Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Violation Notices You receive a text or email about an unpaid parking ticket. It looks official, mentions a specific location, and urges you to pay immediately to avoid penalties. Your heart might sink, but before you click, you should know: this is a growing scam designed to steal your money and information. ...
How to Spot, Prevent, and Recover from Today’s Scams You’ve likely felt it—that pang of unease when a call, text, or email just doesn’t seem right. That instinct is more valuable than ever. Recent data shows identity theft cases have surged by 50% over the last two tax seasons. At the same time, scams are becoming more sophisticated, using artificial intelligence to mimic voices and faces. This isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical awareness. By understanding how modern scams work, you can effectively protect your money and your identity. ...
What to Know About National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Each March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on educating people about their rights and how to avoid fraud. The theme for NCPW 2026 centers on empowering individuals in an increasingly digital world. While official materials will be released closer to the event, the FTC’s consistent guidance over the years provides a reliable blueprint for the essential advice expected. Here’s a look at the practical takeaways you can use to bolster your defenses. ...
How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Modern Scams Scams aren’t new, but the tools and tactics used by fraudsters are evolving at a breakneck pace. Where once we were wary of poorly written emails, we now face convincing AI-generated voices, deepfake videos, and scams that leverage stolen personal data for hyper-targeted attacks. This constant evolution makes a proactive, informed defense more critical than ever. Protecting yourself isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about building practical habits that make you a harder target. ...
Beyond the Hype: Practical Scam Protection Tips from NCPW 2026 Every March, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around, offering a crucial spotlight on the latest threats to our wallets and identities. As the Federal Trade Commission and other agencies kick off NCPW 2026, the core message remains vital: awareness is your first line of defense. But once the official week concludes, the scammers don’t take a break. The real value lies in translating that annual reminder into year-round habits that keep you safe. ...
Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot and Stop Scam Calls and Texts on Your iPhone If your iPhone has been buzzing with calls from unknown numbers or texts about a suspicious package you never ordered, you’re not alone. A recent surge in sophisticated phone-based fraud has prompted clear warnings to consumers. Publications like AL.com and agencies like the FBI have highlighted these trends, noting that scammers are constantly refining their tactics to sound more legitimate and trigger an urgent response. ...
A Practical Guide to Fraud Prevention for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on empowering people with the knowledge to spot and avoid scams. For NCPW 2026, the key dates are March 2-8, marking a timely opportunity to refresh your defenses against increasingly sophisticated fraud. ...
Your Phone is Ringing. Should You Answer? If you own a smartphone, you’ve almost certainly seen it: a call from an unknown number, a text with an urgent but vague alert, or a voicemail claiming to be from a government agency. These aren’t just annoyances; they are often the first step in a sophisticated scam. Recent warnings, including a notable consumer alert highlighted by AL.com, urge heightened vigilance. The message is clear: knowing which calls and texts to ignore is a critical part of your digital safety. ...
What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual event led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help people understand their consumer rights and spot deceptive practices. For NCPW 2026, the FTC is rolling out refreshed advice and resources aimed at tackling the scams that are most prevalent today. While the official week is a focused campaign, the guidance offered is useful year-round for anyone looking to safeguard their finances and personal information. ...
Your Phone Is Ringing: How to Spot and Stop Scam Calls and Texts It’s a common modern annoyance: your phone rings or buzzes with a call or text from an unknown number. Often, it’s just a nuisance. But increasingly, it’s a deliberate attempt to steal your money or personal information. Reports of sophisticated scams are rising, with consumer groups and even the FBI issuing recent warnings. For iPhone users and anyone with a smartphone, knowing how to identify and handle these fraudulent contacts is no longer optional—it’s essential for your digital safety. ...