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FTC Webinar Highlights Key Scam Trends: What You Need to Know Now A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, served as a timely reminder that scammers are endlessly inventive. The session underscored how fraudsters continuously refine their tactics to exploit current events, new technologies, and human psychology. While the full details of the webinar aren’t publicly available, reports from organizations like ACA International confirm its focus on emerging threats. For anyone navigating today’s digital and phone-based landscape, understanding these trends is a critical first line of defense. ...

That Unexpected Request for Gift Cards? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam If someone urgently insists you pay them with gift cards, stop immediately. You are almost certainly being targeted by a scam. This isn’t just speculation; it’s the core message from a recent consumer alert issued by Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. The warning underscores that despite being a well-known tactic, gift card scams continue to trap people, fueled by convincing lies and high-pressure tactics. ...

FTC’s Latest Scam Trends: What You Need to Know Now Every day, scams grow more sophisticated, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. This National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar to cut through the noise. They spotlighted the specific fraud tactics that are swindling people right now. For anyone who shops online, pays bills digitally, or simply has a phone, understanding these trends isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for protecting your money and identity. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual event led by the Federal Trade Commission, and the 2026 installment is shaping up to be a critical resource for anyone who shops, banks, or interacts online. While the official FTC materials for NCPW 2026 detail the full schedule of events and resources, the core mission remains timeless: to arm you with the knowledge and tools to spot scams, protect your identity, and secure your finances. With fraud tactics constantly evolving, this focused week provides a timely opportunity to revisit and reinforce your personal defenses. ...

Scams Are Evolving: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Webinar Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a timely reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar highlighting the latest methods scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. While the tactics may be new, the core principles of prevention remain vital. Here’s a breakdown of the emerging trends and the practical steps you can take to stay safe. ...

How to Spot and Steer Clear of “Pig Butchering” Scams In an increasingly digital world, scams evolve to exploit our trust and hopes. One of the most damaging schemes circulating today is known as “pig butchering.” Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a formal consumer alert warning residents about this specific threat. Unlike a quick con, this scam is a long-game operation that builds a false sense of security before the devastating financial blow. Understanding its mechanics is your first and best line of defense. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Each March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated campaign with one straightforward goal: to help you spot, avoid, and report scams and frauds. For 2026, the focus remains sharply on the digital landscape where threats are increasingly sophisticated. This week isn’t just about awareness; it’s an annual call to action to audit your own defenses and learn the latest strategies from the nation’s leading consumer protection agency. ...

The Scams to Watch for Now: Insights from the FTC’s Latest Alert With each passing year, scams don’t just persist—they evolve. Criminals refine their tactics, exploit new technologies, and prey on current events to catch people off guard. That’s why the consistent guidance from watchdogs like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the agency highlighted the scam trends that are causing the most financial harm right now. While we don’t have a full transcript, the key takeaways offer a crucial snapshot of the current threat landscape. ...

How to Spot and Avoid ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams: A Practical Safety Guide A recent alert from the New York State Attorney General’s office has brought renewed attention to a particularly insidious type of fraud: the “pig butchering” scam. While the warning was issued to New Yorkers, this criminal tactic targets people everywhere. It’s a long con that relies on building trust before slaughtering the victim’s finances, hence the grim name. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

Your Playbook for Navigating a World of Scams Every year, as March rolls around, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights a crucial topic: your safety as a consumer. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different. This isn’t just a government awareness campaign; it’s a concentrated burst of practical tools and advice designed to help you guard your wallet, your identity, and your peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. ...