Consumer Alerts

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: What the DC Attorney General’s Recent Alert Means for You If you’ve ever received an unexpected phone call demanding payment by gift card, you are not alone. Last December, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert specifically warning residents about the rise of gift card scams. The alert, published on the OAG website, highlights how scammers are targeting consumers with increasingly convincing stories—and how quickly money can disappear once a gift card code is shared. ...

Fraud Surge Targeting Older Adults: How to Protect Yourself from Tech Scams Introduction Scammers are increasingly reaching older Americans through phones, emails, and computers. Recent reports from CBS News and AARP show that fraud targeting people over 50 is climbing sharply, with impersonation scams now the most common type. In Florida alone, more than $258 million was stolen from older adults in 2025. While no one is immune, knowing the tactics and taking simple precautions can make a real difference. ...

New Scam Trends to Watch: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Webinar Every year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shares an updated look at the scams currently costing Americans the most money. This year’s webinar, hosted in cooperation with ACA International, covered several emerging tactics that consumers should know about. While the trends themselves change, the goal is the same: separate people from their money or personal information. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: How to Spot and Avoid Them Gift cards are convenient, but they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about a spike in gift card fraud. While the alert is aimed at Washington, D.C., the tactics used are widespread, and the advice applies to consumers everywhere. ...

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in a Scam: How to Protect Yourself from Gift Card Fraud Gift cards are meant to be a simple, thoughtful present. Unfortunately, their convenience and ease of use have also made them a favorite tool for scammers. This isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s a serious and widespread form of fraud that costs consumers millions each year. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert specifically warning District residents about the ongoing threat of gift card scams, underscoring the need for public vigilance. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Staying ahead of scammers is a constant challenge. Their tactics evolve quickly, exploiting new technologies and current events to catch people off guard. That’s why the recent insights from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during National Consumer Protection Week, are so valuable. The agency’s webinar cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud trends that are currently causing the most harm. By understanding these methods, you can build a stronger defense for your finances and personal information. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: How to Spot and Stop Them If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. This simple rule is at the heart of a recent consumer alert, but the problem is far more pervasive than many realize. Scammers have perfected the art of using gift cards as an untraceable, irreversible cash conduit, and they’re exploiting trust and urgency to steal millions. ...

A Timely Warning: How to Protect Yourself from Gift Card Scams In mid-December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued a direct alert to residents, warning of the persistent and costly threat of gift card scams. This official notice underscores a simple, alarming fact: if anyone demands payment via a gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Violation Notices If you’ve ever returned to your car to find a parking ticket tucked under the wiper, your heart probably sinks. Now, scammers are exploiting that exact feeling of dread. According to a recent consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), drivers are being targeted by a new wave of parking violation scams designed to steal money and personal information. ...

How to Spot and Avoid “Pig Butchering” Scams You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message. It might be a wrong number, a comment on your social media post, or a match on a dating app. The conversation starts casually, grows into daily chats, and builds what feels like genuine trust over weeks or even months. Then, the topic turns to a “can’t-miss” investment opportunity. This is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, a sophisticated and devastating fraud that is on the rise, prompting warnings from authorities like New York Attorney General Letitia James. ...