Fraud Prevention

What a Statewide Fraud Alert Means for Your Wallet Last month, the Philadelphia Courts issued a statewide consumer fraud alert. This official warning serves as a stark reminder that scams and fraudulent schemes are not just distant threats—they are active, evolving, and targeting people everywhere. While the alert originated in Pennsylvania, the tactics it warns about are universal. Whether you saw the headlines or not, now is a good time to review how to protect your personal information and finances. ...

Pennsylvania Residents Warned of Fake Court Text Scams: What You Need to Know The Philadelphia Courts have issued a formal alert to warn consumers across Pennsylvania about a wave of sophisticated texting scams. Fraudsters are impersonating court officials and sending deceptive text messages, creating confusion and putting personal information at risk. This isn’t an isolated phishing attempt; it’s a coordinated campaign targeting residents statewide. Understanding how these scams work is your first line of defense. ...

New Scam Alerts: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now Every day, scammers refine their tactics, making it harder to tell a legitimate offer from a clever trap. To help consumers fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held an important webinar, sharing the latest data on how fraudsters are operating. With this event coinciding with National Consumer Protection Week, the timing is perfect for a refresher on the newest threats and the most effective ways to protect yourself. ...

That Text About Your Court Date? It Could Be a Scam. If you live in Pennsylvania, you might have seen recent headlines about a statewide alert from the Philadelphia Courts. The warning is stark and important: scammers are flooding phones with deceptive text messages, often impersonating official court entities, to steal personal and financial information. While this alert originates in Pennsylvania, the tactics it highlights are a nationwide problem. Understanding how these “smishing” (SMS phishing) scams work is your first line of defense. ...

What the FTC Says You Should Watch Out for This Year This week is National Consumer Protection Week, and as part of that annual focus, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a webinar to spotlight the latest scams that are catching people off guard. Their message is clear: while the digital world offers incredible convenience, it also presents evolving risks that require updated awareness. The scams of today are often sophisticated twists on old tricks, designed to exploit current events, new technology, and moments of personal stress. ...

The Scams Are Evolving—Here’s What You Need to Watch For Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public webinar to outline the latest fraud trends. While the specific tactics change, the goal for scammers remains the same: to trick you out of your money and personal information. Staying a step ahead requires knowing what these new schemes look like. ...

That Text About a Court Summons? It’s Probably a Scam. Here’s How to Respond. If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, your phone might be the next target. In early March 2026, the Philadelphia Courts issued a formal, statewide consumer fraud alert warning the public about a surge in fake texting scams. These messages are designed to look urgent and official, often impersonating court systems or other trusted organizations, to trick people into clicking malicious links or divulging personal information. ...

Navigating the New Scam Landscape: Key Insights from the FTC’s 2026 Webinar National Consumer Protection Week is designed to empower you with knowledge, and this year, the FTC used the occasion to shine a spotlight on the scams that are increasingly finding their way into our inboxes, text messages, and phone calls. The landscape is constantly shifting, but the agency’s recent webinar distilled the latest trends into a clear warning: sophisticated impersonation and emotional manipulation are the new norm. Understanding these tactics isn’t about fostering fear; it’s your first and best line of defense. ...

Microsoft or Local Account: Which One Keeps Your Windows 11 Safer? When setting up a new Windows 11 PC or reinstalling the OS, you face an important choice: sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. Microsoft often nudges you toward its online account, touting seamless integration and features. But from a privacy and security standpoint, the decision isn’t so straightforward. Your choice dictates what data gets sent to Microsoft, how your credentials are managed, and your overall exposure to potential online threats. With potential changes to Windows 11 setup requirements on the horizon, understanding the implications of this choice is crucial for protecting your digital life. ...

A Text Message from the Courts? Why You Should Be Skeptical You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text message appears, claiming to be from a local court or government agency. It might mention a missed jury duty summons, a fine, or a suspicious package. The message urges you to click a link or call a number immediately to resolve an urgent issue. ...