Fraud Prevention

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How Fraudsters Fatten Victims for Financial Slaughter You meet someone online. The conversation is engaging, the connection feels real, and over weeks or months, a bond of trust forms. Then, they introduce an “exclusive” investment opportunity. This isn’t just a clumsy phishing email; it’s a sophisticated, patient fraud known as “pig butchering,” and authorities like New York Attorney General Letitia James are issuing urgent warnings about its spread. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Trends the FTC Wants You to Know Scammers are constantly updating their playbooks, making old warnings feel out of date. To help you stay ahead, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, spotlighting the specific fraudulent tactics that are seeing a surge. Understanding these trends isn’t just about awareness—it’s your first line of defense. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: How to Spot and Stop Impersonation Scams Imagine your phone rings. The caller ID shows a familiar government agency’s name, and the person on the line says there’s a serious problem with your Social Security number or a pending arrest warrant. They sound official, even urgent. Your heart races. What do you do? ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Threats During National Consumer Protection Week in March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to outline the scam landscape that is currently troubling Americans. The session served as a timely alert, distilling complex fraud trends into the specific threats consumers are most likely to encounter today. While the tactics are constantly evolving, the core goal remains the same: to trick you out of your money or personal information. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: A Spotlight on Impersonation Scams for Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) arrives every March, serving as a critical reminder to review our defenses against fraud. In 2026, the focus sharpens on one of the most persistent and damaging threats: impersonation scams. These schemes rely on a simple but powerful trick—a fraudster pretending to be someone you trust to steal your money or information. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ramps up its annual educational campaign, understanding this specific risk is your first step toward staying safe. ...

Don’t Fall for These 2026 Scam Trends: Practical Advice from an FTC Alert Intro Every day, we’re bombarded with emails, texts, and calls. Most are harmless, but a growing number are sophisticated traps designed to steal your money and personal information. During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest scam trends that are fooling even the most cautious consumers. While the full details of that session aren’t publicly available, the alert serves as a critical reminder that scammers are constantly refining their tactics. Understanding their current playbook is your first and best line of defense. ...

That Seemingly Perfect Online Connection Could Cost You Your Life Savings Last month, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a public alert about a sophisticated and devastating scam on the rise. Known as “pig butchering,” this fraud doesn’t just steal money—it methodically fattens victims with trust and affection before the financial slaughter. Unlike a crude phishing email, it’s a long-term con that exploits our desire for connection, making it one of the most pernicious and financially damaging scams today. ...

New Survey Shows High Trust in Bank Fraud Protection—Here’s How to Bolster Your Own Defenses A recent national survey from the American Bankers Association (ABA) reveals a notable trend: a strong majority of U.S. consumers are satisfied with their bank’s efforts to protect them from fraud. The Fall 2025 Morning Consult survey indicates that trust in institutional safeguards remains high. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams In an era where fraud evolves as quickly as technology, staying informed is your first line of defense. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlighted the scam trends that are currently separating people from their money and data. The session wasn’t just a list of threats; it was a crucial update on how old cons are wearing new digital disguises. For anyone who shops online, manages finances, or simply uses email and social media, understanding these patterns is essential for personal protection. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: Understanding the “Pig Butchering” Scam You meet someone new online. They’re friendly, charming, and share your interests. Over weeks or months, a digital friendship—or even romance—blossoms. Then, they mention an incredible investment opportunity that’s making them rich. They want to help you get in on it, too. ...