Online Safety

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) laid out the evolving landscape of fraud. Their message was clear: while classic cons haven’t disappeared, scammers are constantly refining their tactics, using technology and current events to appear more convincing than ever. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply has a phone, understanding these trends isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary part of modern self-defense. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: Key Scam Trends to Watch in 2026 If you feel like scam attempts are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, you’re not imagining it. Each year, fraudsters refine their tactics, using new technologies and psychological tricks to catch people off guard. To help consumers fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, detailing the latest scam trends they’re tracking. ...

That Urgent Call for Gift Cards Is a Scam: Here’s How to Protect Yourself In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct warning to District of Columbia residents: gift card scams are a persistent and costly threat. This official alert underscores a simple, devastating reality—if someone demands payment via gift card, it is almost certainly a fraud. ...

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. ...

Don’t Get “Fattened Up”: How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams Have you ever received a friendly, unexpected message from a stranger online? Perhaps they liked your social media profile or matched with you on a dating app. The conversation starts normally, builds over weeks or even months, and they earn your trust. Then, subtly, the topic turns to money—a “can’t-miss” investment opportunity or a sudden crisis requiring your financial help. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: Understanding the “Pig Butchering” Scam You meet someone new online. They’re friendly, charming, and share your interests. Over weeks or months, a digital friendship—or even romance—blossoms. Then, they mention an incredible investment opportunity that’s making them rich. They want to help you get in on it, too. ...