Identity Theft

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in a Scam: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Fraud A recent consumer alert from the District of Columbia Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, serves as a critical reminder: gift card scams are not a minor nuisance; they are a pervasive and financially devastating form of fraud. These scams succeed because they exploit trust, urgency, and a common misconception that gift cards are a legitimate form of payment to companies or government agencies. They are not. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Parking Ticket Alert: How to Spot a New Scam Targeting Drivers If you drive in North Carolina, be cautious about any urgent message claiming you owe money for a parking violation. The state’s Department of Justice has issued a warning about a new scam where fraudsters are sending fake parking ticket notices to steal money and personal information. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Insights from the FTC If it feels like you’re hearing about more scams than ever, you’re not imagining it. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, but the good news is that the patterns they follow are often recognizable. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the latest trends. While the specific stories change, the underlying strategies remain frustratingly consistent. Here’s a breakdown of what they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: How to Spot and Stop Them If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. This simple rule is at the heart of a recent consumer alert, but the problem is far more pervasive than many realize. Scammers have perfected the art of using gift cards as an untraceable, irreversible cash conduit, and they’re exploiting trust and urgency to steal millions. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Parking Tickets A new wave of fraud is targeting drivers, this time with a very specific and convincing hook: a fake parking violation notice. According to a March 2026 alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), scammers are sending out fraudulent tickets or payment demands, hoping to catch people off guard and steal money or personal information. Whether you’re in North Carolina or elsewhere, understanding how this scam works is your first line of defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam threats facing consumers right now. The session provided a clear-eyed look at how fraud is evolving and, more importantly, how you can defend yourself. While the tactics may change, the core principles of protection remain vital. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Parking Tickets If you drive in North Carolina, be on alert. The state’s Department of Justice has issued a warning about a new wave of parking violation scams designed to trick drivers into paying fines that don’t exist. These cons are becoming more sophisticated, often using official-looking communications to create a false sense of urgency. Understanding how they work is your first line of defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Last week, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the most pressing fraud threats facing consumers right now. These events are designed to cut through the noise and provide clear, actionable intelligence directly from the agency that tracks millions of consumer complaints each year. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: A Practical Guide to Gift Card Scams Gift cards are meant to be a simple, thoughtful present or a convenient way to make a purchase. Unfortunately, scammers have turned them into a favorite tool for theft. These scams are pervasive and effective, bilking consumers out of millions each year. The issue is serious enough that officials like District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb have issued specific alerts to warn the public. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Parked by a Scam: How to Spot Fake Violation Notices If you’ve ever returned to your car to find a parking ticket tucked under the wiper, your heart probably sinks. Now, scammers are exploiting that exact feeling of dread. According to a recent consumer alert from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), drivers are being targeted by a new wave of parking violation scams designed to steal money and personal information. ...