Fraud Awareness

Why Online Shoppers Keep Falling for Scams (and How to Stop) You’ve probably seen the warnings: “This site may be fraudulent,” “Suspicious link,” “Deal too good to be true.” Yet many of us click anyway. A recent report from cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 suggests that online shoppers are increasingly ignoring these red flags, especially as the holiday shopping season ramps up. Understanding why that happens — and what you can do about it — might save you money, time, and a lot of frustration. ...

How to spot and avoid online shopping scams: tips from VA.gov Online shopping has become part of daily life, but it has also opened the door for scammers looking to steal money and personal information. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly publishes warnings and practical advice to help veterans and their families — and really, anyone — stay safe when shopping online. The guidance from VA News covers the most common tricks fraudsters use and how to avoid them. Because scammers constantly adjust their tactics, it’s worth reviewing the basics regularly. ...

Don’t Let Scammers Win: FTC’s Best Consumer Advice From NCPW 2026 (Use It Any Time) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 took place in early March, as it does every year. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release fresh consumer alerts, updated scam warnings, and practical guidance. Even if you missed the event, the advice remains just as relevant today—scammers and identity thieves do not take holidays, and the tactics that worked in March often keep working through the rest of the year. ...

NCPW 2026: What to Keep from the Campaign After the Week Is Over National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission promoted during that week is meant to last all year. If you missed the campaign or only caught parts of it, here’s a rundown of what was covered and—more importantly—what you can still do with that information today. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Money If you receive a phone call, email, or text demanding that you pay a fine, a utility bill, or a debt with a gift card, hang up immediately. That is the core message behind a recent consumer alert from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who warned District residents about the rising tide of gift card scams. While the alert specifically targets Washington, D.C., the tactics it describes are used nationwide and year-round, not just during the holidays. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Action Plan Against Scams This March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will once again spotlight National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While a dedicated week raises awareness, the threats it highlights—evolving scams and fraud—are a year-round concern. The core message remains crucial: staying safe requires consistent, informed habits. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams The digital world offers incredible convenience, but it also creates new opportunities for fraudsters. To help the public fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a key webinar during National Consumer Protection Week. The session focused on arming consumers with knowledge about the latest scam trends that are costing people time, money, and peace of mind. Understanding these tactics is the first, most critical step in building your personal defense. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Staying Safe As we approach another National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) in March 2026, it’s more than just an annual reminder—it’s a crucial call to action. Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other agencies use this week to amplify a vital message: fraud is pervasive, but you are not powerless against it. Scammers refine their tactics constantly, but the fundamental principles of protection remain steady. This guide draws on the ongoing work of the FTC to give you concrete, actionable steps to identify, avoid, and report the scams you’re likely to encounter. ...

A Court’s Warning on Fraud: What It Means for Your Wallet When a court system feels the need to issue a broad public warning, it’s a sign that something significant is happening. Recently, the Philadelphia Courts issued a statewide consumer fraud alert, urging Pennsylvanians to be vigilant. While the specific details of the latest schemes evolve, the core tactics of fraudsters remain frustratingly consistent. This alert serves as a critical reminder that anyone can be a target and that a few practical habits are your best defense. ...