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How to Spot and Avoid “Pig Butchering” Scams A new warning from New York State Attorney General Letitia James highlights a disturbing and increasingly common financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the alert is aimed at New Yorkers, this scam targets people everywhere. The name, derived from a grim agricultural metaphor, describes how scammers “fatten up” a victim with trust and romance before “butchering” them for their money. Understanding how this scheme works is the first step in protecting yourself. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than a calendar event; it’s an annual, coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and partners to arm you with the knowledge you need to avoid fraud and manage your money safely. While the official week for 2026 is typically held in early March, the lessons and habits it promotes are vital year-round. This year’s focus continues a critical trend: helping consumers spot, stop, and report scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. ...

The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Dodge Them: Key Lessons from the FTC Every year, scammers refine their techniques, finding new ways to exploit trust and urgency. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shed light on the evolving fraud landscape, emphasizing that awareness is the first line of defense. While the specific examples may change, the underlying principles of these cons remain consistent. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to watch for and how to protect yourself. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How Fraudsters Fatten Victims for Financial Slaughter You meet someone online. The conversation is engaging, the connection feels real, and over weeks or months, a bond of trust forms. Then, they introduce an “exclusive” investment opportunity. This isn’t just a clumsy phishing email; it’s a sophisticated, patient fraud known as “pig butchering,” and authorities like New York Attorney General Letitia James are issuing urgent warnings about its spread. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Trends the FTC Wants You to Know Scammers are constantly updating their playbooks, making old warnings feel out of date. To help you stay ahead, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, spotlighting the specific fraudulent tactics that are seeing a surge. Understanding these trends isn’t just about awareness—it’s your first line of defense. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: How to Spot and Stop Impersonation Scams Imagine your phone rings. The caller ID shows a familiar government agency’s name, and the person on the line says there’s a serious problem with your Social Security number or a pending arrest warrant. They sound official, even urgent. Your heart races. What do you do? ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Threats During National Consumer Protection Week in March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to outline the scam landscape that is currently troubling Americans. The session served as a timely alert, distilling complex fraud trends into the specific threats consumers are most likely to encounter today. While the tactics are constantly evolving, the core goal remains the same: to trick you out of your money or personal information. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: A Spotlight on Impersonation Scams for Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) arrives every March, serving as a critical reminder to review our defenses against fraud. In 2026, the focus sharpens on one of the most persistent and damaging threats: impersonation scams. These schemes rely on a simple but powerful trick—a fraudster pretending to be someone you trust to steal your money or information. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ramps up its annual educational campaign, understanding this specific risk is your first step toward staying safe. ...

Don’t Fall for These 2026 Scam Trends: Practical Advice from an FTC Alert Intro Every day, we’re bombarded with emails, texts, and calls. Most are harmless, but a growing number are sophisticated traps designed to steal your money and personal information. During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest scam trends that are fooling even the most cautious consumers. While the full details of that session aren’t publicly available, the alert serves as a critical reminder that scammers are constantly refining their tactics. Understanding their current playbook is your first and best line of defense. ...

How to Spot and Stop ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams: A Practical Guide If someone you’ve met online is guiding you toward a “can’t-miss” investment with unbelievable returns, you might be the target of a “pig butchering” scam. This cruel and financially devastating fraud is on the rise, prompting recent official warnings like one from the New York State Attorney General. Unlike quick-hit phishing attempts, these scams involve a sustained campaign of trust-building before the final, devastating theft. Understanding how they work is your first and best line of defense. ...