Consumer Alerts

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns in early March 2026, serving as a yearly reminder to sharpen our defenses against fraud. This coordinated effort, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other government and consumer groups, isn’t just about awareness—it’s a call to action. With scams constantly evolving, this week focuses on equipping you with the latest knowledge and tools to protect your money and personal information. ...

How to Recognize and Resist Phishing Scams You’ve probably heard the term “phishing” before. It’s that sneaky feeling when an email from your “bank” asks you to click a link to verify your account, or when a text message about a missed package delivery seems just a bit off. At its core, phishing is a type of online scam where criminals pretend to be a trusted person or organization to trick you into giving up sensitive information—like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security details—or into installing malicious software on your device. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: A Simple Guide to Phishing Every day, millions of people open an email or a message that seems perfectly normal—only to find out later it was a trap. This digital deception has a name: phishing. It remains one of the most common and damaging online threats, not just for tech experts but for anyone with an email address or smartphone. ...

How to Spot a “Pig Butchering” Scam Before It Cleans Out Your Savings You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on WhatsApp, social media, or a dating app. The person on the other end is charming, engaging, and over weeks or months, becomes a regular part of your digital life. They share stories, ask about your day, and build what feels like genuine trust. Then, gradually, the conversation turns to a “can’t miss” investment opportunity. This is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, a devastatingly effective fraud that has prompted recent warnings from officials like New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Understanding this scam is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: How to Spot a “Pig Butchering” Scam You meet someone new online. The conversation starts casually—maybe on a social media platform, a dating app, or even via a seemingly wrong-number text. They’re friendly, engaging, and share details about their successful life. Over weeks or months, a bond forms. Then, they mention an incredible, can’t-miss investment opportunity. If this sequence sounds familiar, you could be the target of a “pig butchering” scam, a devastating fraud that has prompted official warnings, including a recent consumer alert from New York Attorney General Letitia James. ...

Your Guide to the Latest Scams: Key Takeaways from Recent FTC Alerts The digital landscape is constantly shifting, and so are the tactics used by scammers. During National Consumer Protection Week this March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted crucial webinars to brief the public on the latest fraud trends. The insights shared are not just statistics—they are a direct look at the schemes currently targeting wallets and personal information. Understanding these patterns is your first line of defense. ...

That “Official” Government Call Demanding Payment? It’s Probably a Scam. An official-sounding phone call from a government agency can be intimidating. The caller knows your name, cites a case number, and insists you owe a fine or risk immediate arrest. This high-pressure tactic is the hallmark of a widespread and effective scam, and state officials are warning the public to stay vigilant. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Guide to Spotting “Pig Butchering” Scams Imagine building a genuine connection with someone online. The conversations are deep, the future seems bright, and they start sharing a financial opportunity that sounds too good to be true. This is the insidious start of a “pig butchering” scam, a cruel fraud that is devastating victims across the country. In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning about these sophisticated cons. Understanding how they work is your first and best line of defense. ...

Don’t Get Fattened Up: A Practical Guide to “Pig Butchering” Scams A stark warning from New York Attorney General Letitia James has put a spotlight on a disturbing and financially devastating trend: “pig butchering” scams. These are not quick cons but elaborate, long-term schemes designed to slowly gain a victim’s trust before stealing their life savings. The name itself is a grim metaphor—scammers “fatten up” their targets with affection and false promises before “butchering” them financially. ...

Heads Up, Drivers: How a New Parking Ticket Scam Works and How to Avoid It If you own a car, your inbox or text messages might be the next target for scammers. Authorities, including the North Carolina Department of Justice, have issued alerts about a convincing new fraud: fake parking violation notices. These scams are designed to create a sense of urgency, tricking drivers into paying money they don’t owe and potentially stealing their personal information in the process. ...