Don’t Fall for the Fake Ticket: A New Parking Scam Hits North Carolina If you drive in North Carolina, be on high alert. The state’s Department of Justice recently issued a warning about a convincing new scam designed to trick drivers into paying for parking violations they never committed. This fraud is a timely reminder that scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and a moment of confusion can lead to real financial loss. ...
What the FTC’s Latest Scam Alert Means for You Staying ahead of scammers is a constant challenge. Just when you think you’ve heard of every trick, they invent a new one. That’s why the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, is so valuable. It cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud tactics that are currently trapping people. By understanding these trends, you can build a stronger defense for your wallet and personal information. ...
That Parking Ticket on Your Windshield Might Be a Scam If you’ve returned to your car to find a parking violation notice tucked under the wiper, your first instinct might be frustration—and then to pay it quickly to avoid more trouble. But authorities are warning that scammers are now exploiting this very reaction with a new fraud scheme. ...
The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How to Spot It and Protect Your Money You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message. A wrong number, perhaps, or a new connection on social media. The conversation starts casually, but over weeks or months, it evolves. Your new contact is personable, shares stories of their success, and eventually reveals an “exclusive” investment opportunity with incredible returns. This is the opening act of a devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering,” and authorities like New York Attorney General Letitia James are urging the public to be on high alert. ...
What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shed light on the specific scam tactics that are proving most effective—and most dangerous—right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply has a phone, understanding these trends is the first step in avoiding significant financial and emotional harm. ...
Don’t Get Parked by a Fake Ticket: How to Spot a Parking Violation Scam If you’ve ever found a parking ticket on your windshield, your heart probably sank. Now, scammers are exploiting that moment of frustration and worry with a new wave of fake violation notices. According to a recent consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), drivers are being targeted by a convincing parking ticket scam designed to steal money and personal information. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. ...
How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted Gift cards are convenient presents, but they have become a favorite tool for scammers. In December 2025, the District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about a rise in gift card fraud, echoing similar warnings from consumer protection agencies across the country. The message is straightforward: no legitimate company or government agency will ever demand payment with a gift card. Yet thousands of people fall for this trick every year, losing hundreds of dollars each time. ...
How to Spot and Avoid the New Parking Ticket Scam If you drive, your inbox or phone is likely familiar with messages about appointments, deliveries, or toll charges. Scammers are banking on that familiarity with a new scheme designed to catch you off guard: fake parking violation notices. ...
Watch Out for Text Messages About Unpaid Parking Tickets If you drive in North Carolina, be extra careful about text messages claiming you have an unpaid parking ticket. The state’s Department of Justice has issued a consumer alert warning of a new scam where fraudsters pose as official agencies to steal your money and personal information. ...
A New Parking Ticket Scam Is Targeting Drivers. Here’s How to Spot It. If you receive a text or email demanding immediate payment for a parking violation you don’t remember, pause before you click. Law enforcement officials are warning of a new scam designed to panic drivers into handing over money and personal information. ...