Consumer Alerts

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. ...

A Guide to Today’s Scam Landscape: What the FTC Wants You to Know As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a webinar to shed light on the latest tactics fraudsters are using. While the specific presentation details are in the recording, the consistent message from the FTC is clear: scammers are endlessly adaptable, refining old cons and inventing new ones to exploit current events and our daily habits. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Costing People Millions. Here’s How to Spot Them. If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal warning from consumer protection agencies nationwide. Recently, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert to District residents, reminding them that legitimate organizations—including government agencies, utilities, or tech support—will never ask you to pay a bill, fee, or fine with a gift card. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026. This annual campaign, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is a dedicated time for government agencies, consumer advocates, and organizations to highlight the importance of knowing your rights and guarding against modern scams. The official “Welcome to NCPW 2026” announcements signal a renewed push to equip the public with free, practical tools and knowledge. For the average person, it’s a timely reminder to review and strengthen your personal defenses against fraud. ...

What to Expect From National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads a nationwide campaign to arm consumers with knowledge against scams, fraud, and identity theft. This campaign is National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While the official dates for NCPW 2026 are not yet finalized, looking at patterns from previous years, we can expect it to be scheduled for early March 2026. The FTC uses this dedicated week to roll out new resources, host events, and spotlight the most pressing threats facing consumers today. ...

Beyond the Headlines: What the “Pig Butchering” Scam Alert Means for You In February, New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning to residents about a sophisticated and devastating fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the name might sound unusual, the financial carnage it leaves behind is very real. This official alert underscores a growing threat that can target anyone with a smartphone or social media account. Understanding how this scam works is the first critical step in protecting yourself and your finances. ...

The Scam Landscape for 2026 and How to Navigate It National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just a calendar event. It’s an annual reminder to pause and take stock of our digital and financial health. As we approach NCPW 2026, the core mission remains unchanged: equipping you with the knowledge to recognize, reject, and report fraud. This year, the threats aren’t necessarily brand new, but their delivery and sophistication continue to evolve. ...

A New iPhone Scam Targets Your Bank Account: How to Spot It and Stop It Security experts are sounding the alarm about a sophisticated new scam specifically designed to target iPhone users, with the potential to drain linked bank accounts. This isn’t a generic phishing attempt; it exploits the interconnected nature of Apple’s ecosystem and preys on user trust in system notifications. While the exact technical delivery may evolve, understanding the core mechanism is your first and best defense. ...