Fraud Prevention

The New Scam Playbook: What Fraudsters Are Trying Now Every day, scams become more sophisticated, blending into our digital routines. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the latest tactics criminals are using. While the exact details of every emerging scam shift constantly, the patterns and psychological tricks remain consistent. Understanding these patterns is your best defense. ...

Banking on Safety: What Recent Surveys Tell Us About Protecting Your Money A nagging worry for many of us is the security of our bank accounts. We hear stories about sophisticated scams and data breaches, leaving us to wonder: are our financial institutions keeping up? Recent surveys from the banking industry offer a revealing look at both consumer confidence and the ongoing threats, providing a useful roadmap for where we should focus our own security efforts. ...

What a New Banking Survey Tells Us About Fighting Fraud A recent national survey conducted for the American Bankers Association (ABA) offers a snapshot of how consumers currently feel about their banks, particularly when it comes to the critical issue of fraud protection. The Fall 2025 Morning Consult survey results indicate a generally high level of consumer satisfaction, with many applauding the fraud prevention efforts of their financial institutions. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Digital Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than a calendar event; it’s a concentrated effort led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and partners to empower you with the knowledge to fight fraud. Scheduled for early March 2026, NCPW 2026 serves as a critical reminder that consumer protection is a year-round need, especially in our increasingly digital lives. The week focuses on education, providing free resources and events designed to help you spot scams, secure your data, and understand your rights. This year’s initiative continues a long-standing tradition of tackling pressing issues, with digital safety, identity theft, and evolving fraud tactics taking center stage. ...

What to Watch Out For: The FTC’s Latest Scam Alert and How to Protect Yourself Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the latest schemes catching people off guard. While the specific webinar details aren’t fully public, the FTC’s ongoing alerts and data paint a clear picture of the current threat landscape. By understanding these trends, you can build a stronger defense for your wallet and your personal information. ...

Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Which One Actually Protects Your Credit? Worrying about identity theft has become a standard part of modern financial life. Whether you’ve received a data breach notice or just want to be proactive, locking down your credit is a smart move. But the terminology can be confusing. Two of the most common tools—fraud alerts and credit freezes—sound similar but work very differently. Choosing the right one depends on your situation. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to arm the public with knowledge against fraud. For 2026, the message remains urgent: scams are not only persistent but are constantly evolving. The digital landscape offers incredible convenience, but it also presents new opportunities for criminals. This year’s focus is on translating awareness into action, providing clear steps you can take to protect your money and personal information. ...

The Latest Scam Threats and How to Protect Yourself Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to spotlight the current fraud landscape. The session, highlighted by ACA International, provided a clear-eyed look at the methods causing the most harm today. Understanding these trends is your first and best line of defense. ...

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Fatten Victims Before the Slaughter You receive a message from a stranger. It might be a wrong-number text, a direct message on a social media platform, or a friend request from an appealing profile. The conversation starts casually, often friendly or flirtatious. Over weeks or even months, a relationship builds. Then, an opportunity arises: a can’t-miss investment, a urgent financial favor, or a foolproof trading platform. You’re persuaded to send money, maybe just a little at first. The profits on the screen look impressive, encouraging you to send more. Eventually, when you try to withdraw your “earnings” or the relationship sours, the person—and your money—disappears. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Trends the FTC Wants You to Know National Consumer Protection Week, held each March, serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital and financial defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar spotlighting the latest tactics scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. A follow-up session specifically addressed the unique vulnerabilities of military personnel and their families. The core message is clear: while the threats are evolving, a few practical habits can provide powerful protection. ...