Identity Theft

The “Pig Butchering” Scam: How to Spot It and Stop It Before You Lose Money You receive a friendly, unexpected message. It might be on a dating app, social media, or even SMS. The person on the other end is charming, builds rapport over weeks, and seems genuinely interested in your life. Then, the conversation subtly turns to money—often an incredible, “can’t-miss” investment opportunity. This is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, a devastating blend of romance and investment fraud that is on the rise. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a specific warning to residents about this threat. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

Your Action Plan for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every day, we make decisions as consumers—what to buy, who to trust, and where to share our personal information. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially as scams become more sophisticated. That’s where National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) comes in. Organized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) every year, this dedicated week is a nationwide push to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the marketplace safely. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, here’s a practical guide to fortifying your financial and digital defenses. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Tactics Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to host an informative webinar, distilling the most current and pervasive scam trends they’re seeing. The goal wasn’t just to warn us, but to equip us with the knowledge to recognize and stop these threats before they cause harm. While the details of individual scams constantly evolve, the core tactics and warning signs remain surprisingly consistent. Understanding these patterns is your first and best line of defense. ...

Stay Ahead of Scams: Key Advice from the FTC for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide effort to help people understand their rights and spot deceptive practices. For 2026, the message is clear: the scam landscape is evolving, but your power to protect yourself is growing, too. This week serves as a critical checkpoint to review your defenses against fraud, identity theft, and privacy invasions that are becoming more sophisticated each year. ...

Spotting the Latest Scams: What We Learned from the FTC’s Latest Update It can feel like scams change faster than the weather. Just when you think you’ve learned to dodge one scheme, a new, more convincing one pops up. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the current fraud landscape, confirming that scammers are constantly refining their tactics. The good news is that by understanding their latest plays, you can significantly improve your defenses. ...

The Top Scams to Watch For Right Now—and How to Stop Them If you’ve ever felt a sudden pang of dread after a suspicious call or email, you’re not alone. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, creating new schemes designed to bypass our natural caution. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the latest trends in fraud during a public webinar. The message is clear: while the platforms and stories change, the goal remains the same—to trick you out of your money or personal information. ...

Your Practical Guide to the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Next week marks the Federal Trade Commission’s annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While it might sound like another government awareness campaign, it’s genuinely one of the best times of the year to sharpen your defenses against fraud. The FTC uses this week to consolidate and highlight its most crucial advice, and for 2026, the focus is on the scams that are currently costing people the most money and peace of mind. ...

How the Scammers Are Adapting: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Webinar Every year, scammers refine their tactics, exploiting new technologies and current events to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these schemes is a constant challenge. To mark National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a webinar highlighting the latest trends in fraud and impersonation scams. While the full details from the ACA International summary are concise, the event underscores a critical, ongoing message: vigilance and knowledge are your best defenses. ...

The New Scams to Watch For: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Update Every year, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a critical update on the evolving landscape of fraud. This March, their latest webinar detailed how scam tactics are shifting, offering a necessary look at what you should be guarding against right now. These aren’t just abstract warnings; they are descriptions of real schemes that are actively parting people from their money and personal information. ...

A Practical Guide from the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a calendar note from the Federal Trade Commission. It’s a concentrated effort to arm everyday people with the knowledge to fight back against the scams and frauds that are increasingly common in our digital lives. For 2026, the FTC is continuing this mission, providing clear, actionable advice that moves beyond simple warnings. ...