Cybersecurity

The Rockstar Games Data Breach: What It Means for You and How to Respond News broke recently that Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, was targeted in a significant cyberattack. The hacker group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating they accessed a vast trove of data and set a ransom deadline of April 14, 2026. While Rockstar has officially confirmed only a “limited amount of non-material company information” was accessed via a third-party breach, the incident highlights a recurring risk for anyone with online accounts. ...

Scam Alert: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosts a series of events for National Consumer Protection Week. This year, one of the cornerstone events was a public webinar focused on the latest scam trends. While we weren’t in the virtual room ourselves, the key takeaway from their discussion is clear: scammers are constantly refining their tactics, but the core principles of defense remain steady. ...

That “Perfect” Online Match Could Be a Financial Trap You meet someone new online. The conversation flows easily. They’re attentive, successful, and share your interests. Over weeks or months, a genuine connection seems to blossom. Then, they mention an exclusive investment opportunity, a “sure thing.” You make a small, successful trade. Encouraged, you invest more. And then, the person—and your money—disappear. ...

Practical Consumer Safety for a Digital World: What to Know in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it serves as a timely reminder that vigilance is a year-round job. Each March, this initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money, data, and identity. With our lives increasingly moving online, the core principles of consumer protection are now deeply intertwined with digital privacy and cybersecurity. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on arming people with the knowledge to avoid fraud and protect their data. The 2026 iteration is no different, serving as a critical yearly checkpoint to refocus on the most pressing threats to your wallet and privacy. While the full slate of events and resources for NCPW 2026 will be detailed on the FTC’s website as the week approaches, the core mission remains constant: providing practical, actionable advice. Here’s a breakdown of the essential themes and strategies you can expect, based on the FTC’s ongoing priorities and past warnings. ...

Heed the Official Warning: How to Spot Investment Scams on Social Media In early April 2026, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a stark consumer alert, warning the public about a significant rise in fraudulent investment schemes proliferating across Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This official warning underscores a troubling trend: social media, a space for connection, has become a prime hunting ground for financial predators. ...

Practical Ways to Stop Scammers: Lessons from FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW): the best defense against fraud is a well-informed public. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core message remains urgent. Scammers are endlessly adaptable, but the foundational principles for protecting yourself don’t have to be complex. ...

Attorney General’s Warning: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. This is the straightforward warning from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who issued a recent consumer alert highlighting a surge in these fraudulent schemes. While the alert is aimed at D.C. residents, the threat is national. Gift card scams drain millions from consumers annually by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Spotting the Scams the FTC Says Are Circulating Now Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the latest scam tactics actively targeting people. The core message is clear: while the themes of fraud remain consistent—pressure, deception, and urgency—the delivery methods are constantly evolving. Staying informed isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of protecting your money and personal information. ...

The Latest Scams and How to Spot Them: Key Takeaways from the FTC Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, making it harder than ever to distinguish a legitimate offer from a sophisticated fraud. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the evolving landscape of consumer scams, emphasizing that awareness is the first line of defense. While the details of every emerging scheme shift, the core principles of protection remain grounded in vigilance and skepticism. ...