Cybersecurity

How to Spot and Avoid “Pig Butchering” Scams The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, recently issued a stark warning to residents about a sophisticated and devastating type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name, while unusual, is chillingly accurate. Scammers “fatten up” their victims with promises of romance or friendship, building trust over weeks or months, before “butchering” them for their life savings. This official alert underscores that these scams are not just theoretical—they are actively targeting people right now. ...

Your 2026 Consumer Defense Plan: Navigating Scams with the FTC’s Guidance As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again amplifying its call for public awareness. This annual event is more than a calendar reminder; it’s a coordinated push to equip you with the knowledge to defend against increasingly sophisticated fraud. While the exact theme for 2026 is still taking shape, the FTC’s consistent messaging provides a reliable roadmap for the threats you’re likely to face and the practical steps you can take right now. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Recognize the Red Flags and Protect Your Money If someone calls demanding you pay them with a gift card, it’s a scam. This simple rule, emphasized by District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb in a recent consumer alert, is a critical defense against one of the most common and devastating frauds today. Gift card scams drain millions from consumers annually by leveraging fear, urgency, and the digital equivalent of untraceable cash. Understanding how these scams operate is the first step in ensuring you don’t become the next victim. ...

The FTC’s Latest Warning: Where Scammers Are Targeting You Now If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not imagining it. Fraud reports have surged, and the tactics are constantly changing. To help cut through the noise, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, distilling the most pressing threats facing consumers right now. The insights aren’t just about what scams are out there, but how they’re evolving to bypass our usual defenses. Staying informed with this kind of direct guidance is one of the most effective shields you have. ...

How to Recognize and Stop the Scams That Are Surging Right Now During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, experts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) detailed the scam tactics that are currently tricking the most people. Their message was clear: while the stories scammers tell keep changing, their goal remains the same—to pressure you into handing over money or personal information. Being aware of the current trends is your first and best line of defense. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Protect Yourself. It’s an all-too-familiar story: a call, text, or email creates a sudden sense of urgency. A loved one is in jail and needs bail money. The IRS says you owe back taxes immediately or face arrest. A tech support agent claims your computer is infected and demands payment to fix it. In each case, the demand is the same: go buy a gift card and read the numbers over the phone. ...

Your Practical Guide to Consumer Safety in 2026 With National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 on the horizon, it’s a perfect time to reassess your defenses against fraud. This annual event, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), focuses on empowering people with knowledge, and that’s precisely what we’ll do here. Scams are not disappearing; they’re evolving. The best defense is a clear understanding of current tactics and a simple plan of action. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: A Practical Guide to the Latest Gift Card Scams If someone calls, emails, or messages you demanding immediate payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. This isn’t just an internet rumor; it’s the core warning from an official alert issued by District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb. These scams are not new, but they are evolving and remain one of the most common and effective forms of consumer fraud. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: The Scams You Need to Watch For Now During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pulled back the curtain on the latest tricks scammers are using. Their goal wasn’t to scare people, but to equip them. The landscape of fraud is always shifting, with criminals refining old schemes and launching new ones to exploit current events and technologies. Understanding these trends isn’t just about awareness—it’s the first, crucial step in building an effective personal defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last week, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to cut through the noise and highlight the scams causing the most financial harm right now. These aren’t the obvious email blasts from a “deposed prince” of yesteryear, but more sophisticated tactics that prey on modern anxieties and habits. By understanding their playbook, you can build a stronger defense for your wallet and personal information. ...