Scams

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Practical Lessons from a Recent FTC Webinar In early March, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held an important webinar to spotlight the latest tactics scammers are using to defraud the public. These events are a critical pulse-check, moving beyond dry statistics to outline the real methods criminals employ right now. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply uses email, the insights are less about distant threats and more about immediate risks to your wallet and personal information. ...

Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Practical Advice from the FTC’s Latest Briefing Every day, it seems there’s a new, sophisticated scam waiting in your inbox, your texts, or even on your doorstep. It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up. Recently, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar to cut through the noise. They distilled the current fraud landscape into key trends and, more importantly, actionable advice for the public. ...

What You Need to Know About the FTC’s Latest Scam Alerts The scam landscape changes quickly, with new schemes emerging constantly. That’s why the information shared by watchdogs like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the FTC highlighted the latest scam trends that are costing people money and peace of mind right now. Understanding these tactics is your first and best line of defense. ...

Why Reporting a Scam Is Your Most Powerful Defense Scams are a pervasive threat, evolving to exploit our trust and urgency. While staying informed is the first step, knowing what to do after you encounter a scam is equally critical. Recent alerts from AARP Virginia emphasize a consistent message: reporting fraud is not just about personal recourse—it’s a vital community safety measure. This guide explains the “how” and “why” of reporting, turning a moment of vulnerability into an action that protects yourself and others. ...

Don’t Get Slaughtered: A Guide to Spotting “Pig Butchering” Scams Imagine building a genuine connection with someone online. The conversations are deep, the future seems bright, and they start sharing a financial opportunity that sounds too good to be true. This is the insidious start of a “pig butchering” scam, a cruel fraud that is devastating victims across the country. In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark warning about these sophisticated cons. Understanding how they work is your first and best line of defense. ...

The FTC’s Latest Scam Alert: What You Need to Know Now Intro Every day, new schemes emerge designed to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires knowing what to look for. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the most pressing fraud trends affecting consumers today. These insights aren’t just bureaucratic updates; they are a direct window into the tactics scammers are using right now. By understanding these methods, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about a disturbing rise in a specific type of fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is jarring, and deliberately so. It derives from the scammers’ tactic of “fattening up” a victim with trust and affection before “slaughtering” them for their money. Unlike impulsive phishing attempts, this is a slow-burn, psychological scheme designed to exploit loneliness and the desire for connection. Understanding its mechanics is your first and best defense. ...

Don’t Get Fooled: The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Fight Back Every year, scammers refine their techniques, using new technology and current events to seem more convincing than ever. Staying ahead of these threats is a constant challenge. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the most pressing scam trends affecting people right now. The session provided crucial insights directly from the agency tasked with policing fraud, offering a clear snapshot of what to watch for. ...

What You Need to Know About Today’s Scam Landscape Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pulled back the curtain on the most prevalent and evolving fraudulent schemes targeting people right now. The information shared provides a crucial snapshot of where the threats lie and, more importantly, how you can guard against them. ...

New Scam Tactics Are Targeting Everyone: Here’s What the FTC Wants You to Know Every day, scammers refine their methods, crafting more convincing lies to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying ahead of these threats requires current, reliable advice. That’s why the recent guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during a webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, is so valuable. The session cut through the noise to highlight the specific fraud trends seeing a rise right now, offering a clear-eyed look at how to protect yourself. ...