Digital Safety

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Practical Lessons from a Recent FTC Webinar In early March, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held an important webinar to spotlight the latest tactics scammers are using to defraud the public. These events are a critical pulse-check, moving beyond dry statistics to outline the real methods criminals employ right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply uses email, the insights are less about distant threats and more about immediate risks to your wallet and personal information. ...

Watch Out for This Parking Ticket Scam in North Carolina: Protect Your Wallet If you’ve received a text or email about an overdue parking ticket, take a deep breath before you click. A new scam is targeting North Carolina drivers, using the fear of an unpaid violation to steal money and personal information. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued an alert, warning residents to be extra cautious with these unexpected notices. ...

New Parking Ticket Scam Targets North Carolina Drivers: How to Spot the Fake If you get a text message or email about an unpaid parking ticket, don’t panic and don’t click. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued a consumer alert warning drivers about a new scam designed to steal your money and personal information. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Practical Guide to Pig Butchering Scams In recent months, authorities like the New York Attorney General have issued urgent warnings about a sophisticated and devastating type of fraud. Known as “pig butchering,” this scam is not a physical threat, but a digital one that financially “fattenes up” victims before the final, brutal theft. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

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. ...