Identity Theft

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: Here’s How to Protect Yourself If someone demands payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal warning from Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who issued a direct alert to District of Columbia residents in December 2025. This official notice highlights a disturbing and persistent trend: fraudsters are increasingly manipulating victims into purchasing gift cards under false pretenses, leading to rapid, irreversible financial loss. While the alert targeted local residents, the tactics described are a nationwide problem. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Fight Back Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a critical reminder to review our digital defenses. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to outline the most pervasive and evolving scams currently threatening consumers. While the tactics may shift, the core goal of fraudsters remains the same: to steal your money or personal information through deception. ...

What Scammers Don’t Want You to Know: Practical Advice from Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual event led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the lead-up to 2026 is already highlighting critical threats facing consumers today. While the week itself is a valuable awareness campaign, the core advice it offers is useful year-round. Based on consistent warnings from the FTC, one type of fraud stands out for its prevalence and effectiveness: impersonation scams. ...

Your Practical Guide to Scam Prevention for 2026 Every March, consumer protection agencies, advocacy groups, and law enforcement unite for a critical initiative: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again leading the charge, providing updated, practical advice to help everyday people guard their money and personal information. ...

Your Guide to Scam Prevention: Timeless Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to raise awareness and arm people with the tools to fight fraud. While the official week for 2026 is scheduled for early March, the advice it highlights is crucial year-round. Scammers don’t take a break, and neither should your vigilance. ...

What You Really Need to Know to Avoid Scams in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is gearing up to provide its latest, most relevant guidance. This annual event is more than just a calendar note; it’s a concentrated effort to arm you with the knowledge to protect your money and your identity. The scams of tomorrow are already taking shape today, and being prepared is your first line of defense. ...

Staying Ahead of Scams: Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) serves as a crucial reminder to pause and review our digital and financial defenses. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance continues to spotlight a troubling consistency: the most effective scams are often the oldest tricks, repackaged for new technology. The core lesson remains that vigilance, not technical expertise, is your best defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams The landscape of fraud is never static. Scammers constantly refine their tactics, exploiting new technologies and current events to catch people off guard. Staying informed about these evolving threats is one of the most effective forms of self-defense. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to highlight the latest scam trends actively targeting consumers. Understanding these patterns is the first step in protecting yourself and your family. ...

Beyond the Headlines: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself Recently, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a stern warning about a sophisticated and devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the alert was directed at New Yorkers, this scam is a global threat that targets anyone with an online presence. The name, derived from the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter, chillingly describes the scammer’s method: they spend weeks or months building trust before stealing everything. ...

Beyond the Headlines: A Practical Guide to Stopping Scams Before They Start Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) serves as a helpful reminder to check our digital defenses. But the truth is, scams don’t take a week off. The persistent threats of impersonation, phishing, and fraud require a year-round mindset. Drawing on the consistent advice from consumer protection agencies, here’s a concrete guide to identifying today’s common tricks and fortifying your personal information. ...