Phishing

A New Wave of Fake Texts: What a Statewide Court Alert Means for You If you live in Pennsylvania, your phone might be the next target. In early March 2026, the Philadelphia Courts issued a formal statewide consumer fraud alert, warning residents about an active surge in fake texting scams. This isn’t just another phishing email; it’s a sophisticated smishing (SMS phishing) campaign designed to impersonate official institutions and create a false sense of urgency. ...

What to Do If You Get a Text About a Court Summons A new alert from the Philadelphia Courts is putting residents across Pennsylvania on high alert. In March 2026, court officials issued a statewide warning about a surge in sophisticated fake texting scams. These messages are designed to impersonate legitimate authorities to steal your money and personal information. ...

That Text About a Court Summons is Probably a Scam. Here’s How to Tell. If you live in Pennsylvania and recently got a frantic text message claiming you’ve missed a jury duty summons or have a court case, you’re not alone—but you should be suspicious. In early March 2026, the Philadelphia Courts issued a statewide consumer fraud alert warning residents about a wave of fake texting scams. These messages impersonate official court systems to steal personal information or money. It’s a sharp reminder that our phones, often our most trusted devices, have become a primary channel for sophisticated fraud. ...

When a Top FBI Official’s Email Was Hacked: What It Means for Your Security Last week, reports confirmed that the personal Gmail account of FBI Director Kash Patel was breached by a sophisticated hacking group with ties to Iran. While the headlines focus on the high-profile target, this incident is a powerful reminder of the digital risks everyone faces. The attackers, a group known as “Handala,” reportedly used a classic but effective technique to gain access: phishing. For consumers, the story isn’t about international espionage—it’s about how even the most aware individuals can be vulnerable and what you can do to lock down your own accounts. ...

The Scams You’re Most Likely to See Now, According to the FTC National Consumer Protection Week is an important reminder to take stock of our digital defenses. To kick off the week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar focusing on the scam tactics that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. While the specifics of fraud constantly evolve, the recent discussion highlighted patterns that are proving particularly effective for scammers right now. Understanding these trends is your first line of defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Tactics Staying ahead of scammers is a constant battle. Just when we think we’ve learned to spot the old tricks, new ones emerge. That’s why the guidance from authoritative sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is so valuable. During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, FTC experts highlighted the latest trends in fraud, offering a crucial update for anyone wanting to safeguard their finances and personal information. ...

Philadelphia Courts’ Fraud Alert: How to Spot and Stop a Fake Texting Scam In March 2026, the Philadelphia Courts took the unusual step of issuing a formal, statewide consumer fraud alert. The warning centers on a surge in sophisticated texting scams where criminals impersonate court officials or other government entities. This isn’t just a local Pennsylvania issue; it’s a blueprint for a type of fraud that is becoming increasingly common everywhere. Understanding how this scam works is your first and best defense. ...