Gift Card Scams Are Surging: How to Protect Yourself Now If you get a call, text, or email demanding payment by buying a gift card and reading off the numbers, stop. That is almost certainly a scam. No legitimate business, government agency, or even a distressed family member will ever ask you to pay with a gift card—and the Washington, D.C. Attorney General’s office just reminded residents why it’s critical to stay alert. ...
National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Outsmart Scams Introduction National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 took place in early March, and as in previous years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release fresh consumer advice and highlight the most persistent threats. The campaign may have passed, but the scams it warned about haven’t. For anyone who missed the spotlight, or simply wants a clear, no‑nonsense refresher, the FTC’s guidance remains the best place to start. Here is what you need to know, based on the agency’s official materials. ...
Gift Card Scams: What the Latest DC Attorney General Alert Means for You Gift cards are a convenient way to give someone a present. But scammers have turned them into a favorite payment method for fraud. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about the ongoing threat of gift card scams. The alert serves as a timely reminder that this type of fraud persists year after year, costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars. ...
Lloyds Bank Warns Customers: New Scam Targets Your Account – Here’s What to Do If you bank with Lloyds, you may have heard that the bank issued an urgent alert on 24 April 2026 about a fresh wave of scams aimed at its customers. The warning, reported by several outlets including capitolskyline.com, flags specific fraud tactics that are currently circulating. This article explains what the alert covers, why it matters, and – most importantly – what you can do right now to protect your money and personal information. ...
Gift Card Scams: What to Watch For and How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever received an urgent phone call demanding payment with a gift card, you’re not imagining things—it’s a hallmark of one of the most persistent consumer frauds today. Gift card scams have grown so common that consumer protection agencies across the country regularly issue warnings. In December 2025, Washington D.C.’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb released an alert specifically about these schemes, reminding residents—and by extension, all consumers—that gift cards are meant for giving, not for paying bills or debts. ...
National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Key Advice to Stay Ahead of Scams National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1–7, and as in previous years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release a collection of plain-language consumer tips. The agency’s “Welcome to NCPW 2026” page serves as a central hub for advice on the most common frauds, practical steps to shield your finances, and instructions for reporting problems. While the official week has passed, the guidance is evergreen—scams don’t take holidays, and the same red flags appear year after year. ...
Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What Customers Need to Do Now Fraudsters are constantly updating their tactics, and UK banks regularly issue alerts to help customers stay ahead. On April 24, 2026, Lloyds Bank released a fresh warning about specific scams currently targeting its customers. If you hold an account with Lloyds – or with any other UK bank – here is what you need to know and the practical steps you should take. ...
How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: What You Need to Know Gift card scams are one of the most persistent forms of consumer fraud. In December 2025, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia issued an alert warning residents about a surge in these schemes. While the alert focused on Washington, D.C., the tactics described are used nationwide and year-round. Understanding how these scams work—and what to do if you encounter one—can save you from losing money that is nearly impossible to recover. ...
NCPW 2026: Essential Consumer Protection Advice You Can Use All Year National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shared during that week is just as useful today. Whether you missed the event or want a refresher, the core message is simple: scams are persistent, but you can reduce your risk with a few straightforward habits. ...
Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What UK Customers Need to Know A new warning from Lloyds Bank — here’s how to respond without getting caught out. What happened On 24 April 2026, a report on capitolskyline.com indicated that Lloyds Bank had issued a customer alert warning of a fresh wave of scams targeting its UK account holders. The alert, according to the report, urges customers to be wary of unsolicited contact that appears to come from the bank — often via phone call, text message, or email — and to avoid sharing personal or financial information. ...