Consumer Alerts

A Practical Guide to Recognizing, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams Scammers are no longer just sending poorly written emails from foreign princes. Today’s fraud is sophisticated, psychologically manipulative, and increasingly powered by artificial intelligence. It targets everyone, exploiting trust and urgency to steal money and identities. The good news is that by understanding the tactics and having a clear plan, you can significantly reduce your risk and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...

Your Phone is Ringing. Should You Answer? If you own a smartphone, you’ve almost certainly seen it: a call from an unknown number, a text with an urgent but vague alert, or a voicemail claiming to be from a government agency. These aren’t just annoyances; they are often the first step in a sophisticated scam. Recent warnings, including a notable consumer alert highlighted by AL.com, urge heightened vigilance. The message is clear: knowing which calls and texts to ignore is a critical part of your digital safety. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 You don’t need a special week on the calendar to be targeted by a scammer, but having one certainly helps sharpen our defenses. That’s the core idea behind National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially kicks off NCPW 2026 in early March, the advice and resources it highlights are crucial year-round for anyone navigating today’s digital marketplace. ...

That Unknown Call or Text Could Cost You More Than Time If your iPhone rings or buzzes with a call or message from an unknown number, your instinct might be to answer—out of curiosity, politeness, or a fear of missing something important. Recent warnings, however, urge you to resist that impulse. Security alerts from sources including Apple and law enforcement agencies highlight a persistent wave of sophisticated scams specifically designed to exploit that moment of hesitation. While the tactics may be new, the goal is timeless: to steal your money, your personal information, or both. ...

Your Phone Is Ringing: How to Spot and Stop Scam Calls and Texts It’s a common modern annoyance: your phone rings or buzzes with a call or text from an unknown number. Often, it’s just a nuisance. But increasingly, it’s a deliberate attempt to steal your money or personal information. Reports of sophisticated scams are rising, with consumer groups and even the FBI issuing recent warnings. For iPhone users and anyone with a smartphone, knowing how to identify and handle these fraudulent contacts is no longer optional—it’s essential for your digital safety. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 As we approach early March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is gearing up for its annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Slated for 2026, this week-long campaign is a cornerstone effort to arm the public with knowledge and tools against fraud. For the average person navigating daily online transactions, digital communications, and an array of services, the guidance highlighted during this week provides a crucial, timely checklist for personal security. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Practical Guide to Today’s Scams and How to Beat Them Scams aren’t what they used to be. The days of poorly written emails from a “deposed prince” are fading, replaced by sophisticated, personalized attacks that can feel alarmingly real. With the rise of artificial intelligence, fraudsters have powerful new tools to mimic voices, create fake videos, and craft convincing messages. This isn’t about spreading fear—it’s about building awareness. Understanding how modern scams work is the first, and most crucial, step in protecting yourself, your money, and your identity. ...

A Consumer’s Playbook for 2026: Staying Safe with Lessons from the FTC Another year, another wave of sophisticated scams. As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the annual campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) serves as a critical reminder. It’s not just a promotional event; it’s a coordinated push to equip people with the knowledge to defend their wallets and personal information. ...

A Practical Guide to Spotting and Stopping iPhone Scams It seems like every few months, a new warning circulates: don’t answer that call, don’t reply to that text. Recently, outlets like AL.com have issued specific alerts about calls and texts targeting iPhone users, echoing broader advisories from agencies like the FBI. These aren’t just nuisances; they are sophisticated attempts to steal your money, data, and peace of mind. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, scams and fraud cost consumers billions of dollars and untold stress. That’s why the annual event known as National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) exists. It’s a dedicated time, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in partnership with other agencies, to highlight the most pressing threats to your wallet and privacy and to provide you with the tools to fight back. ...