Online Safety

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Staying Safe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026, running from March 2nd through March 8th. As announced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this annual campaign is a focused reminder to review your defenses against fraud. While consumer threats evolve, the core advice from protection agencies remains a vital toolkit for everyone. ...

New Scam Alerts: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For Staying ahead of scammers is a constant challenge. Their tactics evolve quickly, and what worked to protect yourself last year might not be enough today. That’s why the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, was so valuable. It provided a direct line to the latest data and trends straight from the agency on the front lines. If you missed it, here’s a breakdown of the key scams they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about them. ...

Your Bank, Social Media, or Email Account Could Be Next If you manage your finances online, use social media, or shop on the internet, there’s a growing threat aimed directly at you. It’s called account takeover fraud, and it’s not just a vague worry—it’s a concrete scam that’s seeing a sharp increase. Recently, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued an alert specifically addressing this rise in incidents. Their warning underscores a trend that security experts have been tracking: fraudsters are aggressively targeting the online accounts of everyday consumers to steal money, commit identity theft, or launch further attacks. ...

Latest Scam Trends: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week served as a crucial reminder: scammers never take a break, but their tactics do evolve. In collaboration with partners like ACA International, the FTC highlighted the specific frauds that are currently putting consumers at the greatest risk. Understanding these trends isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical awareness. By knowing what to look for, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

Heed the Official Warning: How to Spot Investment Scams on Social Media In early April 2026, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a stark consumer alert, warning the public about a significant rise in fraudulent investment schemes proliferating across Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This official warning underscores a troubling trend: social media, a space for connection, has become a prime hunting ground for financial predators. ...

Spotting the Scams the FTC Says Are Circulating Now Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the latest scam tactics actively targeting people. The core message is clear: while the themes of fraud remain consistent—pressure, deception, and urgency—the delivery methods are constantly evolving. Staying informed isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of protecting your money and personal information. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Tactics Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public webinar to shine a light on the scam trends that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. While the specific tactics evolve, the core goal of fraudsters remains the same: to create a sense of urgency, trust, or fear that overrides our better judgment. ...

The Scams That Are Closer to Home: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For You might think you can spot a scam a mile away—the poorly written email, the too-good-to-be-true offer, the urgent plea from a foreign prince. But the landscape of fraud is shifting. The latest threats are more sophisticated, more personal, and often impersonate the very institutions we trust. During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlighted the latest trends making the rounds, and the message was clear: the scams of today are harder to distinguish from legitimate communications. ...

Beyond the Headlines: What the “Pig Butchering” Scam Alert Means for You In February, New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning to residents about a sophisticated and devastating fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the name might sound unusual, the financial carnage it leaves behind is very real. This official alert underscores a growing threat that can target anyone with a smartphone or social media account. Understanding how this scam works is the first critical step in protecting yourself and your finances. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot the Lies and Protect Your Money An official warning from the District of Columbia’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, is the latest reminder of a widespread problem: gift card scams are surging. These aren’t sophisticated digital heists; they are simple, high-pressure cons that trick people into willingly handing over their own money. By understanding how these scams work and recognizing the red flags, you can protect yourself and others from significant financial loss. ...