Fraud Prevention

The New “Friend” Who Wants You to Get Rich: Understanding Pig Butchering Scams You get a message out of the blue. Maybe it’s on a dating app, social media, or even a wrong-number text that turns into a conversation. The person on the other end is charming, attentive, and seems genuinely interested in your life. Over weeks or even months, a digital friendship—or romance—blossoms. Then, they casually mention an incredible investment opportunity that’s making them a fortune. They want to help you get in on it, too. ...

The FTC Just Warned About These Scams. Here’s What You Need to Know. Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the latest schemes catching people off guard. In a dedicated webinar, they outlined the evolving threats that are costing consumers billions. The message was clear: awareness is your first and best line of defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shed light on the specific scam tactics that are proving most effective—and most dangerous—right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply has a phone, understanding these trends is the first step in avoiding significant financial and emotional harm. ...

New York’s Attorney General Issues Warning on “Pig Butchering” Scams: What You Need to Know A new consumer alert from New York State Attorney General Letitia James highlights a disturbing and sophisticated fraud trend that has been devastating victims financially and emotionally. Dubbed “pig butchering,” this scam is a long-term con that blends fake online relationships with fraudulent investment schemes. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every year, scams evolve. New stories are crafted, fresh pressure tactics are tested, and different groups are targeted. Staying ahead of these schemes is a constant challenge. That’s why the information shared by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during its recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar is so valuable. The session cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud trends that are causing the most harm right now and provided clear guidance on how to defend against them. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Fake Ticket: How to Spot a Parking Violation Scam If you’ve ever found a parking ticket on your windshield, your heart probably sank. Now, scammers are exploiting that moment of frustration and worry with a new wave of fake violation notices. According to a recent consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), drivers are being targeted by a convincing parking ticket scam designed to steal money and personal information. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted Gift cards are convenient presents, but they have become a favorite tool for scammers. In December 2025, the District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about a rise in gift card fraud, echoing similar warnings from consumer protection agencies across the country. The message is straightforward: no legitimate company or government agency will ever demand payment with a gift card. Yet thousands of people fall for this trick every year, losing hundreds of dollars each time. ...

New Parking Violation Scam Targets North Carolina Drivers: What to Know If you’ve parked in a lot or on a street in North Carolina recently, watch for a text message claiming you owe a parking fine. The state’s Attorney General issued a warning on March 25, 2026, about a rising scam that uses fake parking violation notices sent by text. The messages include links or QR codes that lead to fraudulent payment sites designed to steal your credit card information or money. ...

Top Scam Trends from the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Webinar – And How to Stay Safe Every March, the Federal Trade Commission uses National Consumer Protection Week to highlight the most pressing fraud threats facing Americans. This year, the FTC’s webinar, held in early March 2026 and reported by ACA International, pointed to several scam categories that are growing in both frequency and sophistication. If you’re trying to keep your money and personal data safe, understanding these trends is a practical first step. ...

Don’t Get Fooled by a Gift Card Demand: What an Attorney General’s Warning Means for You If someone urgently demands payment via a gift card, it’s almost certainly a scam. This isn’t just a hunch—it’s a consistent warning from law enforcement. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct alert to District of Columbia residents, highlighting the persistent threat of gift card scams. These frauds continue to trap people across the country, exploiting trust and urgency to steal millions. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...