Online Scams

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. ...