Cybersecurity

Account Takeover Attacks Are on the Rise: How to Protect Your Online Accounts If you’ve noticed unusual login attempts on your email, banking, or social media accounts recently, you’re not alone. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued an alert on August 14, 2025, warning that account takeover incidents are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. In an account takeover, a criminal gains unauthorized access to one of your online accounts—often through phishing, credential stuffing (using leaked passwords from other sites), or SIM swapping—and then uses it to steal money, open new lines of credit, or impersonate you to target your contacts. ...

Account Takeover Attacks Are Surging: How to Protect Your Online Accounts Now On August 14, 2025, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued a consumer fraud alert warning of a sharp rise in account takeover incidents. These attacks, where a criminal gains access to one of your online accounts and locks you out, can lead to direct financial loss and long-term identity theft. The alert covers common attack methods and practical ways to prevent them. ...

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in a Scam: How to Protect Yourself from Gift Card Fraud Gift cards are meant to be a simple, thoughtful present. Unfortunately, their convenience and ease of use have also made them a favorite tool for scammers. This isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s a serious and widespread form of fraud that costs consumers millions each year. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert specifically warning District residents about the ongoing threat of gift card scams, underscoring the need for public vigilance. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Staying ahead of scammers can feel like a full-time job. Just as you learn to spot one trick, they invent a new one. That’s why the information shared during National Consumer Protection Week is so valuable. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest scam trends, providing a crucial update on what fraudsters are pushing now and how you can defend yourself. ...

How to Spot and Stop a “Pig Butchering” Scam You receive a friendly, unexpected message. Maybe it’s on a dating app, social media, or even a wrong-number text. The person on the other end is charming, builds a connection over weeks or months, and eventually starts talking about a fantastic financial opportunity. This slow, calculated process is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, and it’s costing victims their life savings. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert specifically warning residents about this sophisticated fraud. ...

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in a Scam: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Fraud A recent consumer alert from the District of Columbia Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, serves as a critical reminder: gift card scams are not a minor nuisance; they are a pervasive and financially devastating form of fraud. These scams succeed because they exploit trust, urgency, and a common misconception that gift cards are a legitimate form of payment to companies or government agencies. They are not. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Parking Ticket Alert: How to Spot a New Scam Targeting Drivers If you drive in North Carolina, be cautious about any urgent message claiming you owe money for a parking violation. The state’s Department of Justice has issued a warning about a new scam where fraudsters are sending fake parking ticket notices to steal money and personal information. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Insights from the FTC If it feels like you’re hearing about more scams than ever, you’re not imagining it. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, but the good news is that the patterns they follow are often recognizable. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the latest trends. While the specific stories change, the underlying strategies remain frustratingly consistent. Here’s a breakdown of what they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: How to Spot and Stop Them If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. This simple rule is at the heart of a recent consumer alert, but the problem is far more pervasive than many realize. Scammers have perfected the art of using gift cards as an untraceable, irreversible cash conduit, and they’re exploiting trust and urgency to steal millions. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam threats facing consumers right now. The session provided a clear-eyed look at how fraud is evolving and, more importantly, how you can defend yourself. While the tactics may change, the core principles of protection remain vital. ...