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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. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last week, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public webinar dedicated to arming consumers against fraud. The session focused on the most prevalent and damaging scam trends circulating right now, offering a timely update on what to watch for. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the evolving landscape of fraud. While scam tactics constantly change, the core goal remains the same: to trick you out of your money or personal information. The session highlighted that while digital tools make our lives easier, they also provide new avenues for scammers to operate with alarming efficiency. ...

A New Warning on “Pig Butchering”: How to Spot This Emotional and Financial Scam The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, has issued a new consumer alert about a disturbing and increasingly common fraud known as “pig butchering.” The grim name reflects the scammers’ method: they “fatten up” a victim with trust and friendship before “butchering” them for their savings. This isn’t a quick phishing email; it’s a long con built on elaborate fiction and emotional manipulation, often resulting in devastating financial and personal harm. ...

When a Call, Text, or Email Demands a Gift Card Payment, It’s a Scam In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct alert to residents: be on high alert for gift card scams. This official warning underscores a persistent and damaging fraud tactic that shows no sign of slowing down. Scammers have perfected the art of using pressure, deception, and the irreversible nature of gift card payments to steal millions from consumers annually. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best line of defense. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Stopping Scams Before They Start Every year, as fraud tactics grow more sophisticated, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dedicates a week to arming the public with the latest defenses. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, running in early March, is that critical annual checkpoint. It’s a nationwide effort involving government agencies and consumer advocates, all focused on a single goal: giving you the knowledge to protect your money and your identity. This year’s message is not about fear, but about practical, proactive steps. ...