What Is a “Pig Butchering” Scam? How to Spot and Avoid This Investment Fraud If you’ve received an unsolicited text from a stranger who quickly wants to be friends, then mentions a “can’t-miss” crypto opportunity, you may be targeted by a pig butchering scam. These scams combine romance fraud with fake investment schemes, and state authorities are warning the public as losses climb into the billions. ...
New Scam Trends from FTC Webinar: What You Need to Know Every year, National Consumer Protection Week draws attention to the latest fraud tactics affecting Americans. In March 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar highlighting current scam trends, co-hosted with ACA International, a trade group for credit professionals. The session offered a data-driven look at what kinds of fraud are rising and how consumers can protect themselves. Here is a summary of the most important points and what you can do about them. ...
How to Recognize and Avoid ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams: A Guide Based on the Latest Consumer Alert from New York’s Attorney General In February 2026, New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about a rising fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the name sounds odd, the scam itself is devastating. It combines elements of romance scams with fake cryptocurrency investment platforms, often draining victims of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you use social media, dating apps, or messaging apps, it pays to understand how this scheme works and what you can do to avoid it. ...
Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Money If you receive a phone call, email, or text demanding that you pay a fine, a utility bill, or a debt with a gift card, hang up immediately. That is the core message behind a recent consumer alert from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who warned District residents about the rising tide of gift card scams. While the alert specifically targets Washington, D.C., the tactics it describes are used nationwide and year-round, not just during the holidays. ...
National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Recognizing Scams and Taking Action National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1 through March 7, and the Federal Trade Commission used the occasion to release updated guidance on how to spot and avoid common scams. While the official week has passed, the advice remains as relevant as ever—scammers don’t take breaks. Whether you’re an experienced online shopper or helping a family member navigate digital life, understanding the tactics used today can save you money and stress. ...
What the FTC’s Latest Webinar Reveals About Today’s Top Scams National Consumer Protection Week brings a fresh round of warnings and data from the Federal Trade Commission. During a webinar held in early March 2026, FTC staff outlined the scam trends that are hitting consumers hardest right now. If you’ve been wondering which threats deserve your attention—and what you can actually do about them—this recap covers the most actionable takeaways. ...
Fraud Alert for 50+: Impersonation and Tech Scams Are Surging—Here’s How to Stay Safe If you or someone you care for is over 50, it’s worth paying closer attention to scam warnings right now. Fraud cases targeting older adults are climbing sharply, especially scams that use technology to impersonate government agencies, tech support, or even family members. According to recent news reports from CBS News and AARP, the numbers are sobering: more than $258 million was stolen from Floridians aged 50 and older in 2025 alone, and impersonation scams have surged 148 percent nationally, making them the single most common fraud type. ...
Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do If someone you don’t know calls, emails, or texts you and demands payment with a gift card, it is a scam. No legitimate company, government agency, or utility will ever ask you to buy a gift card and read them the numbers on the back. ...
Top Scam Trends from the FTC: What You Need to Know Now Each year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission holds a webinar to share the latest patterns in fraud. The March 2026 edition was no exception, and the trends it highlighted are worth paying attention to. If you’ve been wondering what kinds of scams are most common right now and how to avoid them, here’s a clear breakdown. ...
Fraud Surge Targets Adults Over 50: How to Spot and Stop Tech Scams If you are over 50, the odds that a scammer will call, email, or text you this year are higher than ever. Reports from CBS News and AARP in April 2026 show a sharp increase in fraud cases targeting older adults, with criminals relying on technology to impersonate trusted organizations and trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. ...