Fraud Protection

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Online shopping is convenient, but it also gives scammers a steady stream of opportunities. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other government agencies regularly issue warnings about new fraud tactics. The message is consistent: consumers need to stay alert. Here is a practical look at what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your money and personal information safe. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Intro Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most people, whether you’re buying groceries, electronics, or clothing. But alongside the convenience comes a steady stream of scams designed to separate you from your money or personal information. Every year, especially during seasonal sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school periods, reports of fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and fake deals surge. ...

Gift Card Scams Persist: What the D.C. Attorney General’s Recent Warning Means for You Gift cards are convenient presents for birthdays and holidays, but scammers have turned them into a preferred payment method for fraud. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert reminding residents that gift cards are for gifts, not for paying unexpected bills, taxes, or fees. This warning echoes similar advisories from consumer protection agencies across the country, and for good reason—gift card scams remain one of the most common and costly types of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). ...

A Practical Guide to Navigating Today’s Scam Landscape It can feel like a new scam emerges daily. The phone rings with a familiar voice—perhaps even a family member’s—pleading for money, only to be a convincing AI clone. An urgent text about a package delivery or a bank alert appears, designed to trigger a panicked click. These aren’t hypotheticals; they’re today’s reality. With identity theft reports surging, particularly around high-stakes times like tax season, a basic understanding of digital threats is no longer optional—it’s essential self-defense. ...

How to Spot, Prevent, and Recover from Today’s Scams You’ve likely felt it—that pang of unease when a call, text, or email just doesn’t seem right. That instinct is more valuable than ever. Recent data shows identity theft cases have surged by 50% over the last two tax seasons. At the same time, scams are becoming more sophisticated, using artificial intelligence to mimic voices and faces. This isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical awareness. By understanding how modern scams work, you can effectively protect your money and your identity. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Staying Ahead of Scammers National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns in March 2026, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This annual event is more than a reminder—it’s a coordinated effort to arm the public with knowledge against ever-evolving fraud. As scammers refine their tactics, the guidance from the FTC becomes increasingly critical for everyday financial and digital safety. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: Key Scam Trends to Watch in 2026 If you feel like scam attempts are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, you’re not imagining it. Each year, fraudsters refine their tactics, using new technologies and psychological tricks to catch people off guard. To help consumers fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, detailing the latest scam trends they’re tracking. ...

The Current Scam Landscape: Insights from a Recent FTC Webinar Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week provided a timely update on the schemes that are tricking people right now. While the specifics evolve, the core principles of defense remain steady: skepticism, verification, and knowing where to turn for help. ...

FTC Spots New Scam Tactics: Here’s What to Watch For In early March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar as part of National Consumer Protection Week. The session served as a clear-eyed briefing on the fraud landscape, detailing the specific tricks that are currently working on people and, more importantly, how to shut them down. For anyone who uses email, shops online, or answers their phone, the insights were a critical reminder that scammers are constantly refining their scripts and schemes. ...