Online Scams

Don’t Get Fooled: A Practical Guide to Gift Card Scams Gift cards are meant to be a simple, thoughtful present or a convenient way to make a purchase. Unfortunately, scammers have turned them into a favorite tool for theft. These scams are pervasive and effective, bilking consumers out of millions each year. The issue is serious enough that officials like District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb have issued specific alerts to warn the public. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

A Warning from New York: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Are Targeting Wallets You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message. It might be on a dating app, social media, or even a wrong-number text. The person on the other end is charming, builds a connection over weeks or months, and eventually starts talking about a fantastic investment opportunity they’ve found. This slow, deliberate process is the hallmark of a “pig butchering” scam, and it’s become a significant enough threat that New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a formal consumer alert to warn the public. ...

The New “Friend” Who Wants You to Get Rich: Understanding Pig Butchering Scams You get a message out of the blue. Maybe it’s on a dating app, social media, or even a wrong-number text that turns into a conversation. The person on the other end is charming, attentive, and seems genuinely interested in your life. Over weeks or even months, a digital friendship—or romance—blossoms. Then, they casually mention an incredible investment opportunity that’s making them a fortune. They want to help you get in on it, too. ...

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. ...