Cybersecurity

New Scam Tactics Are Targeting Everyone: Here’s What the FTC Wants You to Know Every day, scammers refine their methods, crafting more convincing lies to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires current, reliable advice. That’s why the recent guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during a webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, is so valuable. The session cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud trends seeing a rise right now, offering a clear-eyed look at how to protect yourself. ...

Don’t Get Fattened Up: A Practical Guide to “Pig Butchering” Scams A stark warning from New York Attorney General Letitia James has put a spotlight on a disturbing and financially devastating trend: “pig butchering” scams. These are not quick cons but elaborate, long-term schemes designed to slowly gain a victim’s trust before stealing their life savings. The name itself is a grim metaphor—scammers “fatten up” their targets with affection and false promises before “butchering” them financially. ...

Heads Up, Drivers: How a New Parking Ticket Scam Works and How to Avoid It If you own a car, your inbox or text messages might be the next target for scammers. Authorities, including the North Carolina Department of Justice, have issued alerts about a convincing new fraud: fake parking violation notices. These scams are designed to create a sense of urgency, tricking drivers into paying money they don’t owe and potentially stealing their personal information in the process. ...

Don’t Get Butchered: How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams You get a friendly, seemingly random message on social media, WhatsApp, or a dating app. The conversation turns to cryptocurrency or other “can’t-miss” investment opportunities. Before you know it, you’re being guided to send money to a platform that looks legitimate, only to watch your investment—and your new “friend”—vanish. This isn’t just bad luck; it’s a sophisticated fraud known as “pig butchering,” and authorities are sounding the alarm. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How to Recognize and Avoid This Costly Fraud Imagine receiving a friendly, seemingly accidental message from a stranger. They’re charming, engaging, and over weeks or months, a trusting relationship blossoms. Then, they present an exclusive investment opportunity with guaranteed high returns. If this sounds familiar, you might be the target of a “pig butchering” scam. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark consumer alert warning residents about this sophisticated and devastating fraud. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every day, scammers refine their tactics, looking for new ways to trick people out of their money and personal information. Keeping up with their latest schemes is one of the best defenses you have. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shed light on the most prevalent and emerging scam trends affecting consumers right now. ...

The Long Con: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Fatten Victims for Slaughter You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media, a dating app, or even WhatsApp. The conversation starts casually, grows into regular chats, and over weeks or months, a relationship or friendship develops. Then, the topic of a lucrative, “can’t-miss” investment opportunity arises. If this scenario sounds familiar, you may be the target of a devastating fraud known as “pig butchering.” ...

Survey Says: Bank Customers Feel Secure. Are They Right? A recent national survey conducted for the American Bankers Association (ABA) in Fall 2025 shows a clear trend: a strong majority of U.S. consumers are satisfied with their bank and specifically applaud its efforts to protect them from fraud. On the surface, this is great news. It suggests that financial institutions are successfully implementing security measures that customers notice and appreciate. ...

Beyond the Headlines: What the FTC’s Scam Webinar Really Means for You You’ve probably seen the warnings: “New scam alert!” or “Protect your money!” They flash across news tickers and fill social media feeds, often feeling too vague to be useful. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cut through the noise with a timely webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, offering a clearer picture of the specific tricks fraudsters are using right now. While the full details are presented to professionals like those at ACA International, the core insights provide a crucial roadmap for everyday consumers looking to safeguard their wallets and personal information. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Real-World Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams It’s a stressful reality of modern life: sophisticated scams are on the rise. From AI-generated voices that sound like a distressed family member to phishing emails that look indistinguishable from real ones, fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics. Recent data, including reports of a 50% surge in identity theft over the past two tax seasons, underscores that this isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a significant financial and personal risk. The good news is that you are not powerless. By understanding the current landscape and implementing a few key habits, you can dramatically reduce your risk and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...