Identity Theft Prevention

Tech scams targeting adults 50+ are on the rise: how to spot them and stay safe Fraudsters are becoming more aggressive and more tech-savvy, and current data shows that adults aged 50 and older are bearing the brunt. Recent consumer alerts from CBS News and MSN (late April 2026) highlight a sharp uptick in technology‑enabled scams that specifically target older people. This article lays out the most common schemes and gives practical, no‑nonsense steps to protect yourself or someone you care about. ...

How to Recognize and Avoid ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams That Target Your Savings A new wave of sophisticated online scams is draining bank accounts under a disturbing name: “Pig Butchering.” Recently, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a formal consumer alert warning residents about this specific fraud, which has led to devastating financial losses. Unlike a quick phishing attempt, this scam is a long con, meticulously designed to fatten up victims with false trust before slaughtering their savings. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

New Parking Violation Scam: How to Spot Fake Tickets and Avoid Being Tricked If you’ve received an unexpected parking ticket by mail, email, or text that demands immediate payment, take a moment before reaching for your wallet. The North Carolina Department of Justice recently issued a consumer alert about a scam that uses fake parking violation notices to pressure drivers into sending money. ...

Your Credit, Your Control: Choosing Between a Fraud Alert and a Credit Freeze In an age where data breaches are frustratingly common, taking proactive steps to protect your credit is a cornerstone of financial safety. Two of the most powerful tools at your disposal are the fraud alert and the credit freeze. While they sound similar, they function quite differently. Understanding which one to use—and when—can save you from the headache of identity theft without unnecessarily complicating your financial life. ...

Watch Out for This Convincing New Parking Ticket Text Scam If your phone buzzes with a text demanding immediate payment for a parking violation, your first instinct might be panic. Before you react, take a breath—it could be a scam. Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies, including the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), are warning drivers about a sophisticated new wave of text-based fraud. Scammers are posing as city officials or law enforcement to steal money and personal information through fake parking ticket notices. ...

Watch Out for That Parking Ticket: A New Scam Is Targeting Drivers You return to your car and see it: a parking violation notice tucked under your windshield wiper. Or perhaps a text message or email arrives, demanding immediate payment for a parking fine to avoid additional penalties. Your first instinct might be to pay it quickly and move on. But a new consumer alert warns that scammers are exploiting this very instinct, creating convincing fake violations to steal money and personal information. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: A Practical Guide for Everyone Gift cards are meant to be a convenient present or a simple way to budget spending. Unfortunately, they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers. The problem is widespread enough that consumer protection agencies regularly issue warnings. Most recently, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb highlighted the threat in an official alert to residents, urging heightened vigilance. These scams aren’t confined to one city or region—they target people everywhere. Understanding how they work is the first step in protecting yourself and your money. ...

Don’t Let a Fake Call Turn Your Lights Out: How to Spot a Utility Scam Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller ID might even show a local number or the name of your electric or gas company. A stern voice informs you that your payment is overdue, your service will be disconnected within the hour, and you must pay immediately—usually with a prepaid debit card, gift card, or a peer-to-peer payment app. ...

When the “Utility Company” Calls Demanding Payment, Hang Up Imagine it’s a busy afternoon, and your phone rings. The caller ID shows a local number or even one that looks vaguely official. The person on the other end claims to be from your electric, gas, or water company. They say your payment is dangerously overdue, and if you don’t pay immediately—within the hour—your service will be shut off. They may sound professional, even citing your address or a partial account number to seem legitimate. The pressure is intense, and the demand for payment via a specific method is urgent. ...

That Unexpected Text About an Amazon Recall? It’s Probably a Scam If you’ve shopped on Amazon, you’re in good company—and so are the scammers who are increasingly targeting customers. A recent report highlighted a deceptive new tactic: fraudulent text messages that impersonate Amazon, warning you about an urgent product recall. These messages are designed to look legitimate, exploiting a real concern to steal personal information or money. Here’s what you need to know to spot these fakes and protect yourself. ...