Cybersecurity

Don’t Get Played: A Realistic Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams It feels like a weekly occurrence: a new text about a missed delivery, an urgent call from “your bank,” or a too-good-to-be-true investment offer. Fraud isn’t just annoying; it’s costly and emotionally draining. Recent reports, including a series from Investopedia, highlight a sobering reality: identity theft spiked by 50% over the last two tax seasons, and scammers are now wielding artificial intelligence to create frighteningly convincing fakes. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Every year, scammers refine their tactics, finding new ways to exploit trust and urgency. Keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Fortunately, regulators are on the front lines, and their insights are our best defense. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a key webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week, distilling the latest patterns they’re seeing in fraud. The message is clear: while the themes of fear, greed, and opportunity are timeless, the delivery methods are constantly evolving. ...

What Makes a Bank Safe in a Digital World? When you think about a “safe” bank, your mind might first go to its financial strength—whether it can weather an economic storm. That’s crucial, of course. But in today’s world, a bank’s safety is just as much about its digital defenses as its balance sheet. With cyberattacks and sophisticated scams on the rise, the security of your online banking portal, mobile app, and the bank’s own data centers is paramount to protecting your money and your identity. ...

Staying Safe in a World of Scams: A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Recent data shows that identity theft has surged by 50% over just the past two tax seasons, a stark reminder that financial predators are more active than ever. But you are not powerless. While the threats are evolving—now including AI-generated voices and convincing deepfakes—the core principles of defense remain grounded in vigilance and smart habits. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Building Digital Defenses National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns in March 2026. While this annual event, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is a coordinated campaign involving government agencies and consumer groups, its real value lies in what you can do with it. It’s a dedicated reminder and a source of tools to reassess your personal security in an increasingly digital world. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Practical Guide to Modern Scams It’s not your imagination—scams are getting more frequent and sophisticated. Recent data shows identity theft alone surged by 50% over the past two tax seasons. Meanwhile, new tools like AI are making fraud harder to spot, with cloned voices and deepfake videos entering the criminal toolkit. Protecting yourself isn’t just about being skeptical; it’s about understanding the new rules of the game. This guide breaks down how to recognize today’s threats, build practical defenses, and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...

Don’t Just Be a Consumer, Be a Protected One: A Guide to NCPW 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around every March, and while it might not have the fanfare of a major holiday, it’s arguably more important for your wallet and peace of mind. This coordinated campaign, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other government agencies and consumer groups, is a dedicated time to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to navigate today’s marketplace safely. ...

How to Spot and Stop Scams: A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Money It’s not your imagination—scams are getting more sophisticated and more frequent. Recent reports note a troubling 50% increase in identity theft over the past two tax seasons, while AI-generated scam calls and deepfakes are moving from sci-fi concepts into our daily lives. The goal of a scammer is simple: to create a compelling illusion that triggers a quick, emotional reaction, bypassing your logical defenses. ...

How to Recognize, Prevent, and Respond to Modern Scams Scams are an unfortunate constant, but their methods are evolving faster than ever. Recent data highlights a sharp 50% increase in identity theft over the past two tax seasons. At the same time, fraudsters are now deploying sophisticated tools like AI-generated voices and deepfake videos. The combination of high-pressure tactics and new technology makes it crucial to update our defenses. This guide breaks down the psychology behind scams, identifies current threats, and provides a concrete plan for prevention and response. ...

A Proactive Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 As we head toward March 2026, consumer protection agencies are preparing for the annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this week serves as a crucial, coordinated reminder to review our habits and reinforce our defenses against scams that constantly evolve to exploit new technologies and anxieties. The core message remains timeless: informed consumers are the first line of defense. This year’s focus underscores practical steps anyone can take to protect their finances, personal information, and peace of mind. ...