Identity Theft

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week served as a timely reminder: scammers are constantly refining their tactics. While the specific data from the event isn’t publicly detailed in full, the FTC consistently highlights patterns that every consumer should recognize. The core message is that awareness of these evolving trends is your first and best line of defense. ...

How to Spot and Avoid “Pig Butchering” Scams The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, recently issued a stark warning to residents about a sophisticated and devastating type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name, while unusual, is chillingly accurate. Scammers “fatten up” their victims with promises of romance or friendship, building trust over weeks or months, before “butchering” them for their life savings. This official alert underscores that these scams are not just theoretical—they are actively targeting people right now. ...

Your 2026 Consumer Defense Plan: Navigating Scams with the FTC’s Guidance As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again amplifying its call for public awareness. This annual event is more than a calendar reminder; it’s a coordinated push to equip you with the knowledge to defend against increasingly sophisticated fraud. While the exact theme for 2026 is still taking shape, the FTC’s consistent messaging provides a reliable roadmap for the threats you’re likely to face and the practical steps you can take right now. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scams Staying ahead of scammers often feels like a race. Just as we learn to spot one scheme, another evolves to take its place. That’s why updates from consumer protection watchdogs are so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the scam trends they’re seeing right now. The takeaway? While the classic tricks persist, the delivery and context are constantly shifting. ...

The FTC’s Latest Warning: Where Scammers Are Targeting You Now If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not imagining it. Fraud reports have surged, and the tactics are constantly changing. To help cut through the noise, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, distilling the most pressing threats facing consumers right now. The insights aren’t just about what scams are out there, but how they’re evolving to bypass our usual defenses. Staying informed with this kind of direct guidance is one of the most effective shields you have. ...

A Recent Official Warning Highlights a Simple, Costly Fraud If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it is a scam. Full stop. This isn’t just common sense advice; it’s the core message from an official consumer alert. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a specific warning to District of Columbia residents about the pervasive threat of gift card scams. These schemes continue to drain millions from consumers nationwide by exploiting trust and urgency. ...

Staying Ahead of Scams: Practical Safety Tips for Today’s Consumer Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics, making it crucial for consumers to update their defenses. While events like National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) spotlight these issues, the need for vigilance is a year-round job. Drawing from the latest alerts and consumer advice emphasized by authorities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here’s a look at the current scam landscape and what you can do to protect yourself. ...

Your Practical Guide to Consumer Safety in 2026 With National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 on the horizon, it’s a perfect time to reassess your defenses against fraud. This annual event, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), focuses on empowering people with knowledge, and that’s precisely what we’ll do here. Scams are not disappearing; they’re evolving. The best defense is a clear understanding of current tactics and a simple plan of action. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a crucial webinar to brief the public on the evolving landscape of fraud. While the full, detailed report is available from the agency directly, the key takeaway is clear: scammers are refining their tactics, leveraging new technology and timeless psychological tricks to separate people from their money and personal information. For anyone who goes online, uses a phone, or manages finances, understanding these trends isn’t just useful—it’s a necessary part of modern self-defense. ...

Spotting the Imposter: Your Guide to Impersonation Scams During Consumer Protection Week As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it’s an ideal time to sharpen our defenses against one of the most common and costly frauds: impersonation scams. These deceptions, where criminals pretend to be someone you trust, are a perennial focus for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) because they are devastatingly effective. Let’s break down how these scams work and, more importantly, how you can stop them. ...