Privacy

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Modern Scams It’s not your imagination—scams are getting more sophisticated. What used to be a poorly written email from a stranded prince has evolved into elaborate, psychologically manipulative schemes that can drain bank accounts, wreck credit, and steal identities. Recent reporting, including a series of articles from Investopedia, highlights that fraudsters are continually refining their tactics, making vigilance more critical than ever. The good news is that by understanding how these scams work, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

FTC’s Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Guide to Spotting Scams and Staying Safe Every year, the landscape of scams shifts. New schemes emerge, old ones get a digital facelift, and the barrage of deceptive emails, texts, and calls can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), running in early March, is a critical time to pause and reassess your defenses. For 2026, the FTC is once again focusing on arming consumers with practical, up-to-date advice to navigate these threats. ...

How to Avoid Gift Card Scams: Essential Tips from a Recent Alert In response to an official warning from Attorney General Brian Schwalb, this article breaks down the mechanics of gift card scams, offering clear, actionable advice to help consumers recognize and prevent fraud, based on credible alerts and best practices. ...

Your Action Plan from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again. While it’s an annual event spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and partners, the core message for 2026 remains critically practical: your daily habits are your first and best defense against fraud. Instead of just raising awareness, this year’s guidance zeroes in on the specific actions you can take to secure your money and identity. Let’s break down what this means for you. ...

The Gift Card Trap: How to Spot a Scam Before You Pay Another urgent alert from a government office lands in the news, warning about a relentless wave of fraud. This time, it’s District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issuing a clear warning to residents about gift card scams. While the alert is local, the threat is universal. These scams have become a favorite tool for criminals, and understanding how they work is your first line of defense. ...

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself from Modern Scams: Insights from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud. While the official NCPW 2026 events are scheduled for early March, the advice shared is timeless and critically important. Scammers continuously refine their tactics, but the core principles of protection remain constant: skepticism, secure practices, and knowing how to report problems. ...

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Advice Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud and privacy threats. The guidance for NCPW 2026 is now available, offering a timely update on the tactics scammers are using and the essential steps you can take to defend yourself. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical awareness. By understanding the current landscape, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. ...

The Rockstar Games Data Breach: What It Means for You and How to Respond News broke recently that Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, was targeted in a significant cyberattack. The hacker group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating they accessed a vast trove of data and set a ransom deadline of April 14, 2026. While Rockstar has officially confirmed only a “limited amount of non-material company information” was accessed via a third-party breach, the incident highlights a recurring risk for anyone with online accounts. ...

Practical Consumer Safety for a Digital World: What to Know in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it serves as a timely reminder that vigilance is a year-round job. Each March, this initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money, data, and identity. With our lives increasingly moving online, the core principles of consumer protection are now deeply intertwined with digital privacy and cybersecurity. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Tactics the FTC Wants You to Spot Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted an important webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the latest tricks scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. While scam tactics constantly evolve, the core principles of protection remain the same: knowledge and caution. The session underscored that understanding these emerging trends is the first, most crucial step in defending yourself. ...