Fraud Prevention

How to Spot and Avoid the Latest Scams Every year, the landscape of fraud shifts. Scammers are relentless innovators, always refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and current events. During the recent National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the most pressing and emerging scam trends affecting people today. This annual focus provides a crucial snapshot of what to watch for. Understanding these patterns isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical defenses. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about them. ...

A Practical Guide to Consumer Protection Beyond the Headlines National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), returns each year as a dedicated time for awareness. But the real value lies in translating that annual reminder into year-round habits. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, it’s a timely moment to move past general warnings and focus on concrete steps you can take to protect your information, your money, and your peace of mind. ...

What We Learned from the FTC’s Latest Scam Briefing The digital world is convenient, but it’s also a playground for scammers who constantly refine their tricks. This was the central theme of a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week. The briefing served as a stark reminder that fraud is not static; it evolves to exploit new technologies and current events. For the average person just trying to bank, shop, or connect online, this can feel overwhelming. The good news is that by understanding the specific patterns officials are flagging, you can build a much stronger personal defense. ...

What You Need to Know About Consumer Safety in 2026 Every March, agencies and consumer advocates mark National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a time dedicated to arming people with the knowledge to fight fraud. While this coordinated effort is valuable, the real takeaway is the practical, year-round advice it highlights. Based on the longstanding guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here are the most actionable steps you can take to secure your finances and personal information against the scams that are evolving right now. ...

The FTC Just Warned About These Scams. Here’s What You Should Watch For. During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosts a key annual event: a webinar updating the public on the fraud landscape. The latest session highlighted how scammers are refining old tricks and exploiting new technologies. For anyone managing their finances or simply navigating daily life online, understanding these trends isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary layer of defense. The tactics are becoming more convincing, but the core principles of protection remain grounded in skepticism and verification. ...

New York’s Top Lawyer Warns of “Pig Butchering” Scams: How to Protect Yourself In a recent official warning, New York Attorney General Letitia James alerted the public to a sophisticated and cruel online fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name, derived from a grim metaphor, describes how scammers “fatten up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them financially. This advisory highlights a disturbing trend that capitalizes on loneliness and the promise of easy wealth, leaving victims both heartbroken and bankrupt. Understanding this scam is your first line of defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams In early March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a key webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week, distilling the latest patterns in consumer fraud. While the full data reports are still being compiled, the session underscored that scammers are relentlessly refining their tactics, often exploiting current events and digital tools to appear more convincing than ever. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scam Trends in 2026 During this year’s National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to outline the most prevalent and evolving scams that are currently targeting the public. While the specifics of fraud tactics shift, the underlying goal remains the same: to trick you into handing over money or sensitive personal information. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026 The Federal Trade Commission has officially kicked off planning for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. While the full slate of events is still being organized, this annual initiative serves as a critical reminder and resource hub for everyone navigating an increasingly complex digital world. It’s a coordinated effort between government agencies and consumer advocates to provide the tools you need to protect your money, data, and privacy. ...

The Latest Scam Playbook: What Fraudsters Are Pushing Now Every year, scammers refine their tactics, finding new ways to exploit trust and urgency. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the latest trends they’re seeing in consumer fraud. While we can’t replay the entire session, understanding these patterns is crucial for staying ahead of the threats. Based on the FTC’s ongoing alerts and the themes of such events, here’s what you need to watch for and how to protect yourself. ...