Digital Safety

What Scams Are Targeting You Right Now? Key Insights from the FTC’s Latest Webinar The digital world offers convenience, but it also opens new doors for fraudsters. Staying ahead of their tactics is a constant challenge. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most prevalent and emerging scams currently threatening consumers. The message was clear: while the classics like phishing persist, scammers are refining their methods, making vigilance more critical than ever. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the most pressing scam threats facing consumers right now. The session served as a timely reminder that while the digital world offers incredible convenience, it also opens new avenues for fraudsters. Their tactics are constantly evolving, but the core goal remains the same: to trick you into handing over money or personal information. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Advice Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This past March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest scam trends, providing a timely update on the tactics criminals are using right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply answers their phone, this information isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary tool for protecting your finances and personal information. ...

What a New Survey Says About Banking Fraud—And How to Protect Yourself A recent survey from the American Bankers Association (ABA) conducted by Morning Consult offers a snapshot of how consumers feel about their banks’ fraud protection efforts. The findings, released in the fall of 2025, suggest a generally high level of consumer satisfaction. While this is encouraging news, it’s not a reason for complacency. Understanding these perceptions and pairing them with proactive personal security measures is crucial for true financial safety. ...

Why Reporting Fraud is Your First Line of Defense In an increasingly digital world, scams have evolved from simple cons to sophisticated schemes that can target anyone. While the instinct after encountering a fraud attempt might be embarrassment or a desire to forget it happened, the most powerful action you can take is to report it. Recent alerts from organizations like AARP Virginia highlight a continuous stream of threats, from IRS impostors to fake travel deals, underscoring that fraud is not a rare event but an ongoing risk. Reporting isn’t just about your own loss—it’s a critical tool for community safety and disrupting criminal operations. ...

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. ...

Your Action Guide for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is here, running from March 1-7. Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this week is a dedicated push to empower you with the knowledge to spot, avoid, and report scams. Each year, fraudsters refine their tactics, making consumer vigilance more critical than ever. This guide cuts through the noise with direct, actionable advice based on the FTC’s consumer resources, helping you secure your finances and personal information. ...

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Safety Advice Another year, another wave of sophisticated scams. As digital life becomes more embedded in our routines, the tactics used by fraudsters grow more convincing. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) remains a critical touchpoint. For 2026, the agency has distilled its guidance into clear, actionable advice aimed at helping everyday people build stronger digital defenses. ...

Your Guide to Outsmarting Scams: Practical Advice for 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) isn’t just a calendar event—it’s a yearly reminder to sharpen our defenses. As we look ahead to 2026, the core advice from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) remains crucial: staying informed is your first line of defense. Scams evolve, but the principles for spotting and stopping them don’t. This guide translates the FTC’s key messages into practical steps you can use right now. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams During Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, fraudsters devise new schemes, but the core principles of protection remain steadfast. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gears up for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) from March 1-7, 2026, their focus is on equipping you with timeless, practical defense strategies. While specific event details for 2026 are still unfolding, the FTC’s foundational advice provides a powerful toolkit you can use right now to safeguard your money and identity. ...