Cybersecurity

The Scams in Your Inbox Right Now: What the FTC Says is Changing If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not imagining it. Fraud is evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shed light on the latest trends they’re seeing. The goal wasn’t to scare people, but to arm them with the knowledge to fight back. ...

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in a Gift Card Scam A new warning from the District of Columbia’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, serves as a sharp reminder: gift card scams aren’t a seasonal fluke or a problem that only happens to others. They are a persistent and effective form of fraud that continues to trap thousands of people each year. These scams succeed because they exploit trust, urgency, and the seemingly innocuous nature of a gift card. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Money A new public alert from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb is putting a spotlight on a persistent and costly threat: gift card scams. While the warning was issued to District residents in December 2025, the tactics described are used against people nationwide every single day. These scams rely on pressure, deception, and the irreversible nature of gift card payments to steal millions from unsuspecting consumers. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Wave of Scams If your inbox feels like a minefield of suspicious messages and your phone rings with unknown numbers, you’re not alone. Scammers are refining their tactics, and it’s becoming harder to tell a genuine offer from a sophisticated fraud. Recently, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam trends of the moment. Their goal was clear: to equip everyday people with the knowledge to spot and stop fraud before it causes harm. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: Here’s How to Protect Yourself If someone demands payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal warning from Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who issued a direct alert to District of Columbia residents in December 2025. This official notice highlights a disturbing and persistent trend: fraudsters are increasingly manipulating victims into purchasing gift cards under false pretenses, leading to rapid, irreversible financial loss. While the alert targeted local residents, the tactics described are a nationwide problem. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Your Practical Guide to Scam Prevention for 2026 Every March, consumer protection agencies, advocacy groups, and law enforcement unite for a critical initiative: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again leading the charge, providing updated, practical advice to help everyday people guard their money and personal information. ...

What You Really Need to Know to Avoid Scams in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is gearing up to provide its latest, most relevant guidance. This annual event is more than just a calendar note; it’s a concentrated effort to arm you with the knowledge to protect your money and your identity. The scams of tomorrow are already taking shape today, and being prepared is your first line of defense. ...

Beyond the Headlines: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself Recently, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a stern warning about a sophisticated and devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the alert was directed at New Yorkers, this scam is a global threat that targets anyone with an online presence. The name, derived from the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter, chillingly describes the scammer’s method: they spend weeks or months building trust before stealing everything. ...

Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week: How to Spot and Stop Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations observe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated effort to arm people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money safely. While the specific themes evolve, the core goal remains the same: to turn awareness into action. ...

Don’t Fall for It: The Latest Scams the FTC Warns You About Each March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a critical reminder to stay vigilant against fraud. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to highlight the latest and most pervasive scam trends targeting consumers today. The tactics are evolving, becoming more sophisticated and personalized. Understanding these methods is your first and best line of defense. ...