Fraud Prevention

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about a disturbing rise in a specific type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is jarring, and deliberately so. It derives from the scammers’ tactic of “fattening up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them for their money. Unlike impulsive phishing attempts, this is a slow-burn, psychological scheme designed to exploit loneliness and the desire for connection. Understanding its mechanics is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Fight Back Every year, scammers refine their techniques, using new technology and current events to seem more convincing than ever. Staying ahead of these threats is a constant challenge. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the most pressing scam trends affecting people right now. The session provided crucial insights directly from the agency tasked with policing fraud, offering a clear snapshot of what to watch for. ...

New Parking Ticket Scam Targets North Carolina Drivers: How to Spot the Fake If you get a text message or email about an unpaid parking ticket, don’t panic and don’t click. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has issued a consumer alert warning drivers about a new scam designed to steal your money and personal information. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Practical Guide to Pig Butchering Scams In recent months, authorities like the New York Attorney General have issued urgent warnings about a sophisticated and devastating type of fraud. Known as “pig butchering,” this scam is not a physical threat, but a digital one that financially “fattenes up” victims before the final, brutal theft. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

What You Need to Know About Today’s Scam Landscape Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pulled back the curtain on the most prevalent and evolving fraudulent schemes targeting people right now. The information shared provides a crucial snapshot of where the threats lie and, more importantly, how you can guard against them. ...

New Scam Tactics Are Targeting Everyone: Here’s What the FTC Wants You to Know Every day, scammers refine their methods, crafting more convincing lies to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires current, reliable advice. That’s why the recent guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during a webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, is so valuable. The session cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud trends seeing a rise right now, offering a clear-eyed look at how to protect yourself. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Violation Notices You receive a text or email about an unpaid parking ticket. It looks official, mentions a specific location, and urges you to pay immediately to avoid penalties. Your heart might sink, but before you click, you should know: this is a growing scam designed to steal your money and information. ...

What Scams Are Targeting You Right Now? Key Insights from the FTC’s Latest Webinar The digital world offers convenience, but it also opens new doors for fraudsters. Staying ahead of their tactics is a constant challenge. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most prevalent and emerging scams currently threatening consumers. The message was clear: while the classics like phishing persist, scammers are refining their methods, making vigilance more critical than ever. ...

Watch Out for This Parking Ticket Scam Targeting Drivers A new scam is attempting to trick drivers out of money and personal information by impersonating local authorities. According to a consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), individuals are receiving fraudulent notices about parking violations. While this particular warning originates in North Carolina, the tactic is one that could appear anywhere, making it essential knowledge for all drivers. ...

Don’t Get Fattened Up: A Practical Guide to “Pig Butchering” Scams A stark warning from New York Attorney General Letitia James has put a spotlight on a disturbing and financially devastating trend: “pig butchering” scams. These are not quick cons but elaborate, long-term schemes designed to slowly gain a victim’s trust before stealing their life savings. The name itself is a grim metaphor—scammers “fatten up” their targets with affection and false promises before “butchering” them financially. ...