The Unseen Threat: Why Scammers Target Seniors and How to Fight Back Financial scams targeting older adults aren’t just crimes of opportunity; they are deliberate, predatory strategies. While anyone can be a victim, seniors are consistently in the crosshairs for reasons that exploit specific vulnerabilities. Understanding these reasons is the first step in building an effective defense. ...
Beyond the Hype: Practical Scams to Watch and How to Outsmart Them Staying ahead of scammers often feels like a losing battle. Just as we learn to spot one tactic, a new one emerges. That’s why annual events like National Consumer Protection Week are so valuable—they cut through the noise with timely, expert advice. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest fraud trends that are currently tricking consumers. The goal wasn’t to spread fear, but to provide a clear-eyed look at the modern scammer’s playbook. ...
What You Need to Know About Consumer Protection in 2026 Every March, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Its goal is straightforward: to help people understand their rights and spot scams before they cause harm. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core principles of defense remain timeless, but the tactics used by fraudsters keep evolving. Here’s a practical look at the enduring threats and the essential habits you can build to protect yourself, based on the ongoing work of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). ...
Heads Up, North Carolina Drivers: A New Parking Ticket Scam is Circulating If you receive a message demanding urgent payment for a parking ticket you don’t remember getting, take a pause. According to a consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), scammers are actively targeting drivers with a convincing new fraud. They’re sending fake parking violation notices to trick people into paying money and handing over personal information. ...
FTC Warns of Evolving Scam Tactics: What You Need to Know Now During the recent National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a critical webinar detailing the latest methods scammers are using to target consumers. The session served as a timely reminder that fraud tactics are constantly shifting, and staying informed is your first line of defense. With financial losses to fraud reaching billions annually, understanding these trends isn’t just useful—it’s essential for protecting your money and personal information. ...
How the Latest Scams Are Evolving—and How to Fight Back If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not imagining it. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, finding new ways to exploit trust and urgency. To mark National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar outlining the most pressing scam trends they’re seeing right now. The goal wasn’t to scare people, but to arm them with knowledge. Understanding how these schemes work is the first, and most powerful, step in avoiding them. ...
How to Recognize and Fight Back Against This Year’s Top Scams Every year, scammers refine their tactics, using new technologies and current events to trick people out of money and personal information. Staying ahead of these schemes is a constant challenge. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to highlight the latest scam trends that are currently impacting consumers. While the full details are covered in their session, understanding the overarching themes can give you a powerful advantage in protecting yourself and your family. ...
How to Recognize the Scams Targeting You Right Now Each year, scammers refine their tactics, exploiting new technologies and current events to catch people off guard. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a series of public webinars to shed light on these evolving threats. The sessions provided a clear look at the methods fraudsters are using in 2026 and, crucially, how you can defend yourself. ...
Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Practical Steps to Fight Fraud National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again, running from March 1-7, 2026. While it’s a coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), its real value lies in what you do with it. This week is less about observance and more about action—a dedicated time to audit your personal defenses against the relentless waves of scams, fraud, and identity theft. This guide cuts through the noise to give you clear, practical ways to protect yourself, using the excellent (and free) resources the FTC provides. ...
How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Essential Tips for Consumers Intro Every time you check your email, answer a call, or scroll through social media, you’re potentially interacting with a scammer. The tactics are constantly changing, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the latest trends. Instead of focusing on the agency itself, let’s break down what they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...