115 kilos of cocaine in Pacific while fleeing Colombian navy
The seizure was announced on the same day that Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with President Trump at the White House.
Russia hammers Ukraine on eve of peace talks
A day before Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. teams meet to talk peace, Putin's forces pounded Ukraine's energy infrastructure with dozens of drones and missiles.
Entertainment
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Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Miranda Lambert sells entire music catalog
Country star Miranda Lambert's entire catalog now belongs to Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group. Jem Aswad, executive editor for music at Variety, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Activists on inspiring next generation
Activist Gloria Steinem, who has fought for the rights of every woman, is on a mission to inspire the next generation. She is collaborating with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee, who helped end the civil war in Liberia, on a new children's book. They talk to "CBS Mornings" about their experiences in their fight for equality and deciding to collaborate.
Westminster dog show winners on preparation
Three former winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and their handlers join "CBS Mornings" ahead of this year's Best in Show title being awarded Tuesday. They talk about how they prepared to compete and what retirement is like now.
Gabrielle Union talks new film "Goat"
Gabrielle Union talks about starring in the new animated movie "Goat," working with her husband and the real life issues portrayed in the movie.
Technology
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More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
Tech executive breaks down AI agents
Scott Hanselman, vice president of developer community at Microsoft, joins CBS News to explain the difference between an LLM like ChatGPT and an AI agent. He also explains how AI agents could become assertive if given too much access.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
AI agents are using a social media platform
Moltbook, a social media platform for AI agents to interact, is growing. The Verge senior AI reporter Hayden Field joins CBS News with more details.
Inside the new social media platform for AI
Moltbook was launched last week by a software developer and mirrors the template of Reddit, but it's not for humans. Instead, it allows artificial intelligence agents to post written content and interact with other chatbots through comments, up-votes and down-votes. Tyler Cowen, professor of economics at George Mason University, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Latest on Guthrie disappearance investigation
An apparent ransom note that may have been sent to several news outlets is the latest clue in the investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Trump on Epstein files focus
A court hearing on the botched redaction of victims' names in the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released has been cancelled. This comes as President Trump comments on the focus on the investigation. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Jill Biden's ex-husband charged with murder
Authorities in Delaware announced a first-degree murder charge against William Stevenson, the ex-husband of former first lady Jill Biden. Stevenson is accused of murdering his second wife. The Biden family has not commented on the case.
Ransom note in Guthrie investigation
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has confirmed that an apparent ransom note sent to a local television station is now part of the probe into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports, and Doug Kouns, a former FBI special agent, has more on how the investigation is playing out.
Ransom note probed in Guthrie's disappearance
Authorities say they're looking into the authenticity of a possible ransom note for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. According to a local sheriff, the note contained details of what Nancy Guthrie was wearing the night she disappeared.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Debate over DHS funding begins
Lawmakers will now have to find consensus on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, a day after the House of Representatives voted to pass a funding measure to end the partial government shutdown. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Latest on Guthrie disappearance investigation
An apparent ransom note that may have been sent to several news outlets is the latest clue in the investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Trump on Epstein files focus
A court hearing on the botched redaction of victims' names in the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released has been cancelled. This comes as President Trump comments on the focus on the investigation. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Lindsey Vonn to compete despite injury
American skier Lindsey Vonn says she will compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy despite sustaining a knee injury during a race less than a week ago. Kelly O'Grady reports.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone
The U.S. shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.