How to Recognize and Stop the Newest Scams: Insights from the FTC

Scammers Are Refining Their Playbook: What the FTC’s Latest Alert Means for You Last month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a key webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week. The central message was clear: while the core goals of fraudsters remain the same—to steal money and personal information—their methods are constantly evolving. The discussion highlighted how scammers are fine-tuning old schemes and exploiting new technologies to appear more convincing than ever. ...

April 12, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Protect Yourself from New Scams: Key Trends from the FTC's Latest Report

How to Spot the Latest Scams: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Recent Alert During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the most pervasive and emerging scams targeting consumers today. While the specific transcript isn’t public, these events consistently reveal the evolving tactics of fraudsters. The goal is always the same: to separate you from your money or personal information. Understanding the current landscape isn’t about fostering fear, but about building practical awareness. Here’s a breakdown of the common scam trends the FTC typically highlights and what you can do to protect yourself. ...

April 12, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Avoid Gift Card Scams: Essential Safety Tips for Consumers

A Timely Reminder: Gift Cards Are for Gifts, Not for Scammers If someone you don’t know calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, stop. It’s a scam. Full stop. ...

April 12, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Stay Safe from Scams: Essential Consumer Tips for 2026

Beyond the Headlines: Practical Fraud Prevention for 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign held every March, bringing together government agencies and consumer advocates to highlight critical safety information. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again at the forefront, using the event to sharpen the public’s focus on evolving scams that target wallets and personal data. ...

April 12, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Protect Yourself from New Scams: Key Takeaways from the FTC's Webinar

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) laid out the evolving landscape of fraud. Their message was clear: while classic cons haven’t disappeared, scammers are constantly refining their tactics, using technology and current events to appear more convincing than ever. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply has a phone, understanding these trends isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary part of modern self-defense. ...

April 12, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Essential Consumer Protection Tips to Stay Safe in 2026

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a yearly campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that brings together government agencies and consumer advocates to provide clear, actionable advice. For 2026, the focus remains on empowering you with the knowledge to navigate an increasingly digital world safely. While specific event details for 2026 are still being finalized, the FTC’s core guidance evolves from enduring threats and offers a reliable roadmap for protection. ...

April 12, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Key Scam Trends to Know Now: Insights from the FTC's Latest Webinar

What You Need to Know About the Latest Wave of Scams Each year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses National Consumer Protection Week to shine a spotlight on the most pressing fraud threats facing Americans. In a recent webinar, agency experts distilled the current scam landscape, revealing how old cons have evolved and which new tactics are catching people off guard. While the specific data from the latest session is still being compiled, the trends discussed align with the persistent and adaptive patterns of fraud the FTC continuously warns about. ...

April 12, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid 'Pig Butchering' Scams Targeting Online Users

A Guide to “Pig Butchering” Scams: How Fraudsters Use Trust to Steal Money In an era where digital connections are commonplace, a particularly insidious form of fraud has proliferated, earning the grim nickname of “pig butchering.” Recently, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a consumer alert warning residents about these schemes. While the warning is geographically specific, the scam is a global threat that targets anyone with an online presence. Understanding how it works is your first line of defense. ...

April 12, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Protect Yourself: Key Scam Trends from the FTC's Latest Webinar

What Are Scammers Pushing Now? Insights from the FTC’s Latest Update Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the scam trends that are currently costing consumers the most money and causing the most stress. While the full details are best obtained directly from the FTC’s official materials, the discussion consistently points to a few enduring yet evolving threats that everyone should recognize. ...

April 12, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid 'Pig Butchering' Scams: Essential Tips

Don’t Get Fleeced: How to Spot the “Pig Butchering” Scam In a recent official alert, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned residents about a particularly insidious type of financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is as crude as the scam itself, derived from the process of fattening a pig before slaughter. In this context, you are the pig. Scammers invest significant time in building trust and fattening your hopes of wealth, only to steal your life savings when you’re most vulnerable. Understanding how this scam operates is your first and best defense. ...

April 12, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk