Cybersecurity

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Wave of Scams If your inbox feels like a minefield of suspicious messages and your phone rings with unknown numbers, you’re not alone. Scammers are refining their tactics, and it’s becoming harder to tell a genuine offer from a sophisticated fraud. Recently, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam trends of the moment. Their goal was clear: to equip everyday people with the knowledge to spot and stop fraud before it causes harm. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: Here’s How to Protect Yourself If someone demands payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal warning from Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who issued a direct alert to District of Columbia residents in December 2025. This official notice highlights a disturbing and persistent trend: fraudsters are increasingly manipulating victims into purchasing gift cards under false pretenses, leading to rapid, irreversible financial loss. While the alert targeted local residents, the tactics described are a nationwide problem. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Your Practical Guide to Scam Prevention for 2026 Every March, consumer protection agencies, advocacy groups, and law enforcement unite for a critical initiative: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again leading the charge, providing updated, practical advice to help everyday people guard their money and personal information. ...

What You Really Need to Know to Avoid Scams in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is gearing up to provide its latest, most relevant guidance. This annual event is more than just a calendar note; it’s a concentrated effort to arm you with the knowledge to protect your money and your identity. The scams of tomorrow are already taking shape today, and being prepared is your first line of defense. ...

Beyond the Headlines: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself Recently, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a stern warning about a sophisticated and devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the alert was directed at New Yorkers, this scam is a global threat that targets anyone with an online presence. The name, derived from the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter, chillingly describes the scammer’s method: they spend weeks or months building trust before stealing everything. ...

Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week: How to Spot and Stop Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations observe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated effort to arm people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money safely. While the specific themes evolve, the core goal remains the same: to turn awareness into action. ...

Don’t Fall for It: The Latest Scams the FTC Warns You About Each March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a critical reminder to stay vigilant against fraud. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to highlight the latest and most pervasive scam trends targeting consumers today. The tactics are evolving, becoming more sophisticated and personalized. Understanding these methods is your first and best line of defense. ...

How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams Before You’re Targeted If you’re active on social media, dating apps, or even professional networking sites, you should be aware of a sophisticated and devastating fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is as brutal as the crime: scammers “fatten up” a victim with trust and affection before “butchering” them for their money. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than a calendar event; it’s an annual, coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and partners to arm you with the knowledge you need to avoid fraud and manage your money safely. While the official week for 2026 is typically held in early March, the lessons and habits it promotes are vital year-round. This year’s focus continues a critical trend: helping consumers spot, stop, and report scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How Fraudsters Fatten Victims for Financial Slaughter You meet someone online. The conversation is engaging, the connection feels real, and over weeks or months, a bond of trust forms. Then, they introduce an “exclusive” investment opportunity. This isn’t just a clumsy phishing email; it’s a sophisticated, patient fraud known as “pig butchering,” and authorities like New York Attorney General Letitia James are issuing urgent warnings about its spread. ...