Consumer Fraud

Gift Card Scams Are on the Rise: How to Spot Them and What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted If you’ve ever received a call, email, or text demanding payment via a gift card, you’ve encountered one of the most persistent fraud tactics in use today. Gift card scams cost U.S. consumers hundreds of millions of dollars each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The schemes keep evolving, but the warning signs remain largely the same. ...

Gift Card Scams: D.C. Attorney General Issues New Alert – Here’s How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever received a call, email, or text demanding payment with a gift card—and it felt off—you were right to be suspicious. Gift card scams are one of the most persistent fraud tactics in the United States, and they show no signs of slowing down. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a fresh alert warning residents about this exact threat. ...

Fraud Alerts vs. Credit Freezes: Which One Actually Protects You? In an age of frequent data breaches, protecting your credit from identity thieves isn’t just prudent—it’s essential. Luckily, federal law provides you with two powerful, free tools to guard your financial identity: the fraud alert and the credit freeze. While they sound similar, they work very differently. Choosing the right one depends on your specific situation and how you balance protection with convenience. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Guide to the FTC’s Free Resources Every March, the Federal Trade Commission spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a coordinated campaign to help people understand their consumer rights and spot modern scams. For 2026, the FTC has begun its outreach, encouraging consumers to “get ready” and “start planning” to participate. While the full schedule of events and specific 2026 materials are still forthcoming, the agency’s consistent yearly focus provides a reliable blueprint for what to expect and how you can benefit. ...

How to Spot and Avoid the Devastating “Pig Butchering” Scam Imagine connecting with someone new online. The conversation starts casually, but over weeks or months, it deepens. They share stories, express care, and earn your trust. Then, they mention an incredible investment opportunity—a chance to build a future together. This slow, methodical process is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, and it’s defrauding people of their life savings. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a formal consumer alert warning residents about this specific and growing threat. ...

A Practical Guide from the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a calendar note from the Federal Trade Commission. It’s a concentrated effort to arm everyday people with the knowledge to fight back against the scams and frauds that are increasingly common in our digital lives. For 2026, the FTC is continuing this mission, providing clear, actionable advice that moves beyond simple warnings. ...

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. ...

National Consumer Protection Week Is Here. Let’s Talk Defense. Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s more than a calendar event; it’s a focused reminder to shore up our defenses against the fraud that costs consumers billions yearly. With NCPW 2026 underway, the FTC has released a suite of advice, highlighting the scams that are particularly active and providing clear steps to fight back. Let’s break down what you need to know and, more importantly, what you can do. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is almost here. This annual event, typically led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other government and consumer advocacy groups, isn’t just a calendar marker—it’s a dedicated time to refocus on the practical skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex marketplace. For the average person, it serves as a critical reminder to audit personal security habits and learn about the latest threats. This year’s theme centers on empowerment through up-to-date information, providing a perfect opportunity to strengthen your defenses against fraud. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot and Stop Them If someone demands payment with a gift card, it’s almost certainly a scam. That’s the straightforward warning from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued an alert to residents about this persistent and costly fraud. Despite being a well-known tactic, gift card scams continue to trick people out of hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...