Consumer Alert

How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams: A Guide to Protecting Your Finances In the ever-evolving world of online scams, a particularly insidious scheme has been making headlines and draining bank accounts. Known as “pig butchering,” this fraud combines long-term relationship building with sophisticated investment lies. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning to residents about the rise of these scams, urging heightened vigilance. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

Spotting the Impostors: A Guide to Government Impostor Scams It’s a scenario that preys on our respect for authority and our fear of getting in trouble: a phone call or email arrives, seemingly from a government agency, demanding immediate action or payment. According to a recent official alert, this exact playbook is being used by scammers impersonating employees of a state’s Department of Consumer Protection. While the alert originates from a specific region, the tactics are universal. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Watch Out for This Parking Ticket Scam in North Carolina: Protect Your Wallet If you’ve received a text or email about an overdue parking ticket, take a deep breath before you click. A new scam is targeting North Carolina drivers, using the fear of an unpaid violation to steal money and personal information. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued an alert, warning residents to be extra cautious with these unexpected notices. ...

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about a disturbing rise in a specific type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is jarring, and deliberately so. It derives from the scammers’ tactic of “fattening up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them for their money. Unlike impulsive phishing attempts, this is a slow-burn, psychological scheme designed to exploit loneliness and the desire for connection. Understanding its mechanics is your first and best defense. ...

New Parking Ticket Scam Targets North Carolina Drivers: How to Spot the Fake If you get a text message or email about an unpaid parking ticket, don’t panic and don’t click. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued a consumer alert warning drivers about a new scam designed to steal your money and personal information. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Violation Notices You receive a text or email about an unpaid parking ticket. It looks official, mentions a specific location, and urges you to pay immediately to avoid penalties. Your heart might sink, but before you click, you should know: this is a growing scam designed to steal your money and information. ...

Watch Out for This Parking Ticket Scam Targeting Drivers A new scam is attempting to trick drivers out of money and personal information by impersonating local authorities. According to a consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), individuals are receiving fraudulent notices about parking violations. While this particular warning originates in North Carolina, the tactic is one that could appear anywhere, making it essential knowledge for all drivers. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How to Recognize and Avoid This Costly Fraud Imagine receiving a friendly, seemingly accidental message from a stranger. They’re charming, engaging, and over weeks or months, a trusting relationship blossoms. Then, they present an exclusive investment opportunity with guaranteed high returns. If this sounds familiar, you might be the target of a “pig butchering” scam. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark consumer alert warning residents about this sophisticated and devastating fraud. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

The Long Con: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Fatten Victims for Slaughter You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media, a dating app, or even WhatsApp. The conversation starts casually, grows into regular chats, and over weeks or months, a relationship or friendship develops. Then, the topic of a lucrative, “can’t-miss” investment opportunity arises. If this scenario sounds familiar, you may be the target of a devastating fraud known as “pig butchering.” ...

How to Spot and Avoid Parking Violation Scams If you receive a text or email about an unpaid parking ticket, think before you click. Law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina Department of Justice, have issued alerts about a sophisticated new scam targeting drivers. The fraudulent messages are designed to look and sound legitimate, tricking people into handing over money and sensitive personal information. ...