Fraud Prevention

What Are Scammers Pushing Now? Insights from the FTC’s Latest Update Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the scam trends that are currently costing consumers the most money and causing the most stress. While the full details are best obtained directly from the FTC’s official materials, the discussion consistently points to a few enduring yet evolving threats that everyone should recognize. ...

Don’t Get Fleeced: How to Spot the “Pig Butchering” Scam In a recent official alert, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned residents about a particularly insidious type of financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is as crude as the scam itself, derived from the process of fattening a pig before slaughter. In this context, you are the pig. Scammers invest significant time in building trust and fattening your hopes of wealth, only to steal your life savings when you’re most vulnerable. Understanding how this scam operates is your first and best defense. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week Each March, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups dedicates a week to arming the public with knowledge. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is that event, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a central leader in the effort. For NCPW 2026, the FTC is once again providing clear, actionable advice to help you navigate an increasingly complex marketplace and avoid costly scams. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week served as a timely reminder: scammers are constantly refining their tactics. While the specific data from the event isn’t publicly detailed in full, the FTC consistently highlights patterns that every consumer should recognize. The core message is that awareness of these evolving trends is your first and best line of defense. ...

How to Spot and Avoid “Pig Butchering” Scams The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, recently issued a stark warning to residents about a sophisticated and devastating type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name, while unusual, is chillingly accurate. Scammers “fatten up” their victims with promises of romance or friendship, building trust over weeks or months, before “butchering” them for their life savings. This official alert underscores that these scams are not just theoretical—they are actively targeting people right now. ...

Your 2026 Consumer Defense Plan: Navigating Scams with the FTC’s Guidance As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again amplifying its call for public awareness. This annual event is more than a calendar reminder; it’s a coordinated push to equip you with the knowledge to defend against increasingly sophisticated fraud. While the exact theme for 2026 is still taking shape, the FTC’s consistent messaging provides a reliable roadmap for the threats you’re likely to face and the practical steps you can take right now. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scams Staying ahead of scammers often feels like a race. Just as we learn to spot one scheme, another evolves to take its place. That’s why updates from consumer protection watchdogs are so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the scam trends they’re seeing right now. The takeaway? While the classic tricks persist, the delivery and context are constantly shifting. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Recognize the Red Flags and Protect Your Money If someone calls demanding you pay them with a gift card, it’s a scam. This simple rule, emphasized by District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb in a recent consumer alert, is a critical defense against one of the most common and devastating frauds today. Gift card scams drain millions from consumers annually by leveraging fear, urgency, and the digital equivalent of untraceable cash. Understanding how these scams operate is the first step in ensuring you don’t become the next victim. ...

The FTC’s Latest Warning: Where Scammers Are Targeting You Now If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not imagining it. Fraud reports have surged, and the tactics are constantly changing. To help cut through the noise, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, distilling the most pressing threats facing consumers right now. The insights aren’t just about what scams are out there, but how they’re evolving to bypass our usual defenses. Staying informed with this kind of direct guidance is one of the most effective shields you have. ...

A Recent Official Warning Highlights a Simple, Costly Fraud If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it is a scam. Full stop. This isn’t just common sense advice; it’s the core message from an official consumer alert. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a specific warning to District of Columbia residents about the pervasive threat of gift card scams. These schemes continue to drain millions from consumers nationwide by exploiting trust and urgency. ...