Fraud Prevention

Beyond the Headlines: What the FTC’s Scam Webinar Really Means for You You’ve probably seen the warnings: “New scam alert!” or “Protect your money!” They flash across news tickers and fill social media feeds, often feeling too vague to be useful. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cut through the noise with a timely webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, offering a clearer picture of the specific tricks fraudsters are using right now. While the full details are presented to professionals like those at ACA International, the core insights provide a crucial roadmap for everyday consumers looking to safeguard their wallets and personal information. ...

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Safety Advice Another year, another wave of sophisticated scams. As digital life becomes more embedded in our routines, the tactics used by fraudsters grow more convincing. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) remains a critical touchpoint. For 2026, the agency has distilled its guidance into clear, actionable advice aimed at helping everyday people build stronger digital defenses. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the fraud tactics that are currently plaguing Americans. These events are designed to arm the public with knowledge, and the latest session underscored that while the core goals of scammers remain the same—to steal money and personal information—their methods are constantly adapting. For anyone who shops online, manages finances, or simply uses email or a phone, understanding these trends is the first step toward building a solid defense. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Real-World Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams It’s a stressful reality of modern life: sophisticated scams are on the rise. From AI-generated voices that sound like a distressed family member to phishing emails that look indistinguishable from real ones, fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics. Recent data, including reports of a 50% surge in identity theft over the past two tax seasons, underscores that this isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a significant financial and personal risk. The good news is that you are not powerless. By understanding the current landscape and implementing a few key habits, you can dramatically reduce your risk and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...

Your Guide to Outsmarting Scams: Practical Advice for 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) isn’t just a calendar event—it’s a yearly reminder to sharpen our defenses. As we look ahead to 2026, the core advice from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) remains crucial: staying informed is your first line of defense. Scams evolve, but the principles for spotting and stopping them don’t. This guide translates the FTC’s key messages into practical steps you can use right now. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Modern Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams It’s no secret that scams are getting more sophisticated. With identity theft reportedly surging by 50% over recent tax seasons and the unsettling rise of AI-generated deepfakes and voice scams, the old advice of “just be careful” isn’t enough anymore. Fraudsters are leveraging psychology and cutting-edge technology to craft incredibly convincing traps. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams During Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, fraudsters devise new schemes, but the core principles of protection remain steadfast. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gears up for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) from March 1-7, 2026, their focus is on equipping you with timeless, practical defense strategies. While specific event details for 2026 are still unfolding, the FTC’s foundational advice provides a powerful toolkit you can use right now to safeguard your money and identity. ...

Beyond the Welcome Message: Practical Safety Lessons from NCPW 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than an annual reminder from the Federal Trade Commission—it’s a call to action. Each March, the FTC and its partners use this week to spotlight the most pressing threats facing consumers, distilling complex risks into practical advice. With the theme for NCPW 2026 now public, the focus is on empowering you to proactively guard your personal and financial information. Here’s what you need to know and, more importantly, what you can do. ...

What We Learned from the FTC’s Latest Scam Alert Webinar Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a critical webinar. Its goal was straightforward: to arm the public with knowledge about the most current and convincing scams circulating today. A follow-up session also focused specifically on financial scams targeting military service members. These events highlight a continuous shift in how fraudsters operate, moving beyond tired email cons to exploit the very technologies we use daily. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Parking Violation Scams If you receive a text or email about an unpaid parking ticket, think before you click. Law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina Department of Justice, have issued alerts about a sophisticated new scam targeting drivers. The fraudulent messages are designed to look and sound legitimate, tricking people into handing over money and sensitive personal information. ...