Consumer 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. ...

A Warning About Investment Scams on Facebook and Instagram If you spend any time on Facebook or Instagram, you’ve likely seen them: ads or posts promising unbelievable investment returns with little to no risk. A recent official warning urges you to view these offers with extreme skepticism. ...

Don’t Get Played: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone pressures you to pay them with a gift card, you’re almost certainly talking to a scammer. That’s the blunt warning from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued a consumer fraud alert to residents. Despite being a well-documented trick, gift card scams continue to drain millions from unsuspecting victims every year. The scam’s simplicity is its greatest weapon, but with the right knowledge, you can easily defuse it. ...

That Urgent Call for Gift Cards? It’s Likely a Scam. If someone calls, texts, or emails demanding immediate payment with a gift card, it’s almost certainly a fraud attempt. This simple warning is at the heart of consumer alerts from authorities across the country. In a recent and typical advisory, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct warning to residents about the enduring threat of gift card scams. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams The digital world offers incredible convenience, but it also creates new opportunities for fraudsters. To help the public fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a key webinar during National Consumer Protection Week. The session focused on arming consumers with knowledge about the latest scam trends that are costing people time, money, and peace of mind. Understanding these tactics is the first, most critical step in building your personal defense. ...

Your 2026 Consumer Defense Plan: Navigating Scams with the FTC’s Guidance As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again amplifying its call for public awareness. This annual event is more than a calendar reminder; it’s a coordinated push to equip you with the knowledge to defend against increasingly sophisticated fraud. While the exact theme for 2026 is still taking shape, the FTC’s consistent messaging provides a reliable roadmap for the threats you’re likely to face and the practical steps you can take right now. ...

A Recent Official Warning Highlights a Simple, Costly Fraud If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it is a scam. Full stop. This isn’t just common sense advice; it’s the core message from an official consumer alert. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a specific warning to District of Columbia residents about the pervasive threat of gift card scams. These schemes continue to drain millions from consumers nationwide by exploiting trust and urgency. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: A Practical Guide to the Latest Gift Card Scams If someone calls, emails, or messages you demanding immediate payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. This isn’t just an internet rumor; it’s the core warning from an official alert issued by District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb. These scams are not new, but they are evolving and remain one of the most common and effective forms of consumer fraud. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week: How to Spot and Stop Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations observe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated effort to arm people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money safely. While the specific themes evolve, the core goal remains the same: to turn awareness into action. ...

Your Practical Guide to Outsmarting Scams: Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, scammers find new ways to target our wallets and personal information. It’s a persistent problem that demands consistent vigilance. This is why initiatives like the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) are so valuable. While the official event is a concentrated effort, the advice it highlights forms a year-round defense manual for anyone navigating today’s marketplace. ...