A FOTONOVELA FROM 

THE FEDERAL TRADE 

COMMISSION
The Federal Trade Commission is the nation’s consumer 

protection agency. Its mission is to protect consumers from 

fraudulent and deceptive practices. 

This fotonovela is part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to help 

the Latino community avoid scams and stop fraud. For more 

information, visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/fotonovela.

Report fraud by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at 

www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Eva Pablo Teacher

ABOUT THE FTC
1

Thanks, Father.

You’re welcome. I’ll 

see you both at the 

workshop, right?

Of course.
2

Hi, I’m Eva. This is 

my husband, Pablo.

Hi, I’m Teresa.

Hello.
3

Welcome, everyone. 

I’m glad you’re here. 

Today, we’re going 

to talk about how 

to stop scams. 
4

I got a call that said I won a 

government grant. And that I 

had to wire money to get it. 

We know scammers are 

targeting our community. 

They lie to us and try to 

take our money. And they 

threaten us. 
5

Does the 

government give 

away money 

like that?

No, it was a 

scam. You 

should never 

pay to collect 

a prize or 

grant money.

That sounds like an imposter scam. Let’s look 

at the Federal Trade Commission’s fotonovela, 

Sonia Learns the Truth About Government 

Imposters. Sonia got a similar call.
6

Raise your hand if you or 

someone you know has 

gotten a call, an email, or a 

letter that was a scam?

That’s about what I expected. 

An FTC survey showed that 

Latinos are more likely to 

experience fraud. But we can 

fight back if we start talking 

about scams. 
7

Lets look at Fatima Says No to an 

Income Scam. Fatima got a call saying 

she could make money from home.

Wow, Rocio helped 

Fátima avoid a scam. 

What a good friend!
8

Oh no, what 

happened?

My cousin fell 

for a scam.

They said he owed money. 

And if he didn’t pay, they’d 

send the police and call 

immigration. He was 

intimidated, so he paid.

It’s so important to talk about scams. Even if 

you’re not sure it is a scam, tell someone. You 

could help someone you care about avoid a scam. 

And it could help you avoid the scam, too.
9

I understand. 

But it’s important 

to tell the FTC.

Did your cousin report the scam to 

the Federal Trade Commission?

Every story makes 

a difference.

 I want you to watch 

this news report.

No, he was 

embarrassed.
10

Wow, she was brave. 

Maybe I will tell my 

cousin to report it.

He can give as much or as 

little information as he’s 

comfortable with. His story 

could be the one that helps 

the FTC stop the scam. 

The imposters told 

Ms. Suarez she owed $3,000. 

They threatened to report her 

if she didn’t pay. But after 

talking to her son, she realized 

it was a scam. She reported it 

to the FTC. Thanks to her and 

others who reported it, the 

FTC stopped the scam.
11

We only have a few minutes. 

Who can tell me something 

you learned today?

And we should report 

it to the Federal Trade 

Commission.

If we see something 

we think is a scam, we 

should talk about it.
12

You can report a 

scam to the FTC 

online or by phone.

You can report it 

online from your 

mobile phone, too.
13

Talking about Scams Makes 

a Difference

• If you see something you think is a scam, talk about it, 

even if you’re not sure it is a scam. 

• Talking about a scam could help you avoid falling for 

it. And you might help someone you care about avoid a 

scam, too.

• Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission. 

Call 1-877-FTC-HELP or go online from your mobile 

phone or computer to ftc.gov/complaint.
This fotonovela is part of the Federal Trade Commission’s 

ongoing efforts to raise awareness about scams 

targeting the Latino community. The story offers 

information about talking about and reporting scams. 

See all of the FTC’s fotonovelas at 

www.consumer.ftc.gov/fotonovela.

Sign up to get free scam alerts and other news at 

ftc.gov/stay-connected.

Order free educational materials from the Federal 

Trade Commission at bulkorder.ftc.gov.

March 2017