Cybersecurity

The Scams Changing Fast: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, a key event was a public webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which pulled back the curtain on the scams that are currently tricking the most people. The insights shared weren’t just statistics; they were a clear guide to the specific traps being set today. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every day, it seems scammers come up with a new story to separate us from our money or personal information. Staying ahead of these threats can feel like a full-time job. That’s why the recent insights from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during National Consumer Protection Week, are so valuable. They cut through the noise and highlight exactly what fraudsters are doing right now. ...

How to Spot and Stop a Gift Card Scam A family member texts you in a panic: they’ve been in a minor car accident and need money for the deductible right now. They ask you to buy several hundred dollars worth of gift cards and send the codes immediately. You want to help, so you rush to the store. ...

The New Scam Playbook: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For Every year, scammers refine their tactics, using new technologies and old tricks of psychology to separate people from their money. To mark National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public webinar on March 5, 2026, to shed light on the latest fraud trends. The session served as a timely reminder that vigilance is our first line of defense. For anyone who uses a phone, shops online, or has a bank account, understanding these evolving schemes is no longer optional—it’s essential. ...

Watch for Fake Parking Tickets: A New Scam Hits Drivers’ Phones If your phone buzzes with a text demanding immediate payment for a parking ticket you don’t remember getting, pause before you panic—or pay. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) recently issued a consumer alert warning drivers about a new wave of parking violation scams. Fraudsters are sending urgent, official-looking messages to trick people into handing over money and personal information. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Current Scams If you feel like you’re hearing about new scams more often, you’re not imagining it. Fraudsters constantly refine their tactics, and what worked to protect yourself a year ago might not be enough today. That’s why the information shared by regulators is so critical. During the recent National Consumer Protection Week in March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar specifically to dissect the latest scam trends circulating right now. While the full details are best heard from the source, understanding the overarching themes they highlighted can give you a significant advantage in spotting and stopping fraud before it causes harm. ...

Don’t Get Butchered: Understanding and Avoiding “Pig Butchering” Scams Imagine building a friendship or even a romance online, one that grows over weeks or months. This person seems to care, sharing stories and offering investment advice that sounds too good to be true. They encourage you to put in a little money, and at first, you see impressive—but fake—gains. Then, when you try to withdraw your now-larger sum, it vanishes, along with the person you trusted. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Webinar Every year, scams become more sophisticated, tailored, and relentless. Staying informed isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary part of safeguarding your finances and identity. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, outlining the latest trends that fraudsters are using to separate people from their money. The insights serve as a crucial update for anyone looking to strengthen their defenses. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: What It Is and How to Avoid It You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media, WhatsApp, or a dating app. The person is charming, builds a connection over weeks, and shares stories of financial success through savvy investments. Eventually, they suggest you get in on the opportunity. This gradual, trust-based manipulation is the hallmark of a devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Tactics Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week, shining a spotlight on the scam trends that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. These events are more than just routine updates; they’re a direct line to the patterns investigators are seeing in real complaints. The message was clear: while classic cons persist, their methods are constantly evolving to exploit new technologies and current events. Understanding these tactics is your first and best line of defense. ...