Cybersecurity

The Latest Scams Are Getting Sneakier: What the FTC Wants You to Know Scams can feel like a constant, ever-shifting threat. Just when you learn to spot one scheme, another emerges, dressed in new digital clothing. That’s why updates from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the agency shed light on the fraud trends currently tricking the most people. While the exact transcript isn’t public, the FTC consistently reports on the patterns where consumers are losing money and peace of mind. ...

That Urgent Call for Gift Cards? It’s Likely a Scam. If someone calls, texts, or emails demanding immediate payment with a gift card, it’s almost certainly a fraud attempt. This simple warning is at the heart of consumer alerts from authorities across the country. In a recent and typical advisory, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct warning to residents about the enduring threat of gift card scams. ...

FTC Webinar Highlights Key Scam Trends: What You Need to Know Now A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, served as a timely reminder that scammers are endlessly inventive. The session underscored how fraudsters continuously refine their tactics to exploit current events, new technologies, and human psychology. While the full details of the webinar aren’t publicly available, reports from organizations like ACA International confirm its focus on emerging threats. For anyone navigating today’s digital and phone-based landscape, understanding these trends is a critical first line of defense. ...

That Unexpected Request for Gift Cards? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam If someone urgently insists you pay them with gift cards, stop immediately. You are almost certainly being targeted by a scam. This isn’t just speculation; it’s the core message from a recent consumer alert issued by Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. The warning underscores that despite being a well-known tactic, gift card scams continue to trap people, fueled by convincing lies and high-pressure tactics. ...

How to Spot and Steer Clear of “Pig Butchering” Scams In an increasingly digital world, scams evolve to exploit our trust and hopes. One of the most damaging schemes circulating today is known as “pig butchering.” Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a formal consumer alert warning residents about this specific threat. Unlike a quick con, this scam is a long-game operation that builds a false sense of security before the devastating financial blow. Understanding its mechanics is your first and best line of defense. ...

The Scams to Watch for Now: Insights from the FTC’s Latest Alert With each passing year, scams don’t just persist—they evolve. Criminals refine their tactics, exploit new technologies, and prey on current events to catch people off guard. That’s why the consistent guidance from watchdogs like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the agency highlighted the scam trends that are causing the most financial harm right now. While we don’t have a full transcript, the key takeaways offer a crucial snapshot of the current threat landscape. ...

How to Spot and Avoid ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams: A Practical Safety Guide A recent alert from the New York State Attorney General’s office has brought renewed attention to a particularly insidious type of fraud: the “pig butchering” scam. While the warning was issued to New Yorkers, this criminal tactic targets people everywhere. It’s a long con that relies on building trust before slaughtering the victim’s finances, hence the grim name. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

When a Call, Text, or Email Demands a Gift Card Payment, It’s a Scam In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct alert to residents: be on high alert for gift card scams. This official warning underscores a persistent and damaging fraud tactic that shows no sign of slowing down. Scammers have perfected the art of using pressure, deception, and the irreversible nature of gift card payments to steal millions from consumers annually. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best line of defense. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Stopping Scams Before They Start Every year, as fraud tactics grow more sophisticated, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dedicates a week to arming the public with the latest defenses. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, running in early March, is that critical annual checkpoint. It’s a nationwide effort involving government agencies and consumer advocates, all focused on a single goal: giving you the knowledge to protect your money and your identity. This year’s message is not about fear, but about practical, proactive steps. ...

A Timely Reminder: Gift Cards Are for Gifts, Not for Scammers If someone you don’t know calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, stop. It’s a scam. Full stop. ...