Cybersecurity

How to Spot and Avoid the Devastating “Pig Butchering” Scam Imagine connecting with someone new online. The conversation starts casually, but over weeks or months, it deepens. They share stories, express care, and earn your trust. Then, they mention an incredible investment opportunity—a chance to build a future together. This slow, methodical process is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, and it’s defrauding people of their life savings. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a formal consumer alert warning residents about this specific and growing threat. ...

A Practical Guide from the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a calendar note from the Federal Trade Commission. It’s a concentrated effort to arm everyday people with the knowledge to fight back against the scams and frauds that are increasingly common in our digital lives. For 2026, the FTC is continuing this mission, providing clear, actionable advice that moves beyond simple warnings. ...

How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams: A Guide to Protecting Your Finances In the ever-evolving world of online scams, a particularly insidious scheme has been making headlines and draining bank accounts. Known as “pig butchering,” this fraud combines long-term relationship building with sophisticated investment lies. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning to residents about the rise of these scams, urging heightened vigilance. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Shield Yourself Each year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. In a recent March 2026 webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) distilled the current landscape of consumer scams, highlighting not just what’s popular, but how these schemes are evolving to exploit our trust and urgency. For anyone who uses a phone, email, or social media, understanding these trends is the first step toward staying safe. ...

Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Practical Advice from the FTC’s Latest Briefing Every day, it seems there’s a new, sophisticated scam waiting in your inbox, your texts, or even on your doorstep. It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up. Recently, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar to cut through the noise. They distilled the current fraud landscape into key trends and, more importantly, actionable advice for the public. ...

Spotting the Impostors: A Guide to Government Impostor Scams It’s a scenario that preys on our respect for authority and our fear of getting in trouble: a phone call or email arrives, seemingly from a government agency, demanding immediate action or payment. According to a recent official alert, this exact playbook is being used by scammers impersonating employees of a state’s Department of Consumer Protection. While the alert originates from a specific region, the tactics are universal. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Guide to Spotting “Pig Butchering” Scams Imagine building a genuine connection with someone online. The conversations are deep, the future seems bright, and they start sharing a financial opportunity that sounds too good to be true. This is the insidious start of a “pig butchering” scam, a cruel fraud that is devastating victims across the country. In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning about these sophisticated cons. Understanding how they work is your first and best line of defense. ...

The FTC’s Latest Scam Alert: What You Need to Know Now Intro Every day, new schemes emerge designed to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires knowing what to look for. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the most pressing fraud trends affecting consumers today. These insights aren’t just bureaucratic updates; they are a direct window into the tactics scammers are using right now. By understanding these methods, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about a disturbing rise in a specific type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is jarring, and deliberately so. It derives from the scammers’ tactic of “fattening up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them for their money. Unlike impulsive phishing attempts, this is a slow-burn, psychological scheme designed to exploit loneliness and the desire for connection. Understanding its mechanics is your first and best defense. ...

What You Need to Know About Today’s Scam Landscape Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pulled back the curtain on the most prevalent and evolving fraudulent schemes targeting people right now. The information shared provides a crucial snapshot of where the threats lie and, more importantly, how you can guard against them. ...