Fraud Prevention

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the most pressing scam threats facing consumers right now. The session served as a timely reminder that while the digital world offers incredible convenience, it also opens new avenues for fraudsters. Their tactics are constantly evolving, but the core goal remains the same: to trick you into handing over money or personal information. ...

What Scammers Are Pushing Now: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Warning Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar, distilling the most persistent and emerging scam threats that are currently costing people money and peace of mind. For anyone who uses a phone, email, or the internet—essentially, all of us—understanding these trends isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary for financial safety. ...

Heads Up, Drivers: How a New Parking Ticket Scam Works and How to Avoid It If you own a car, your inbox or text messages might be the next target for scammers. Authorities, including the North Carolina Department of Justice, have issued alerts about a convincing new fraud: fake parking violation notices. These scams are designed to create a sense of urgency, tricking drivers into paying money they don’t owe and potentially stealing their personal information in the process. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Advice Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This past March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest scam trends, providing a timely update on the tactics criminals are using right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply answers their phone, this information isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary tool for protecting your finances and personal information. ...

Don’t Get Butchered: How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams You get a friendly, seemingly random message on social media, WhatsApp, or a dating app. The conversation turns to cryptocurrency or other “can’t-miss” investment opportunities. Before you know it, you’re being guided to send money to a platform that looks legitimate, only to watch your investment—and your new “friend”—vanish. This isn’t just bad luck; it’s a sophisticated fraud known as “pig butchering,” and authorities are sounding the alarm. ...

What a New Survey Says About Banking Fraud—And How to Protect Yourself A recent survey from the American Bankers Association (ABA) conducted by Morning Consult offers a snapshot of how consumers feel about their banks’ fraud protection efforts. The findings, released in the fall of 2025, suggest a generally high level of consumer satisfaction. While this is encouraging news, it’s not a reason for complacency. Understanding these perceptions and pairing them with proactive personal security measures is crucial for true financial safety. ...

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How to Recognize and Avoid This Costly Fraud Imagine receiving a friendly, seemingly accidental message from a stranger. They’re charming, engaging, and over weeks or months, a trusting relationship blossoms. Then, they present an exclusive investment opportunity with guaranteed high returns. If this sounds familiar, you might be the target of a “pig butchering” scam. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark consumer alert warning residents about this sophisticated and devastating fraud. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

Bank Fraud Protection Gets High Marks, But Your Vigilance Still Matters A recent series of surveys from the American Bankers Association (ABA) offers a snapshot of how Americans feel about their banks and, importantly, the security measures protecting their money. The key takeaway is largely positive: a significant majority of U.S. consumers report being happy with their bank and specifically applaud banks’ fraud protection efforts. This is encouraging news, suggesting that financial institutions are investing in and deploying tools that customers notice and appreciate. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every day, scammers refine their tactics, looking for new ways to trick people out of their money and personal information. Keeping up with their latest schemes is one of the best defenses you have. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shed light on the most prevalent and emerging scam trends affecting consumers right now. ...

The Long Con: Understanding and Avoiding “Pig Butchering” Scams You meet someone online. The conversation starts casually—perhaps on a social media platform, a dating app, or even via a seemingly wrong-number text. They’re friendly, engaging, and over weeks or months, a bond of trust develops. Then, they mention a lucrative investment opportunity. You make a small initial deposit and watch your returns soar on a slick-looking website. Encouraged, you invest more. And then, when you try to withdraw your now-substantial “profits,” the platform stalls, the contact vanishes, and your money is gone. ...