Cybersecurity

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. ...

Don’t Get Towed by a Text: Spotting North Carolina’s Latest Parking Scam If you’re a driver in North Carolina, your phone might be the next target for a convincing new scam. According to a recent consumer alert from the state’s Department of Justice, fraudsters are sending deceptive text messages posing as official agencies to collect payments for fake parking violations. Understanding how this scam operates is the first step in protecting your wallet and your personal information. ...

What the FTC’s Latest Scam Warning Means for You Last month, federal regulators held a public webinar to shine a light on the fraud tactics that are costing Americans billions each year. While these events happen regularly, the insights shared during National Consumer Protection Week serve as a critical snapshot of where scammers are focusing their efforts right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply has a phone, understanding these trends isn’t about fear—it’s about building practical defenses. ...

Scammers Are Getting Sneakier: Here’s What the FTC Warns You to Watch For Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. That’s why the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, was so valuable. It cut through the noise to highlight the specific scams that are trapping people right now. The message was clear: while the themes of greed, fear, and urgency remain constant, the delivery methods are evolving rapidly. ...