Fraud Prevention

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. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Violation Notices You receive a text or email about an unpaid parking ticket. It looks official, mentions a specific location, and urges you to pay immediately to avoid penalties. Your heart might sink, but before you click, you should know: this is a growing scam designed to steal your money and information. ...

What Scams Are Targeting You Right Now? Key Insights from the FTC’s Latest Webinar The digital world offers convenience, but it also opens new doors for fraudsters. Staying ahead of their tactics is a constant challenge. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most prevalent and emerging scams currently threatening consumers. The message was clear: while the classics like phishing persist, scammers are refining their methods, making vigilance more critical than ever. ...

Watch Out for This Parking Ticket Scam Targeting Drivers A new scam is attempting to trick drivers out of money and personal information by impersonating local authorities. According to a consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), individuals are receiving fraudulent notices about parking violations. While this particular warning originates in North Carolina, the tactic is one that could appear anywhere, making it essential knowledge for all drivers. ...

Don’t Get Fattened Up: A Practical Guide to “Pig Butchering” Scams A stark warning from New York Attorney General Letitia James has put a spotlight on a disturbing and financially devastating trend: “pig butchering” scams. These are not quick cons but elaborate, long-term schemes designed to slowly gain a victim’s trust before stealing their life savings. The name itself is a grim metaphor—scammers “fatten up” their targets with affection and false promises before “butchering” them financially. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the most pressing scam threats facing consumers right now. The session served as a timely reminder that while the digital world offers incredible convenience, it also opens new avenues for fraudsters. Their tactics are constantly evolving, but the core goal remains the same: to trick you into handing over money or personal information. ...

What Scammers Are Pushing Now: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Warning Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar, distilling the most persistent and emerging scam threats that are currently costing people money and peace of mind. For anyone who uses a phone, email, or the internet—essentially, all of us—understanding these trends isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary for financial safety. ...

Heads Up, Drivers: How a New Parking Ticket Scam Works and How to Avoid It If you own a car, your inbox or text messages might be the next target for scammers. Authorities, including the North Carolina Department of Justice, have issued alerts about a convincing new fraud: fake parking violation notices. These scams are designed to create a sense of urgency, tricking drivers into paying money they don’t owe and potentially stealing their personal information in the process. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Advice Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This past March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest scam trends, providing a timely update on the tactics criminals are using right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply answers their phone, this information isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary tool for protecting your finances and personal information. ...

Don’t Get Butchered: How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams You get a friendly, seemingly random message on social media, WhatsApp, or a dating app. The conversation turns to cryptocurrency or other “can’t-miss” investment opportunities. Before you know it, you’re being guided to send money to a platform that looks legitimate, only to watch your investment—and your new “friend”—vanish. This isn’t just bad luck; it’s a sophisticated fraud known as “pig butchering,” and authorities are sounding the alarm. ...