How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: What the FTC Revealed

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam threats facing consumers right now. The session provided a clear-eyed look at how fraud is evolving and, more importantly, how you can defend yourself. While the tactics may change, the core principles of protection remain vital. ...

April 23, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: A Practical Guide

A Timely Warning: How to Protect Yourself from Gift Card Scams In mid-December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued a direct alert to residents, warning of the persistent and costly threat of gift card scams. This official notice underscores a simple, alarming fact: if anyone demands payment via a gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. ...

April 23, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Fake Parking Ticket Scams

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Parking Tickets If you drive in North Carolina, be on alert. The state’s Department of Justice has issued a warning about a new wave of parking violation scams designed to trick drivers into paying fines that don’t exist. These cons are becoming more sophisticated, often using official-looking communications to create a false sense of urgency. Understanding how they work is your first line of defense. ...

April 23, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid the Latest Scams: Insights from the FTC Webinar

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Last week, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the most pressing fraud threats facing consumers right now. These events are designed to cut through the noise and provide clear, actionable intelligence directly from the agency that tracks millions of consumer complaints each year. ...

April 23, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams Before You Lose Money

Don’t Get Fooled: A Practical Guide to Gift Card Scams Gift cards are meant to be a simple, thoughtful present or a convenient way to make a purchase. Unfortunately, scammers have turned them into a favorite tool for theft. These scams are pervasive and effective, bilking consumers out of millions each year. The issue is serious enough that officials like District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb have issued specific alerts to warn the public. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

April 23, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Parking Violation Scams: A Driver's Guide

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Violation Notices If you’ve ever returned to your car to find a parking ticket tucked under the wiper, your heart probably sinks. Now, scammers are exploiting that exact feeling of dread. According to a recent consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), drivers are being targeted by a new wave of parking violation scams designed to steal money and personal information. ...

April 23, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Latest Scam Trends and How to Avoid Them: Insights from the FTC

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam trends affecting people right now. The goal wasn’t to scare consumers, but to arm them with knowledge. As fraudsters refine their tactics, understanding their current playbook is your first and best line of defense. ...

April 23, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Parking Violation Scams

Don’t Fall for the Fake Ticket: A New Parking Scam Hits North Carolina If you drive in North Carolina, be on high alert. The state’s Department of Justice recently issued a warning about a convincing new scam designed to trick drivers into paying for parking violations they never committed. This fraud is a timely reminder that scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and a moment of confusion can lead to real financial loss. ...

April 23, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Protect Yourself from New Scams: What the FTC Wants You to Know

What the FTC’s Latest Scam Alert Means for You Staying ahead of scammers is a constant challenge. Just when you think you’ve heard of every trick, they invent a new one. That’s why the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, is so valuable. It cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud tactics that are currently trapping people. By understanding these trends, you can build a stronger defense for your wallet and personal information. ...

April 23, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid 'Pig Butchering' Scams

How to Spot and Avoid “Pig Butchering” Scams You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message. It might be a wrong number, a comment on your social media post, or a match on a dating app. The conversation starts casually, grows into daily chats, and builds what feels like genuine trust over weeks or even months. Then, the topic turns to a “can’t-miss” investment opportunity. This is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, a sophisticated and devastating fraud that is on the rise, prompting warnings from authorities like New York Attorney General Letitia James. ...

April 23, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk