Financial Security

How to Spot Social Media Scams Before They Cost You Money If you’ve ever scrolled past a Facebook ad for a heavily discounted designer bag or received a direct message from a stranger who seems too charming, you’ve encountered the front lines of one of the fastest-growing fraud channels. Last year alone, social media scams cost Americans billions, and older adults were hit especially hard, losing a reported $2.4 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission. What’s worse, scammers are now using generative AI to make fake profiles, photos, and even video calls look disturbingly real. ...

5 things you should never share with an AI chatbot to protect your money AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude have become everyday tools for answering questions, drafting emails, and even helping with financial planning. But as their use grows, so do the risks. Recent reports from the Washington Post, the BBC, and consumer protection groups highlight a simple truth: these services are not private vaults. Sharing the wrong information can lead to identity theft, drained accounts, or scams. ...

5 things you should never tell an AI chatbot — they could drain your bank account Chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are useful for drafting emails, summarizing documents, or answering general questions. But as their use grows, so do the risks of sharing too much personal information. A recent column in The Washington Post warned consumers about five specific types of data that should never be typed into an AI chatbot. The advice matters because these conversations are stored, analyzed, and in some cases, can be accessed by third parties. ...

How to Protect Yourself From the Latest Wave of Consumer Scams Last month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the scam tactics that are currently costing people the most money and causing the most stress. While scammers constantly update their playbooks, the FTC’s insights help cut through the noise and point to the specific threats you should be watching for right now. Understanding these trends is the first, most critical step in building an effective defense. ...

What You Need to Know About the FTC’s Latest Scam Alerts The scam landscape changes quickly, with new schemes emerging constantly. That’s why the information shared by watchdogs like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the FTC highlighted the latest scam trends that are costing people money and peace of mind right now. Understanding these tactics is your first and best line of defense. ...

How to Spot, Prevent, and Recover from Today’s Scams You’ve likely felt it—that pang of unease when a call, text, or email just doesn’t seem right. That instinct is more valuable than ever. Recent data shows identity theft cases have surged by 50% over the last two tax seasons. At the same time, scams are becoming more sophisticated, using artificial intelligence to mimic voices and faces. This isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical awareness. By understanding how modern scams work, you can effectively protect your money and your identity. ...

Your Practical Guide to the 2026 National Consumer Protection Week Every year, a coordinated effort led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brings together consumer protection organizations to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to defend yourself. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is that event. While the exact dates for the 2026 observance haven’t been formally announced—it typically occurs in early March—the FTC has already begun releasing planning materials and announcements to get the public ready. ...

A Court’s Warning: What a Statewide Fraud Alert Means for You Earlier this month, a noteworthy alert came not from a bank or a tech company, but from a court system. On March 12, 2026, the Philadelphia Courts issued a statewide consumer fraud alert. While the specific details of the latest schemes are often closely held by investigators to avoid tipping off criminals, these official warnings signal a concerning rise in sophisticated scams targeting everyday people. Such alerts are a clear call to pay attention, as they typically mean fraudsters are actively exploiting current events, impersonating trusted entities, or refining old tricks to catch people off guard. ...

Pennsylvania Courts Sound Alarm on Consumer Fraud: How to Protect Yourself A warning issued by the Philadelphia Courts this month serves as a stark reminder: consumer fraud is a persistent and evolving threat. While the official alert, dated March 12, 2026, is directed statewide, its message is universal. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics to part you from your money and personal information. Understanding what prompted this official warning can help you recognize the red flags and take proactive steps to safeguard your finances. ...

What a Statewide Fraud Alert Means for Your Wallet If you’ve ever felt a jolt of panic after an unexpected call from the “IRS,” or hesitated over an email from your “bank” asking you to verify your account, you’re not alone. Fraud is a constant, evolving threat. That’s why official warnings matter. Recently, the Philadelphia Courts issued a statewide consumer fraud alert for Pennsylvania, underscoring that these crimes are active, sophisticated, and targeting people right now. ...