Fraud Prevention

How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams: A Guide to Protecting Your Finances In the ever-evolving world of online scams, a particularly insidious scheme has been making headlines and draining bank accounts. Known as “pig butchering,” this fraud combines long-term relationship building with sophisticated investment lies. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning to residents about the rise of these scams, urging heightened vigilance. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Shield Yourself Each year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. In a recent March 2026 webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) distilled the current landscape of consumer scams, highlighting not just what’s popular, but how these schemes are evolving to exploit our trust and urgency. For anyone who uses a phone, email, or social media, understanding these trends is the first step toward staying safe. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Practical Lessons from a Recent FTC Webinar In early March, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held an important webinar to spotlight the latest tactics scammers are using to defraud the public. These events are a critical pulse-check, moving beyond dry statistics to outline the real methods criminals employ right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply uses email, the insights are less about distant threats and more about immediate risks to your wallet and personal information. ...

Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Practical Advice from the FTC’s Latest Briefing Every day, it seems there’s a new, sophisticated scam waiting in your inbox, your texts, or even on your doorstep. It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up. Recently, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar to cut through the noise. They distilled the current fraud landscape into key trends and, more importantly, actionable advice for the public. ...

Spotting the Impostors: A Guide to Government Impostor Scams It’s a scenario that preys on our respect for authority and our fear of getting in trouble: a phone call or email arrives, seemingly from a government agency, demanding immediate action or payment. According to a recent official alert, this exact playbook is being used by scammers impersonating employees of a state’s Department of Consumer Protection. While the alert originates from a specific region, the tactics are universal. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

What You Need to Know About the FTC’s Latest Scam Alerts The scam landscape changes quickly, with new schemes emerging constantly. That’s why the information shared by watchdogs like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the FTC highlighted the latest scam trends that are costing people money and peace of mind right now. Understanding these tactics is your first and best line of defense. ...

Why Reporting a Scam Is Your Most Powerful Defense Scams are a pervasive threat, evolving to exploit our trust and urgency. While staying informed is the first step, knowing what to do after you encounter a scam is equally critical. Recent alerts from AARP Virginia emphasize a consistent message: reporting fraud is not just about personal recourse—it’s a vital community safety measure. This guide explains the “how” and “why” of reporting, turning a moment of vulnerability into an action that protects yourself and others. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Guide to Spotting “Pig Butchering” Scams Imagine building a genuine connection with someone online. The conversations are deep, the future seems bright, and they start sharing a financial opportunity that sounds too good to be true. This is the insidious start of a “pig butchering” scam, a cruel fraud that is devastating victims across the country. In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning about these sophisticated cons. Understanding how they work is your first and best line of defense. ...

The FTC’s Latest Scam Alert: What You Need to Know Now Intro Every day, new schemes emerge designed to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires knowing what to look for. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the most pressing fraud trends affecting consumers today. These insights aren’t just bureaucratic updates; they are a direct window into the tactics scammers are using right now. By understanding these methods, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

Watch Out for This Parking Ticket Scam in North Carolina: Protect Your Wallet If you’ve received a text or email about an overdue parking ticket, take a deep breath before you click. A new scam is targeting North Carolina drivers, using the fear of an unpaid violation to steal money and personal information. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued an alert, warning residents to be extra cautious with these unexpected notices. ...