Cybersecurity

New Scams Are Getting More Convincing—Here’s How to Stay Safe Every day, our inboxes, text threads, and phone lines are flooded with messages. Most are harmless, but an increasing number are carefully crafted traps designed to steal money and personal information. Scammers are relentless innovators, constantly refining their tactics to exploit our trust and urgency. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the latest evolution of these schemes, providing a crucial snapshot of what to watch for right now. ...

Spot the Scam: The FTC’s Latest Warning on What to Watch For Scammers are relentless, but their tactics aren’t always new—they’re just constantly repackaged to exploit our trust and daily routines. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shed light on the current scam landscape, emphasizing how familiar cons have evolved to catch even the cautious off guard. For anyone who shops online, checks their email, or answers their phone, understanding these trends isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of digital life. ...

A Persistent Threat: Understanding and Avoiding Gift Card Scams In our digital age, gift cards have become a staple of convenience for gifting and personal spending. Unfortunately, their very features—ease of purchase and use—have also made them a top tool for fraudsters. A recent consumer alert issued by the District of Columbia Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, underscores a troubling and ongoing trend: gift card scams remain a highly effective way for criminals to steal money quickly and irreversibly. This warning serves as a critical reminder for all consumers, regardless of location, to sharpen their awareness. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Securing Your Data Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign dedicated to arming people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money safely. As we approach NCPW 2026, the landscape of scams continues to shift, making this annual reminder more crucial than ever. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical empowerment. By understanding the latest tactics and solidifying a few key habits, you can significantly reduce your risk and shop, bank, and browse with greater confidence. ...

Scammers Are Refining Their Playbook: Here’s What the FTC Wants You to Know This past March, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar to outline the latest tactics scammers are using to separate people from their money. While the specific details of the 2026 webinar are not fully public, the FTC’s focus during these events consistently zeroes in on the most pervasive and evolving threats. The core message is always the same: awareness is your first and best line of defense. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safer During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to arm people with knowledge against scams and fraud. For 2026, the message remains critically important: a few practical habits can significantly strengthen your defenses. This week isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment through simple, actionable steps you can start using today. ...

The New Face of Fraud: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For Last week, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most current and pervasive scams targeting consumers. The core message was clear: while the classic schemes haven’t disappeared, the methods scammers use to execute them are becoming more sophisticated, personalized, and difficult to detect. ...

New York’s Top Lawyer Warns of “Pig Butchering” Scams: How to Protect Yourself In a recent official warning, New York Attorney General Letitia James alerted the public to a sophisticated and cruel online fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name, derived from a grim metaphor, describes how scammers “fatten up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them financially. This advisory highlights a disturbing trend that capitalizes on loneliness and the promise of easy wealth, leaving victims both heartbroken and bankrupt. Understanding this scam is your first line of defense. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: A Disturbing New Twist on Financial Fraud You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media, WhatsApp, or a dating app. The person on the other end is charming, engaging, and over weeks or months, builds a genuine-seeming connection. They talk about life, family, and eventually, a fantastic investment opportunity that has made them significant wealth. They want to help you do the same. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026 The Federal Trade Commission has officially kicked off planning for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. While the full slate of events is still being organized, this annual initiative serves as a critical reminder and resource hub for everyone navigating an increasingly complex digital world. It’s a coordinated effort between government agencies and consumer advocates to provide the tools you need to protect your money, data, and privacy. ...