Fraud Prevention

Why Reporting Fraud is Your First Line of Defense In an increasingly digital world, scams have evolved from simple cons to sophisticated schemes that can target anyone. While the instinct after encountering a fraud attempt might be embarrassment or a desire to forget it happened, the most powerful action you can take is to report it. Recent alerts from organizations like AARP Virginia highlight a continuous stream of threats, from IRS impostors to fake travel deals, underscoring that fraud is not a rare event but an ongoing risk. Reporting isn’t just about your own loss—it’s a critical tool for community safety and disrupting criminal operations. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not wrong. Fraud is evolving, and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal money and personal information. To mark National Consumer Protection Week this past March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar focusing on the latest tactics used by criminals. Their message was clear: awareness is your first and most powerful line of defense. ...

The Long Con: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Fatten Victims for Slaughter You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media, a dating app, or even WhatsApp. The conversation starts casually, grows into regular chats, and over weeks or months, a relationship or friendship develops. Then, the topic of a lucrative, “can’t-miss” investment opportunity arises. If this scenario sounds familiar, you may be the target of a devastating fraud known as “pig butchering.” ...

Survey Says: Bank Customers Feel Secure. Are They Right? A recent national survey conducted for the American Bankers Association (ABA) in Fall 2025 shows a clear trend: a strong majority of U.S. consumers are satisfied with their bank and specifically applaud its efforts to protect them from fraud. On the surface, this is great news. It suggests that financial institutions are successfully implementing security measures that customers notice and appreciate. ...

Beyond the Headlines: What the FTC’s Scam Webinar Really Means for You You’ve probably seen the warnings: “New scam alert!” or “Protect your money!” They flash across news tickers and fill social media feeds, often feeling too vague to be useful. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cut through the noise with a timely webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, offering a clearer picture of the specific tricks fraudsters are using right now. While the full details are presented to professionals like those at ACA International, the core insights provide a crucial roadmap for everyday consumers looking to safeguard their wallets and personal information. ...

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Safety Advice Another year, another wave of sophisticated scams. As digital life becomes more embedded in our routines, the tactics used by fraudsters grow more convincing. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) remains a critical touchpoint. For 2026, the agency has distilled its guidance into clear, actionable advice aimed at helping everyday people build stronger digital defenses. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the fraud tactics that are currently plaguing Americans. These events are designed to arm the public with knowledge, and the latest session underscored that while the core goals of scammers remain the same—to steal money and personal information—their methods are constantly adapting. For anyone who shops online, manages finances, or simply uses email or a phone, understanding these trends is the first step toward building a solid defense. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Real-World Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams It’s a stressful reality of modern life: sophisticated scams are on the rise. From AI-generated voices that sound like a distressed family member to phishing emails that look indistinguishable from real ones, fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics. Recent data, including reports of a 50% surge in identity theft over the past two tax seasons, underscores that this isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a significant financial and personal risk. The good news is that you are not powerless. By understanding the current landscape and implementing a few key habits, you can dramatically reduce your risk and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...

Your Guide to Outsmarting Scams: Practical Advice for 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) isn’t just a calendar event—it’s a yearly reminder to sharpen our defenses. As we look ahead to 2026, the core advice from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) remains crucial: staying informed is your first line of defense. Scams evolve, but the principles for spotting and stopping them don’t. This guide translates the FTC’s key messages into practical steps you can use right now. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Modern Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams It’s no secret that scams are getting more sophisticated. With identity theft reportedly surging by 50% over recent tax seasons and the unsettling rise of AI-generated deepfakes and voice scams, the old advice of “just be careful” isn’t enough anymore. Fraudsters are leveraging psychology and cutting-edge technology to craft incredibly convincing traps. ...