Consumer Alerts

Your 2026 Guide to Staying Safe from Scams Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designates a National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a focused effort to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud, protect their data, and navigate the marketplace safely. For 2026, the theme continues to center on practical, actionable advice. This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about equipping yourself with a few key habits that can save you significant stress and financial loss. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest Official Warning Means for You If you’ve ever purchased a gift card for a birthday or holiday, you understand their convenience. Unfortunately, scammers see them as something else entirely: a perfect, untraceable tool for theft. The prevalence of this fraud has prompted official warnings, including a recent alert from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, urging residents to be vigilant. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting your money. ...

When Your iPhone Rings, Should You Answer? You’ve felt that buzz in your pocket. You glance at the screen to see an urgent alert from your “bank,” a call from a local number about a “suspended” account, or a message claiming you’ve won a prize. Your instinct might be to tap or answer immediately, especially if the caller ID looks familiar. But that instinct is exactly what scammers are banking on. ...

iPhone Users: How to Spot and Stop Dangerous Scam Calls and Texts If you own an iPhone, your phone has likely become a magnet for relentless scam attempts. What was once an occasional nuisance has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise. Recent warnings from outlets like AL.com and law enforcement underscore a troubling surge in fraudulent calls and texts specifically designed to trick iPhone users. Falling for one can lead to far more than a moment of frustration—it can result in significant financial loss and identity theft. Understanding how these scams work and what you can do about it is your first line of defense. ...

The Rockstar Games Data Breach: What It Means for You and How to Respond News broke recently that Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, was targeted in a significant cyberattack. The hacker group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating they accessed a vast trove of data and set a ransom deadline of April 14, 2026. While Rockstar has officially confirmed only a “limited amount of non-material company information” was accessed via a third-party breach, the incident highlights a recurring risk for anyone with online accounts. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) happens every March, and the 2026 campaign from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is focused on a critical mission: arming you with the knowledge to spot, avoid, and report scams. While the official materials highlight the week’s events and partnerships, the core consumer advice remains timeless and urgently practical. The digital landscape is constantly shifting, with scammers refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and anxieties. This year’s focus reinforces that the best defense is a proactive, informed consumer. ...

An Official Warning: How to Spot Investment Scams on Facebook and Instagram If you use Facebook or Instagram, you’ve likely seen them: posts or messages promoting “guaranteed” investment returns, “risk-free” crypto schemes, or secret trading strategies. These offers are not opportunities—they are often sophisticated traps. Recently, the Maryland Attorney General’s office issued a stark consumer alert highlighting the surge in investment scams specifically on Meta Platforms. This official warning underscores a pressing need for heightened vigilance as scammers refine their tactics to target everyday social media users. ...

Attorney General’s Warning: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. This is the straightforward warning from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who issued a recent consumer alert highlighting a surge in these fraudulent schemes. While the alert is aimed at D.C. residents, the threat is national. Gift card scams drain millions from consumers annually by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Spotting the Scams the FTC Says Are Circulating Now Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the latest scam tactics actively targeting people. The core message is clear: while the themes of fraud remain consistent—pressure, deception, and urgency—the delivery methods are constantly evolving. Staying informed isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of protecting your money and personal information. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shed light on the scam tactics that are currently separating Americans from their money. Their key message? While the platforms and specific stories change, the psychological tricks scammers use remain constant. They rely on creating a sense of urgency, exploiting trust, and pressuring you to act before you think. Understanding the most prevalent trends is your first line of defense. ...