Fraud Prevention

That “Official” Parking Ticket May Be a Scam A new consumer alert warns drivers to be extra vigilant about parking violation notices arriving by text or email. The North Carolina Department of Justice recently highlighted a sophisticated scam where fraudsters send official-looking communications demanding immediate payment for alleged parking infractions. While the specific alert focuses on North Carolina, the tactics used are universal, making this a timely reminder for all drivers to pause and verify before paying any unexpected fine. ...

Survey Shows We Trust Banks with Fraud. Here’s How to Make That Trust Pay Off A recent national survey offers some reassuring news for anyone who banks online. According to the Fall 2025 Morning Consult survey commissioned by the American Bankers Association, U.S. consumers are broadly happy with their banks and specifically applaud their fraud protection efforts. In an era of constant headlines about scams and data breaches, it’s a significant vote of confidence in the security measures financial institutions have put in place. ...

The Insider Threat: When Bank Employees Become Partners in Crime In the digital age, we’re often warned about shadowy hackers in far-off countries. But what happens when the threat comes from inside the very institutions we trust to guard our money? A recent police case in India has highlighted a disturbing trend: bank officials actively helping criminals launder stolen funds. For the average consumer, this isn’t just a news headline—it’s a wake-up call to understand how these schemes work and how to better protect yourself. ...

Why Reporting a Scam is One of the Most Important Things You Can Do You see the alert pop up on your local news site or in an email from AARP: a new scam is targeting people in your area. It might involve fake IRS agents, a fraudulent travel deal, or a phony product recall. Your first instinct might be to simply delete the message, feel relieved it didn’t catch you, and move on. But there’s a critical next step that many people skip: reporting the attempt. ...

When Bankers Become the Problem: The Insider Threat Behind Mule Account Fraud A recent case in Hyderabad shows how trust in financial institutions can be exploited from within, and what you need to watch for. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Keeping up with the latest scams can feel like a full-time job. Scammers constantly refine their tactics, exploiting new technologies and current events to catch people off guard. That’s why the information shared during the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar is so critical. The session provided a timely update on the frauds that are currently working, and more importantly, how you can stop them from working on you. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Guide to Fighting Fraud Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to provide practical advice on how you can outsmart scammers and protect your money and personal information. While the exact details of the 2026 campaign will be outlined by the FTC in March, the core mission remains constant: empowering you with the knowledge to spot fraud and take action. The weeks leading up to NCPW are a perfect time to revisit your defenses. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How Fraudsters Fatten Victims Before the Slaughter In a recent official warning, New York Attorney General Letitia James alerted the public to a sophisticated and devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” This isn’t a minor swindle; it’s a long-term con that blends emotional manipulation with complex financial deception, leaving victims emotionally devastated and financially ruined. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Scam Report Staying ahead of scammers is a constant challenge, as their tactics shift and evolve with technology and current events. To help the public stay protected, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, shedding light on the most prevalent frauds circulating today. For anyone who banks, shops, or communicates online, understanding these trends is the first step toward building a strong defense. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a nationwide effort takes place to empower you against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a coalition of partners. It’s a dedicated time to highlight your consumer rights and provide the tools you need to spot, avoid, and report scams. ...