As the old saying goes, “problems” roll downhill, and at the bottom of The Hill’s federal shutdown are consumers. Numerous governmental entities, products, and services that protect consumer interests have been shuttered. None have mentioned any date of reopening soon, as the federal government shutdown now reaches the longest in U.S. history.

FTC Shuts Down Two of Its Sites, Online Complaint Form

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that several sites it operates will be out of service during the shutdown, including donotcall.gov, which is the website for the National Do Not Call registry. On the website, there is merely a message that states, “Due to the government shutdown, we are unable to offer this website service at this time.” Telemarketers can’t update their list with new consumers wishing to be left alone, and perhaps more importantly, no one is enforcing robocallers.

Savvy Identity Thieves May See This as Open Season

In addition, the FTC has also shut down identitytheft.gov, where victims can report fraudulent activity, and suspended deactivation of identitytheft.gov accounts. Though this may seem inconsequential to most, when you need it, you really need it!

If you or someone you love is experiencing identity theft, especially during the shutdown, call a consumer protection attorney. A legal expert can advise you which steps to take immediately in order to best protect your credit, and avoid as many pitfalls as possible, and hopefully to prevent this from snowballing for years to come.

Related Resources:

  • Find a Consumer Protection Attorney Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • It’s Hard Enough to Do Immigration Law Without the Government Shutting Down (FindLaw Strategist)
  • DC ‘LOVE’ Act Allows Marriage Licenses During Shutdown (FindLaw Law and Daily Life)

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Civil Rights

Block on Trump’s Asylum Ban Upheld by Supreme Court

Criminal

Judges Can Release Secret Grand Jury Records

Politicians Can’t Block Voters on Facebook, Court Rules