Fraud Prevention

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: What It Is and How to Avoid It You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media, WhatsApp, or a dating app. The person is charming, builds a connection over weeks, and shares stories of financial success through savvy investments. Eventually, they suggest you get in on the opportunity. This gradual, trust-based manipulation is the hallmark of a devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Tactics Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week, shining a spotlight on the scam trends that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. These events are more than just routine updates; they’re a direct line to the patterns investigators are seeing in real complaints. The message was clear: while classic cons persist, their methods are constantly evolving to exploit new technologies and current events. Understanding these tactics is your first and best line of defense. ...

Don’t Get Towed by a Text: Spotting North Carolina’s Latest Parking Scam If you’re a driver in North Carolina, your phone might be the next target for a convincing new scam. According to a recent consumer alert from the state’s Department of Justice, fraudsters are sending deceptive text messages posing as official agencies to collect payments for fake parking violations. Understanding how this scam operates is the first step in protecting your wallet and your personal information. ...

What the FTC’s Latest Scam Warning Means for You Last month, federal regulators held a public webinar to shine a light on the fraud tactics that are costing Americans billions each year. While these events happen regularly, the insights shared during National Consumer Protection Week serve as a critical snapshot of where scammers are focusing their efforts right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply has a phone, understanding these trends isn’t about fear—it’s about building practical defenses. ...

Watch Out for Fake Parking Ticket Texts: What You Need to Know If you receive a text message demanding payment for a parking ticket you don’t remember getting, don’t rush to click the link. North Carolina officials have issued a warning about a new text message scam designed to trick drivers into handing over money and personal information. ...

Scammers Are Getting Sneakier: Here’s What the FTC Warns You to Watch For Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. That’s why the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, was so valuable. It cut through the noise to highlight the specific scams that are trapping people right now. The message was clear: while the themes of greed, fear, and urgency remain constant, the delivery methods are evolving rapidly. ...

Don’t Get Fleeced: How to Recognize and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams You meet someone new online. The conversation is engaging, the connection feels genuine, and over weeks or months, a bond of trust develops. Then, they mention a lucrative, low-risk investment opportunity they’ve used to build wealth. Eager to share their good fortune, they encourage you to join in. This is not a modern fairy tale; it’s the opening act of a devastating financial fraud known as a “pig butchering” scam. Following a recent consumer alert from the New York State Attorney General’s office, understanding this threat is more critical than ever. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Staying ahead of scammers feels like a full-time job. Just as you learn to dodge one scheme, a new, more sophisticated one pops up. That’s why the insights shared by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar are so valuable. They provide a crucial snapshot of the evolving threats targeting your wallet and personal information right now. ...

Headline: Don’t Fall for Fake Parking Tickets: A Practical Guide to Spotting the Latest Scam Intro If you’ve received a sudden text or email demanding immediate payment for a parking violation, pause before you click. Authorities, including the North Carolina Department of Justice, are warning drivers about a convincing new scam. Fraudsters are sending out fake parking tickets, hoping to trick you into paying money you don’t owe or stealing your personal information. This guide will walk you through how the scam works, the clear red flags to spot, and the practical steps you should take to protect yourself. ...

Your Guide to the Latest Scam Trends and How to Stay Safe Each year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital habits. This year, a key event was an FTC webinar dedicated to unpacking the latest scam trends. With fraudsters constantly refining their tactics, this update isn’t just informative—it’s a necessary tool for safeguarding your finances and personal information. ...