Consumer Alerts

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: Here’s How to Protect Yourself Recently, Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning residents about a sharp rise in gift card scams. This official notice underscores a troubling and widespread trend: scammers are increasingly demanding payment in the form of gift cards, a tactic that is both effective for criminals and devastating for victims. Understanding how these scams work is the first and most crucial step in avoiding them. ...

How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Guide If someone demands payment via a gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. That’s the unequivocal warning from the District of Columbia Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, in a recent consumer alert. His office is urging residents to be vigilant, as fraudsters continue to exploit gift cards as a preferred tool for theft. ...

New York’s Top Lawyer Warns of “Pig Butchering” Scams: How to Protect Yourself In a recent official warning, New York Attorney General Letitia James alerted the public to a sophisticated and cruel online fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name, derived from a grim metaphor, describes how scammers “fatten up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them financially. This advisory highlights a disturbing trend that capitalizes on loneliness and the promise of easy wealth, leaving victims both heartbroken and bankrupt. Understanding this scam is your first line of defense. ...

That Urgent Gift Card Request? It’s a Scam. Here’s What to Know. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a public alert warning residents about a persistent and damaging threat: gift card scams. This official warning underscores a simple, brutal fact—no legitimate government agency, utility company, tech support service, or business will ever demand payment via a gift card. Yet, these scams continue to drain bank accounts because they exploit urgency, fear, and a desire to be helpful. ...

That Unexpected Request for Gift Cards? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam If someone urgently insists you pay them with gift cards, stop immediately. You are almost certainly being targeted by a scam. This isn’t just speculation; it’s the core message from a recent consumer alert issued by Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. The warning underscores that despite being a well-known tactic, gift card scams continue to trap people, fueled by convincing lies and high-pressure tactics. ...

The Scams to Watch for Now: Insights from the FTC’s Latest Alert With each passing year, scams don’t just persist—they evolve. Criminals refine their tactics, exploit new technologies, and prey on current events to catch people off guard. That’s why the consistent guidance from watchdogs like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the agency highlighted the scam trends that are causing the most financial harm right now. While we don’t have a full transcript, the key takeaways offer a crucial snapshot of the current threat landscape. ...

How to Spot and Avoid ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams: A Practical Safety Guide A recent alert from the New York State Attorney General’s office has brought renewed attention to a particularly insidious type of fraud: the “pig butchering” scam. While the warning was issued to New Yorkers, this criminal tactic targets people everywhere. It’s a long con that relies on building trust before slaughtering the victim’s finances, hence the grim name. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

A Timely Reminder: Gift Cards Are for Gifts, Not for Scammers If someone you don’t know calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, stop. It’s a scam. Full stop. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week Each March, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups dedicates a week to arming the public with knowledge. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is that event, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a central leader in the effort. For NCPW 2026, the FTC is once again providing clear, actionable advice to help you navigate an increasingly complex marketplace and avoid costly scams. ...

How to Recognize and Stop the Scams That Are Surging Right Now During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, experts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) detailed the scam tactics that are currently tricking the most people. Their message was clear: while the stories scammers tell keep changing, their goal remains the same—to pressure you into handing over money or personal information. Being aware of the current trends is your first and best line of defense. ...