Scam Prevention

Don’t Fall for This New Google Scam: Here’s How to Spot and Avoid It A wave of highly polished Google-branded phishing emails is hitting inboxes, and they look more convincing than ever. According to a recent report from Reader’s Digest, these scams are bypassing many of the usual red flags — they use real Google logos, domain names that seem correct at first glance, and language that mimics official security alerts. If you rely on Gmail, Google Drive, or any Google service, it’s worth knowing exactly what to look for before your account ends up compromised. ...

That Urgent Google Notification Might Be a Scam—Here’s How to Tell You’re checking your email or browsing the web when a notification pops up: “Security alert – unusual sign-in detected” or “Your Google account will be suspended in 24 hours.” It looks official—Google logo, familiar fonts, even a link that starts with “accounts.google.com.” But that link might not lead where you think. ...

Is That Chrome Extension Collecting Your Data? How to Spot the Dangerous Ones It starts innocently enough. You need a quick tool—a grammar checker, a coupon finder, a tab manager—so you look it up in the Chrome Web Store, click “Add to Chrome,” and move on. Problem solved, right? But behind that simple action, a growing number of seemingly harmless extensions are being weaponized to steal passwords, track browsing, and exfiltrate entire email histories. ...

Stop telling your AI chatbot these 5 things – your bank account depends on it AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot have become everyday tools for drafting emails, summarizing documents, and even getting financial advice. Their convenience is real. But convenience comes with a risk many users overlook: everything you type can be stored, reviewed, and potentially exposed. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Money In mid-December 2025, Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about a surge in gift card scams. The notice highlighted a pattern that law enforcement agencies across the country have been tracking for years: fraudsters impersonating government officials, utility companies, or tech support agents who demand payment in the form of gift card codes. While the alert was directed at D.C. consumers, the advice applies to anyone who shops online or has ever received a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a well-known retailer. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Practical Advice to Avoid Scams and Fraud Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a coalition of government agencies, advocacy groups, and businesses run National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). The 2026 edition took place March 2–6, and its goal was straightforward: give people the tools to recognize, avoid, and report fraud, identity theft, and other consumer scams. Even though the week itself has passed, the guidance remains timely. Here’s a look at what was covered and how you can apply the advice year-round. ...

Don’t Let Scammers Win: Essential Tips from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission shared during that week is worth keeping at hand all year. Whether you missed the live webinars or just want a clear summary of the most practical steps, here’s what you need to know to spot scams, protect your identity, and know what to do if something goes wrong. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Alert Gift cards are convenient gifts, but they have also become a favorite tool for scammers. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about a surge in gift card scams targeting consumers across Washington, D.C. His office joined a growing chorus of law enforcement agencies urging people to recognize the warning signs before they lose money. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Avoid Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — a campaign that brings together government agencies, consumer groups, and businesses to spread practical advice on preventing fraud and safeguarding personal information. The 2026 edition offered a clear set of recommendations that are worth revisiting long after the week ends. If you missed the campaign, or simply want a refresher, here is a concise summary of what the FTC highlighted and how you can apply those lessons year-round. ...

How to Spot a Gift Card Scam: Advice from D.C.’s Attorney General Gift card scams are one of the most common ways fraudsters steal money from consumers. In December 2025, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about these schemes, which continue to evolve in sophistication. Whether you live in Washington, D.C., or elsewhere, understanding how these scams work and what to do if you’re targeted can save you from losing hundreds or thousands of dollars. ...