Consumer Protection

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do (Official Alert) Introduction Gift card scams remain one of the most persistent frauds targeting consumers across the United States. In December 2025, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia issued a consumer alert about this exact threat. The alert, signed by Attorney General Brian Schwalb, warns District residents that scammers are increasingly demanding payment via gift cards and outlines steps to avoid becoming a victim. While the alert is specific to Washington, DC, the tactics described are used nationwide, and the advice applies to anyone who uses gift cards or digital payments. ...

NCPW 2026 Recap: The Scams You Need to Watch Right Now National Consumer Protection Week 2026 ran from March 2 to 6, but the fraud warnings the FTC published during that week are just as relevant now. If you missed the event, or if you could use a refresher on the most common scams, this article covers the key points from the FTC’s campaign — and what you can do to protect yourself today. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Outsmart Scams Introduction National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 took place in early March, and as in previous years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release fresh consumer advice and highlight the most persistent threats. The campaign may have passed, but the scams it warned about haven’t. For anyone who missed the spotlight, or simply wants a clear, no‑nonsense refresher, the FTC’s guidance remains the best place to start. Here is what you need to know, based on the agency’s official materials. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest DC Attorney General Alert Means for You Gift cards are a convenient way to give someone a present. But scammers have turned them into a favorite payment method for fraud. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about the ongoing threat of gift card scams. The alert serves as a timely reminder that this type of fraud persists year after year, costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Key Advice to Stay Ahead of Scams National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1–7, and as in previous years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release a collection of plain-language consumer tips. The agency’s “Welcome to NCPW 2026” page serves as a central hub for advice on the most common frauds, practical steps to shield your finances, and instructions for reporting problems. While the official week has passed, the guidance is evergreen—scams don’t take holidays, and the same red flags appear year after year. ...

Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What Customers Need to Do Now Fraudsters are constantly updating their tactics, and UK banks regularly issue alerts to help customers stay ahead. On April 24, 2026, Lloyds Bank released a fresh warning about specific scams currently targeting its customers. If you hold an account with Lloyds – or with any other UK bank – here is what you need to know and the practical steps you should take. ...

NCPW 2026: Essential Consumer Protection Advice You Can Use All Year National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shared during that week is just as useful today. Whether you missed the event or want a refresher, the core message is simple: scams are persistent, but you can reduce your risk with a few straightforward habits. ...

Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What UK Customers Need to Know A new warning from Lloyds Bank — here’s how to respond without getting caught out. What happened On 24 April 2026, a report on capitolskyline.com indicated that Lloyds Bank had issued a customer alert warning of a fresh wave of scams targeting its UK account holders. The alert, according to the report, urges customers to be wary of unsolicited contact that appears to come from the bank — often via phone call, text message, or email — and to avoid sharing personal or financial information. ...

NCPW 2026: What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams This Year National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1 through March 7, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) once again used the occasion to highlight the most pressing consumer threats and the tools available to fight them. For anyone trying to stay ahead of fraud, the agency’s advice remains one of the most reliable starting points. ...

Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What Customers Need to Know Now Introduction Lloyds Bank has reportedly updated its customer scam warning, flagging a fresh wave of fraud attempts targeting UK account holders. According to a syndicated article published on April 24, 2026, the bank is urging customers to be vigilant about impersonation scams that pressure people into sharing personal details or making urgent payments. While I have not reviewed the original Lloyds press release directly, the alert aligns with patterns seen in recent UK banking fraud warnings. This post summarises what the reported alert contains, explains why it matters, and gives clear steps you can take to protect your accounts. ...