Fraud Prevention

Why Reporting a Scam Is Your Most Powerful Defense Scams are a pervasive threat, evolving to exploit our trust and urgency. While staying informed is the first step, knowing what to do after you encounter a scam is equally critical. Recent alerts from AARP Virginia emphasize a consistent message: reporting fraud is not just about personal recourse—it’s a vital community safety measure. This guide explains the “how” and “why” of reporting, turning a moment of vulnerability into an action that protects yourself and others. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Guide to Spotting “Pig Butchering” Scams Imagine building a genuine connection with someone online. The conversations are deep, the future seems bright, and they start sharing a financial opportunity that sounds too good to be true. This is the insidious start of a “pig butchering” scam, a cruel fraud that is devastating victims across the country. In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning about these sophisticated cons. Understanding how they work is your first and best line of defense. ...

The FTC’s Latest Scam Alert: What You Need to Know Now Intro Every day, new schemes emerge designed to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires knowing what to look for. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the most pressing fraud trends affecting consumers today. These insights aren’t just bureaucratic updates; they are a direct window into the tactics scammers are using right now. By understanding these methods, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

Watch Out for This Parking Ticket Scam in North Carolina: Protect Your Wallet If you’ve received a text or email about an overdue parking ticket, take a deep breath before you click. A new scam is targeting North Carolina drivers, using the fear of an unpaid violation to steal money and personal information. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued an alert, warning residents to be extra cautious with these unexpected notices. ...

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about a disturbing rise in a specific type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is jarring, and deliberately so. It derives from the scammers’ tactic of “fattening up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them for their money. Unlike impulsive phishing attempts, this is a slow-burn, psychological scheme designed to exploit loneliness and the desire for connection. Understanding its mechanics is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Fight Back Every year, scammers refine their techniques, using new technology and current events to seem more convincing than ever. Staying ahead of these threats is a constant challenge. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the most pressing scam trends affecting people right now. The session provided crucial insights directly from the agency tasked with policing fraud, offering a clear snapshot of what to watch for. ...

New Parking Ticket Scam Targets North Carolina Drivers: How to Spot the Fake If you get a text message or email about an unpaid parking ticket, don’t panic and don’t click. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued a consumer alert warning drivers about a new scam designed to steal your money and personal information. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Practical Guide to Pig Butchering Scams In recent months, authorities like the New York Attorney General have issued urgent warnings about a sophisticated and devastating type of fraud. Known as “pig butchering,” this scam is not a physical threat, but a digital one that financially “fattenes up” victims before the final, brutal theft. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

What You Need to Know About Today’s Scam Landscape Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pulled back the curtain on the most prevalent and evolving fraudulent schemes targeting people right now. The information shared provides a crucial snapshot of where the threats lie and, more importantly, how you can guard against them. ...

New Scam Tactics Are Targeting Everyone: Here’s What the FTC Wants You to Know Every day, scammers refine their methods, crafting more convincing lies to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires current, reliable advice. That’s why the recent guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during a webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, is so valuable. The session cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud trends seeing a rise right now, offering a clear-eyed look at how to protect yourself. ...