Identity Theft

D.C. Attorney General Warns: Gift Card Scams Are a Growing Threat In a recent official alert, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb warned residents about a persistent and damaging form of fraud: gift card payment scams. These schemes are not new, but they continue to evolve and trap even savvy individuals, often resulting in significant, irreversible financial loss. The alert underscores that scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using pressure and impersonation to trick people into purchasing and handing over gift card details. Understanding how these scams work is your first and most important line of defense. ...

How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams: A Simple Guide Introduction If someone urgently demands payment with a gift card, it’s almost certainly a scam. That’s the straightforward warning from the District of Columbia Attorney General, Brian L. Schwalb, who recently issued a consumer alert to residents. While the message is targeted locally, the threat is national. Gift card scams continue to trap thousands of people each year, draining bank accounts with promises that vanish as soon as the card’s PIN is shared. This guide breaks down how these scams work and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth: scams and fraud are constantly evolving, but your ability to protect yourself can evolve faster. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 serves as a focused reminder and a resource hub, offering fresh insights and practical tools for navigating an increasingly digital marketplace. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Modern Scams It’s not your imagination—scams are getting more sophisticated. What used to be a poorly written email from a stranded prince has evolved into elaborate, psychologically manipulative schemes that can drain bank accounts, wreck credit, and steal identities. Recent reporting, including a series of articles from Investopedia, highlights that fraudsters are continually refining their tactics, making vigilance more critical than ever. The good news is that by understanding how these scams work, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

National Consumer Protection Week Is Here. Let’s Talk Defense. Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s more than a calendar event; it’s a focused reminder to shore up our defenses against the fraud that costs consumers billions yearly. With NCPW 2026 underway, the FTC has released a suite of advice, highlighting the scams that are particularly active and providing clear steps to fight back. Let’s break down what you need to know and, more importantly, what you can do. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Modern Scams Scammers have moved far past the poorly spelled “Nigerian prince” emails of old. Today’s fraud is sophisticated, personalized, and emotionally manipulative. Whether it’s a fake text from your “bank,” a convincing investment pitch from a new online friend, or a fraudulent charge on your account, the goal is the same: to steal your money, identity, or both. ...

FTC’s Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Guide to Spotting Scams and Staying Safe Every year, the landscape of scams shifts. New schemes emerge, old ones get a digital facelift, and the barrage of deceptive emails, texts, and calls can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), running in early March, is a critical time to pause and reassess your defenses. For 2026, the FTC is once again focusing on arming consumers with practical, up-to-date advice to navigate these threats. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Scams: A Practical Guide We all like to think we’re too savvy to fall for a scam. But modern fraud isn’t about poorly spelled emails from exiled princes anymore. It’s a sophisticated, emotionally manipulative, and evolving industry. As highlighted in recent coverage by Investopedia, the key to protecting yourself isn’t just suspicion—it’s a proactive, informed strategy. This guide breaks down that strategy into three actionable parts: how to recognize the most common traps, how to prevent them, and the crucial steps to take if you become a target. ...

Don’t Just Observe National Consumer Protection Week—Use It Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a dedicated time for agencies, advocates, and businesses to share resources that help people guard against scams, fraud, and unfair practices. For the average person, however, it can feel like just another awareness week that comes and goes. ...

Your Action Plan from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again. While it’s an annual event spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and partners, the core message for 2026 remains critically practical: your daily habits are your first and best defense against fraud. Instead of just raising awareness, this year’s guidance zeroes in on the specific actions you can take to secure your money and identity. Let’s break down what this means for you. ...