Privacy

New iPhone Scam Uses Fake Alerts to Target Bank Accounts Security experts are sounding the alarm about a sophisticated new scam specifically targeting iPhone users, designed to trick them into handing over access to their banking apps and sensitive financial information. Reports indicate this scheme can lead to drained accounts if users fall for its convincing tactics. Understanding how this scam works is the first step to ensuring your money stays safe. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: A Guide from Consumer Alerts During National Consumer Protection Week, regulators like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ramp up efforts to inform the public. A recent FTC webinar underscored a critical point: while the core goals of scammers remain the same—to steal money and personal information—their methods are constantly evolving. Staying informed about these trends isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of modern financial and digital safety. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a critical reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the scam trends that are currently costing consumers the most money and peace of mind. While the full details are best heard from the source, the overarching message is clear: scammers are refining their tactics, but a few key principles can help you stay safe. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Securing Your Data Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign dedicated to arming people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money safely. As we approach NCPW 2026, the landscape of scams continues to shift, making this annual reminder more crucial than ever. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical empowerment. By understanding the latest tactics and solidifying a few key habits, you can significantly reduce your risk and shop, bank, and browse with greater confidence. ...

Don’t Get Played: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone pressures you to pay them with a gift card, you’re almost certainly talking to a scammer. That’s the blunt warning from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued a consumer fraud alert to residents. Despite being a well-documented trick, gift card scams continue to drain millions from unsuspecting victims every year. The scam’s simplicity is its greatest weapon, but with the right knowledge, you can easily defuse it. ...

What We Learned from the FTC’s Latest Scam Briefing The digital world is convenient, but it’s also a playground for scammers who constantly refine their tricks. This was the central theme of a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week. The briefing served as a stark reminder that fraud is not static; it evolves to exploit new technologies and current events. For the average person just trying to bank, shop, or connect online, this can feel overwhelming. The good news is that by understanding the specific patterns officials are flagging, you can build a much stronger personal defense. ...

Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026: Practical Advice from the FTC Every year, the tactics used by scammers become a bit more sophisticated. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), scheduled for early March 2026, serves as a timely reminder to refresh our defenses. Rather than just promoting the event, let’s focus on the practical guidance it highlights. Here’s a look at the evolving threats you should watch for and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 For one week each March, a nationwide spotlight shines on a critical issue: keeping your money and identity safe. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just an awareness campaign. It’s a concentrated effort to arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to fight back against scams and fraud. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to understand what this week offers and how you can use its resources to build stronger personal defenses. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: The Latest Scam Trends You Need to Know About Every day, scammers refine their tactics, making it harder to tell a legitimate offer from a clever trap. Staying ahead of them requires knowing what to look for. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to highlight the current scam landscape. Their insights provide a crucial snapshot of the most pressing threats targeting consumers today. Let’s break down what they revealed and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

That Urgent Gift Card Request? It’s a Scam. Here’s What to Know. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a public alert warning residents about a persistent and damaging threat: gift card scams. This official warning underscores a simple, brutal fact—no legitimate government agency, utility company, tech support service, or business will ever demand payment via a gift card. Yet, these scams continue to drain bank accounts because they exploit urgency, fear, and a desire to be helpful. ...