Scams

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Fatten Victims Before the Slaughter You receive a message from a stranger. It might be a wrong-number text, a direct message on a social media platform, or a friend request from an appealing profile. The conversation starts casually, often friendly or flirtatious. Over weeks or even months, a relationship builds. Then, an opportunity arises: a can’t-miss investment, a urgent financial favor, or a foolproof trading platform. You’re persuaded to send money, maybe just a little at first. The profits on the screen look impressive, encouraging you to send more. Eventually, when you try to withdraw your “earnings” or the relationship sours, the person—and your money—disappears. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Trends the FTC Wants You to Know National Consumer Protection Week, held each March, serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital and financial defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar spotlighting the latest tactics scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. A follow-up session specifically addressed the unique vulnerabilities of military personnel and their families. The core message is clear: while the threats are evolving, a few practical habits can provide powerful protection. ...

What Scammers Are Pushing Now: Key Trends from the FTC’s Latest Update Staying ahead of scammers is a constant battle. Just when we think we’ve seen every trick, fraudsters devise new schemes or repackage old ones with a fresh, convincing twist. That’s why updates from the experts are so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar in March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the latest scam trends currently plaguing consumers. Their insights provide a crucial snapshot of what to watch for right now. ...

What the FTC’s Latest Scam Alert Means for You Every day, scammers refine their tactics, and staying ahead of them can feel like a full-time job. That’s why events like National Consumer Protection Week are so valuable. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the most pervasive and emerging scam trends affecting people right now. While the specific tactics evolve, the core principles of protection remain grounded in vigilance and smart habits. Here’s a breakdown of what they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

Don’t Get “Fattened Up”: How to Spot and Stop a Pig Butchering Scam If you’re active on social media, dating apps, or even in your text messages, you should know about a sophisticated and devastating scam on the rise. It’s called “pig butchering,” and as New York Attorney General Letitia James recently warned, it’s a serious threat targeting people across the state and the country. The name is grim but accurate: scammers “fatten up” their victims with trust and affection over weeks or months, only to “butcher” them for their life savings. Understanding how it works is your first line of defense. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns in early March 2026, serving as a yearly reminder to sharpen our defenses against fraud. This coordinated effort, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other government and consumer groups, isn’t just about awareness—it’s a call to action. With scams constantly evolving, this week focuses on equipping you with the latest knowledge and tools to protect your money and personal information. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted an important webinar to spotlight the latest methods scammers are using to part people from their money. These events are a key part of the agency’s mission, offering timely insights directly from the frontline of fraud prevention. While specific details of the latest webinar are often summarized by reporting organizations like ACA International, the overarching message is consistent: scammers are endlessly inventive, but knowing their current playbook is your best defense. ...

Don’t Be a “Fat Pig”: How to Spot and Stop Pig Butchering Scams A practical guide to recognizing—and escaping—this cruel, long-con investment fraud. Introduction You receive a friendly, seemingly accidental message from a stranger on social media, a dating app, or even SMS. The conversation flows naturally, a connection forms over weeks, and trust builds. Then, they mention an incredible investment opportunity. This is the start of a “pig butchering” scam, a brutally effective fraud named for the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter. The scammer “fattens” your trust before financially butchering you. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Fraud Prevention: Making the Most of National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just an annual calendar event. For consumers, it represents a crucial, concentrated opportunity to learn and fortify their defenses against an evolving landscape of fraud. In 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again leading the charge, providing resources and guidance to help you secure your finances and personal information. This week is a perfect time to pause and take stock of your digital safety, using expert tools to build habits that last all year. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Key Trends from the FTC’s Latest Briefing Every day, we’re inundated with texts, emails, and calls. Most are legitimate, but some are carefully crafted traps. Keeping up with how these traps are being set is the first step to avoiding them. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most current and pressing scam trends. The insights are a crucial update for anyone who uses a phone, email, or the internet—which is to say, all of us. ...