Identity Theft

Parking Ticket Text? Don’t Click. Here’s the New Scam to Watch For If you drive in North Carolina—or frankly, anywhere—you should be on the lookout for a new, convincing text message scam. Posing as a local parking authority, fraudsters are sending urgent messages about unpaid parking violations, hoping to steal your personal and financial information. The North Carolina Department of Justice issued an alert about this scheme in March 2026, warning drivers not to take the bait. ...

Staying Ahead of Scams: What We Learned from the FTC’s Latest Update Every few months, it seems the tactics used by scammers evolve. What was a common trick last year might be replaced by something more sophisticated and convincing today. Staying informed isn’t just about caution; it’s a necessary part of protecting your finances and personal information. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams National Consumer Protection Week recently featured an important webinar from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), spotlighting the most persistent and emerging fraud tactics of the moment. While scam reports continue at high levels, the conversation shifted from just awareness to practical defense. The patterns are clear: scammers are refining old tricks and exploiting new technologies to appear more convincing than ever. Here’s a breakdown of what they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

What the Latest Scam Trends Mean for Your Wallet Scams are constantly evolving. Just as we learn to recognize one trick, criminals devise new ones, tailored to current events, new technologies, and our own habits. The goal is always the same: to trick us out of money or sensitive personal information. Staying ahead requires knowing what to look for. ...

The Scams Circulating Now: What the FTC Wants You to Know If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams than ever, you’re not wrong. During the recent National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the current landscape of digital fraud. Their message was clear: while the core tactics of scammers remain the same—pressure, deception, and urgency—the delivery methods and specific schemes are constantly evolving. Staying a step ahead means understanding what you’re up against right now. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams If you’ve ever felt a jolt of suspicion from a too-good-to-be-true text, a pushy phone call from a “government agent,” or a heartbreaking plea from a “charity,” you’re not alone. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. That’s precisely why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) holds events like its recent webinar during National Consumer Protection Week. The goal is to cut through the noise and give people the straight facts on what to watch for right now. ...

What You Can Learn from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads a coordinated campaign to empower people against scams and fraud. This initiative, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), is scheduled for early March 2026. While the event itself is a concentrated burst of awareness, the core advice it promotes is valuable every day of the year. The FTC’s message is straightforward: with the right knowledge, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. ...

What the Latest FTC Scam Alert Means for You Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a crucial webinar detailing the current landscape of fraud. The central message was clear: while the core tactics of scammers remain consistent—pressure, deception, and exploiting emotion—the delivery methods and specific ruses are constantly adapting to new technologies and current events. For anyone who uses email, a phone, or social media, understanding these trends isn’t just useful; it’s a necessary part of digital life. ...

Your Practical Guide to Avoiding Scams and Fraud Every year, fraudsters get a little more clever, but so do the tools and knowledge available to fight back. That’s the core purpose of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the message remains vital: the best defense against scams is an informed and proactive consumer. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, based on the enduring principles promoted by this annual event. ...

Beyond the Hype: Practical Scams to Watch and How to Outsmart Them Staying ahead of scammers often feels like a losing battle. Just as we learn to spot one tactic, a new one emerges. That’s why annual events like National Consumer Protection Week are so valuable—they cut through the noise with timely, expert advice. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest fraud trends that are currently tricking consumers. The goal wasn’t to spread fear, but to provide a clear-eyed look at the modern scammer’s playbook. ...