Online Scams

Attorney General Issues Warning: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Are Targeting New Yorkers In February 2026, New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a formal consumer alert about a particularly insidious type of fraud: “pig butchering” scams. While the name may sound unusual, the financial damage is brutally real. This warning highlights a growing threat that leverages fake online relationships to fatten up victims—the “pigs”—before financially butchering them. Understanding this scam is the first critical step in preventing it. ...

What Are Pig Butchering Scams, and How Can You Avoid Them? You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on social media or a dating app. The conversation flows easily, trust builds over weeks or even months, and eventually, your new “friend” shares an incredible investment opportunity. This slow-burn con is known as a “pig butchering” scam, and authorities are sounding the alarm. New York Attorney General Letitia James recently issued a consumer alert specifically warning residents about this sophisticated fraud. Understanding its mechanics is your first line of defense. ...

How to Spot a “Pig Butchering” Scam Before It Cleans Out Your Savings You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message on WhatsApp, social media, or a dating app. The person on the other end is charming, engaging, and over weeks or months, becomes a regular part of your digital life. They share stories, ask about your day, and build what feels like genuine trust. Then, gradually, the conversation turns to a “can’t miss” investment opportunity. This is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, a devastatingly effective fraud that has prompted recent warnings from officials like New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Understanding this scam is your first and best defense. ...

How to Spot and Avoid the Devastating “Pig Butchering” Scam Imagine connecting with someone new online. The conversation starts casually, but over weeks or months, it deepens. They share stories, express care, and earn your trust. Then, they mention an incredible investment opportunity—a chance to build a future together. This slow, methodical process is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, and it’s defrauding people of their life savings. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a formal consumer alert warning residents about this specific and growing threat. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe Online During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a time dedicated to arming people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and avoid scams. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026 (typically held in March), it’s a perfect moment to reassess your digital safety habits. The online threats we face are constantly evolving, but a few core practices can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

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. ...

Your Accounts Are Under Siege: How to Recognize and Prevent a Takeover If you’ve ever been locked out of your email or seen a strange charge on a streaming service you didn’t make, you’ve brushed up against the unsettling world of account takeover. This isn’t just about a stolen password anymore; it’s a full-scale invasion where fraudsters seize control of your digital life, from social media and banking to utility and retail accounts. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: A Practical Guide for Everyone Gift cards are meant to be a convenient present or a simple way to budget spending. Unfortunately, they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers. The problem is widespread enough that consumer protection agencies regularly issue warnings. Most recently, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb highlighted the threat in an official alert to residents, urging heightened vigilance. These scams aren’t confined to one city or region—they target people everywhere. Understanding how they work is the first step in protecting yourself and your money. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: Spotting and Stopping Gift Card Scams A simple gift card has become one of a scammer’s favorite tools. They’re easy to buy, hard to trace, and funds can be drained in an instant. This threat is significant enough that law enforcement officials are issuing direct warnings to the public. Recently, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert specifically to warn residents about a rise in sophisticated gift card scams. ...

That Seemingly Perfect Online Connection Could Cost You Your Life Savings Last month, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a public alert about a sophisticated and devastating scam on the rise. Known as “pig butchering,” this fraud doesn’t just steal money—it methodically fattens victims with trust and affection before the financial slaughter. Unlike a crude phishing email, it’s a long-term con that exploits our desire for connection, making it one of the most pernicious and financially damaging scams today. ...