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Celebrating small business during National Consumer Protection Week By Maureen K. Ohlhausen, Acting Chairman Today kicks off National Consumer Protection Week, but what the FTC does to protect consumers is only part of the story. We also work hard to help small business get down to business. Here are just a few examples of what we’re doing to protect your business from deceptive practices. Read more > Has a phishing scam hooked your company’s good name? By Allison Lefrak When internet fraudsters mimic a legitimate business to trick consumers into giving out their personal information, it’s called phishing. It’s not just a problem for consumers, but for the companies the scammers are impersonating too. The FTC has long provided advice to consumers about steps they can take to avoid phishing scams. But what should you do if customers contact your company upset that they responded to a phishing email from a scammer impersonating your legitimate business?Read more > FTC Offers Tips for Businesses Impersonated as part of a Phishing Scam Think consumers are the only ones harmed by phishing scams? It’s not just a problem for computer users but also for the businesses that the scammers are impersonating. And people who have been scammed may look to the business that was impersonated for help. The Federal Trade Commission has long provided advice to consumers about steps they can take to avoid phishing scams. Today, the FTC released tips and a video for businesses on how to respond if they are impersonated as part of a phishing scam. Among the steps businesses should take include notifying customers as soon as possible through social media, email or letters; contacting law enforcement; providing resources for affected consumers; and reviewing the company’s security practices. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources. Have you started preparing your tax return yet? Sometimes it can be hard to figure out how each part—tax forms and supporting documents, filing options, and more—fits together. Check out key tax tips to find out the important factors to consider when doing your taxes. Get information and resources on a wide range of tax topics (filing your federal taxes, frequently requested tax benefits, and more) at USA.gov.  U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION Meijer Expands Recall To Include Meijer Artisan Made Natural Muenster Cheese And Pre-Made Ham Sub Sandwich Due To Possible Health Risk 03/03/2017 04:15 PM EST Meijer expanded its list of recalled items to now include its Meijer brand Artisan Made Natural Muenster Cheese and its pre-wrapped Ham Sub on Artisan White Baguette due to a potential cross contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. For detailed information pertaining to this Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts message, please click the link at the beginning of this bulletin. The Soynut Butter Co Recalls I.M. Healthy Original Creamy Soynut Butter Because Of Possible Health Risk 03/05/2017 10:36 AM EST The SoyNut Butter Co. of Glenview, IL is recalling I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter product because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coliO157:H7 bacteria (E. Coli O157:H7). E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter was distributed in multiple states and may have been purchased in stores or through mail order. It was also distributed to childcare centers and schools in multiple states. For detailed information pertaining to this Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts message, please click the link at the beginning of this bulletin. Evanger’s Pet Food and Against the Grain Voluntarily Recalls Additional Products Out of Abundance of Caution due to Potential Adulteration with Pentobarbital 03/04/2017 11:04 AM EST Out of an abundance of caution, Evanger's Dog & Cat Food is voluntarily expanding its recall of Hunk of Beef and is also recalling Evanger's Braised Beef and Against the Grain’s Pulled Beef Products due to potential adulteration with pentobarbital. Oral exposure to pentobarbital can cause drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner), inability to stand, coma and death. Consumers who notice these symptoms in their pets should consult their veterinarian. For detailed information pertaining to this Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts message, please click the link at the beginning of this bulletin.