Fraud Prevention

What the DC Attorney General’s Gift Card Scam Alert Means for You If you’ve ever been asked to pay for something with a gift card, it’s time to pause and listen. Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb recently issued a clear public alert warning residents about a rampant wave of gift card scams. This isn’t an isolated warning; it reflects a national fraud trend where scammers pressure people into irreversible payments. Understanding this official alert can help you protect your finances from a surprisingly common trap. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: Practical Advice from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to spot scams and protect their money and personal information. While the official events for NCPW 2026 are on the horizon, the core advice remains critically relevant every single day. ...

A Practical Guide to Recognizing, Preventing, and Responding to Today’s Scams A recent analysis notes a sobering trend: identity theft incidents surged by roughly 50% over the past two tax seasons. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a signal that the methods used to separate people from their money and personal information are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. From emotionally manipulative phone calls to AI-generated deepfakes, the threat landscape is evolving. The good news is that by understanding common tactics and establishing a few key habits, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

What to Know About National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Each March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on educating people about their rights and how to avoid fraud. The theme for NCPW 2026 centers on empowering individuals in an increasingly digital world. While official materials will be released closer to the event, the FTC’s consistent guidance over the years provides a reliable blueprint for the essential advice expected. Here’s a look at the practical takeaways you can use to bolster your defenses. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Practical Guide to Recognizing, Preventing, and Recovering from Fraud You wouldn’t hand your wallet to a stranger on the street. Yet, in our digital world, we’re often asked to do the virtual equivalent every day. Scams are no longer just poorly written emails from a “deposed prince.” They are sophisticated, psychologically manipulative, and increasingly powered by artificial intelligence. Recent data indicates a 50% surge in identity theft over just the past two tax seasons. The threat is real and evolving, but you are not powerless against it. ...

How to Spot and Stop Today’s Scams: A Practical Guide We’re living in a golden age for fraudsters. With tools like artificial intelligence making scams more convincing, and a constant stream of personal data available online, protecting yourself requires more vigilance than ever. Identity theft alone has surged by 50% over the past two tax seasons, a stark reminder of how seasonal pressures create prime opportunities for criminals. This isn’t about fostering paranoia, but about building practical, everyday defenses. By understanding how modern scams work, you can recognize the red flags, secure your information, and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...

A Practical Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a coordinated campaign to empower people with the knowledge they need to spot and stop scams. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, the key themes remain critically relevant: safeguarding your online privacy, recognizing financial fraud, and preventing identity theft. ...

A Practical Guide to Spotting and Stopping Scams in the Digital Age Scams are no longer just poorly written emails from a “stranded prince.” They are sophisticated, personalized, and increasingly powered by new technology. According to recent data, identity theft cases spiked by 50% over the past two tax seasons alone. The threat is evolving, but so is our ability to defend against it. This guide breaks down the essentials of recognizing modern scams, protecting yourself, and knowing exactly what to do if something goes wrong. ...

Scammers Are Getting Smarter. Here’s How to Stay Ahead. It’s a routine part of modern life: a call from an unknown number, a text about a suspicious delivery, or an email urging immediate action. But today, these interactions are far more dangerous than they used to be. Scammers now employ sophisticated psychological tactics and powerful digital tools, including AI-generated voices and deepfake videos, to create a false sense of urgency and trust. Falling for a scam can mean more than just losing money; it can lead to devastating identity theft and months of stressful recovery. ...

Watch Out for the Fake Parking Ticket Scam If you’ve received a sudden text message demanding payment for a parking violation, be careful. You might be the target of a new scam that’s using urgency and the impersonation of official agencies to steal money and personal information. ...