Consumer Alerts

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. ...

Your iPhone Is a Target: How to Recognize and Stop Scam Calls and Texts If you own a smartphone, you’ve almost certainly felt that familiar spike of annoyance when an unknown number flashes on your screen. For iPhone users, these interruptions are more than just a nuisance—they are increasingly sophisticated attempts to steal your money and personal information. Recent alerts from consumer groups and law enforcement highlight a worrying trend: scammers are refining their tactics, and our vigilance must match. ...

A Practical Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Modern Scams In today’s digital world, scams are not just annoying—they’re sophisticated, costly, and increasingly common. As more of our financial and personal lives move online, the tactics used by fraudsters evolve in tandem, making it crucial for everyone to update their defenses. Based on a recent series from Investopedia, this guide breaks down the essential steps you can take to recognize, prevent, and respond to contemporary fraud. ...

How to Build a Practical Defense Against Modern Scams It’s a common, unsettling feeling: a strange text, an urgent email from a “company” you use, or a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity sliding into your social media DMs. Scams aren’t just annoying—they’re financially devastating and emotionally taxing. Today’s fraudsters use sophisticated psychological tricks and digital tools to exploit trust and urgency. Protecting yourself isn’t about paranoia; it’s about informed vigilance. This guide breaks down the essential process of recognizing, preventing, and responding to scams, giving you a clear plan to safeguard your money and identity. ...

National Consumer Protection Week Is More Than a Calendar Event Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign focused on arming people with the knowledge to avoid fraud and manage their privacy. While NCPW 2026 is a specific event, the advice and resources it highlights are vital year-round. The FTC uses this week to consolidate its latest findings and warnings into a central, accessible place, making it an ideal time for anyone to do a personal “safety check-up.” ...

Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams As the holiday season fades, a more persistent threat remains. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct alert to District of Columbia residents, warning of the ongoing and evolving danger of gift card scams. These aren’t just clumsy emails; they’re sophisticated schemes designed to pressure people into handing over their hard-earned money in a form that’s nearly impossible to trace or recover. This official warning underscores a critical point: if anyone demands payment via gift card, it’s almost certainly a scam. ...

How to Spot, Avoid, and Recover from Today’s Scams We’ve all seen them: the urgent text from a “courier service,” the friendly message from a stranger on social media, or the too-good-to-be-true investment offer. Scams are a constant, evolving threat, costing victims billions each year and leaving behind stress and financial damage. The good news is that by understanding how they work, you can build a strong defense. ...

D.C. Attorney General Warns: Gift Card Scams Are a Growing Threat In a recent official alert, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb warned residents about a persistent and damaging form of fraud: gift card payment scams. These schemes are not new, but they continue to evolve and trap even savvy individuals, often resulting in significant, irreversible financial loss. The alert underscores that scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using pressure and impersonation to trick people into purchasing and handing over gift card details. Understanding how these scams work is your first and most important line of defense. ...