Financial Safety

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every day, it seems scammers come up with a new story to separate us from our money or personal information. Staying ahead of these threats can feel like a full-time job. That’s why the recent insights from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during National Consumer Protection Week, are so valuable. They cut through the noise and highlight exactly what fraudsters are doing right now. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: What It Is and How to Avoid It You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media, WhatsApp, or a dating app. The person is charming, builds a connection over weeks, and shares stories of financial success through savvy investments. Eventually, they suggest you get in on the opportunity. This gradual, trust-based manipulation is the hallmark of a devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” ...

Fraud Alerts vs. Credit Freezes: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Identity If you’re worried about someone opening a credit card or loan in your name, you’re right to be concerned. Identity theft remains a persistent threat, but thankfully, you have two powerful, free tools provided by law to guard your credit: fraud alerts and credit freezes. ...

Your Credit, Your Control: Choosing Between a Fraud Alert and a Credit Freeze In an age where data breaches are frustratingly common, taking proactive steps to protect your credit is a cornerstone of financial safety. Two of the most powerful tools at your disposal are the fraud alert and the credit freeze. While they sound similar, they function quite differently. Understanding which one to use—and when—can save you from the headache of identity theft without unnecessarily complicating your financial life. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: A Guide from the FTC Every year, scammers refine their tactics, creating new schemes and repackaging old ones to catch people off guard. During this year’s National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the most current and pressing fraud trends targeting consumers today. This update isn’t just bureaucratic news; it’s a crucial heads-up on what traps to avoid right now. By understanding how these scams work, you can better protect your finances and personal information. ...

Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Which One Actually Protects Your Credit? Worrying about identity theft has become a standard part of modern financial life. Whether you’ve received a data breach notice or just want to be proactive, locking down your credit is a smart move. But the terminology can be confusing. Two of the most common tools—fraud alerts and credit freezes—sound similar but work very differently. Choosing the right one depends on your situation. ...

Your Action Plan for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every day, we make decisions as consumers—what to buy, who to trust, and where to share our personal information. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially as scams become more sophisticated. That’s where National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) comes in. Organized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) every year, this dedicated week is a nationwide push to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the marketplace safely. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, here’s a practical guide to fortifying your financial and digital defenses. ...

Bank Fraud Protection Gets High Marks, But Your Vigilance Still Matters A recent series of surveys from the American Bankers Association (ABA) offers a snapshot of how Americans feel about their banks and, importantly, the security measures protecting their money. The key takeaway is largely positive: a significant majority of U.S. consumers report being happy with their bank and specifically applaud banks’ fraud protection efforts. This is encouraging news, suggesting that financial institutions are investing in and deploying tools that customers notice and appreciate. ...

A Practical Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams Scams aren’t just annoying—they’re increasingly sophisticated and costly. Recent data shows a troubling 50% surge in identity theft over the past two tax seasons, a spike that underscores how fraudsters relentlessly refine their tactics. From AI-generated voices mimicking loved ones to deepfake videos and urgent “official” messages, modern scams are designed to bypass our natural skepticism. The good news is that with a clear understanding of how these schemes work and a solid plan of action, you can significantly reduce your risk and minimize damage if you are targeted. ...

Fraud-Proof Your Future: A Practical Guide to Spotting and Stopping Scams Scammers are getting better at their jobs. While the classic email from a “stranded prince” is easy to spot, today’s fraudsters use sophisticated tools—like AI-generated voices and fake videos—to create a profound sense of urgency and familiarity. The goal is always the same: to manipulate you into handing over money or personal information. The impact goes beyond financial loss; it can leave you feeling violated and distrustful. Protecting yourself is less about technical genius and more about building a few key habits and knowing what to look for. ...