Don’t Fall for Fake Fines: How to Spot a Parking Ticket Scam If you drive, you’re likely no stranger to the sinking feeling of finding a parking ticket on your windshield. But what if that violation notice arrives by text or email, demanding immediate payment? That’s the red flag of a new scam, recently highlighted by authorities in North Carolina, that targets drivers with fake fines. ...
What the Latest FTC Scam Alert Means for You Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a crucial webinar detailing the current landscape of fraud. The central message was clear: while the core tactics of scammers remain consistent—pressure, deception, and exploiting emotion—the delivery methods and specific ruses are constantly adapting to new technologies and current events. For anyone who uses email, a phone, or social media, understanding these trends isn’t just useful; it’s a necessary part of digital life. ...
Your Practical Guide to Avoiding Scams and Fraud Every year, fraudsters get a little more clever, but so do the tools and knowledge available to fight back. That’s the core purpose of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the message remains vital: the best defense against scams is an informed and proactive consumer. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, based on the enduring principles promoted by this annual event. ...
The Unseen Threat: Why Scammers Target Seniors and How to Fight Back Financial scams targeting older adults aren’t just crimes of opportunity; they are deliberate, predatory strategies. While anyone can be a victim, seniors are consistently in the crosshairs for reasons that exploit specific vulnerabilities. Understanding these reasons is the first step in building an effective defense. ...
Beyond the Hype: Practical Scams to Watch and How to Outsmart Them Staying ahead of scammers often feels like a losing battle. Just as we learn to spot one tactic, a new one emerges. That’s why annual events like National Consumer Protection Week are so valuable—they cut through the noise with timely, expert advice. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest fraud trends that are currently tricking consumers. The goal wasn’t to spread fear, but to provide a clear-eyed look at the modern scammer’s playbook. ...
What You Need to Know About Consumer Protection in 2026 Every March, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Its goal is straightforward: to help people understand their rights and spot scams before they cause harm. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core principles of defense remain timeless, but the tactics used by fraudsters keep evolving. Here’s a practical look at the enduring threats and the essential habits you can build to protect yourself, based on the ongoing work of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). ...
Heads Up, North Carolina Drivers: A New Parking Ticket Scam is Circulating If you receive a message demanding urgent payment for a parking ticket you don’t remember getting, take a pause. According to a consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), scammers are actively targeting drivers with a convincing new fraud. They’re sending fake parking violation notices to trick people into paying money and handing over personal information. ...
FTC Warns of Evolving Scam Tactics: What You Need to Know Now During the recent National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a critical webinar detailing the latest methods scammers are using to target consumers. The session served as a timely reminder that fraud tactics are constantly shifting, and staying informed is your first line of defense. With financial losses to fraud reaching billions annually, understanding these trends isn’t just useful—it’s essential for protecting your money and personal information. ...
Your Practical Guide to Staying Safer in a World of Scams Every March, agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlight National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a focused effort to arm people with knowledge against fraud. While the event itself is a useful calendar marker, the advice it promotes is crucial year-round. As we look ahead, the landscape of scams isn’t disappearing; it’s evolving. Here’s a straightforward look at how you can protect your finances and personal information. ...
How the Latest Scams Are Evolving—and How to Fight Back If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not imagining it. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, finding new ways to exploit trust and urgency. To mark National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar outlining the most pressing scam trends they’re seeing right now. The goal wasn’t to scare people, but to arm them with knowledge. Understanding how these schemes work is the first, and most powerful, step in avoiding them. ...