Consumer Alerts

As excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns travelers to stay alert for scams targeting those planning trips to the games. According to the FTC, fraudsters are creating fake websites and social media pages that mimic legitimate travel agencies, ticket sellers, and rental companies. These scams often promise discounted tickets, exclusive accommodations, or VIP experiences, only to disappear once payment is made. Travelers are urged to verify the authenticity of any site before entering personal or financial information. The FTC advises consumers to book only through trusted sources, avoid wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments, and use credit cards for […]

Imagine this: you’re in the middle of buying your dream home and have been emailing your attorney to finalize the details. Then, an email arrives saying the wire instructions for your $45,000 down payment have changed. It looks completely legitimate, so you follow the new directions and send the money. Unfortunately, the funds never reach your attorney. Instead, they’re gone — wired straight into a scammer’s account. This type of fraud occurs when criminals gain access to your email account and monitor your email conversations. Once they spot an opportunity, they send a convincing message that appears to come from […]

A recent Forbes Technology Council article highlights how time-based analysis is becoming one of the most powerful tools in detecting and preventing fraud. The article explains that timing patterns—such as how quickly transactions occur, the intervals between login attempts, or the speed of data entry—can reveal suspicious behavior that traditional fraud detection methods might miss. By analyzing these temporal signals, organizations can identify anomalies in real time and stop fraudulent activity before it causes harm. The Forbes piece emphasizes that fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, making static security measures less effective. Time-based analytics, however, provide a dynamic layer of defense by focusing on behavioral patterns […]

Local businesses are reporting a surge in dubious phone calls, allegedly from their local bank. These scammers often attempt to confirm or modify payment details or online banking credentials, which they then exploit for fraudulent activities. These scammers cleverly use publicly accessible information about bank employees to lend credibility to their calls. With the advancement in technology, they’re even employing AI to imitate voices and spoof caller IDs, making the calls appear more legitimate. It’s crucial to remember that MVSB, along with other trustworthy banks, will never reach out to you for sensitive information that’s already in their records. Such […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about reshipping scams that trick people into handling stolen goods under the guise of legitimate job opportunities. According to the alert, scammers recruit individuals online to receive and repackage products—often electronics or luxury items—and then send them to new addresses, sometimes overseas. Victims believe they are working for a shipping or logistics company, but in reality, they are unknowingly helping criminals move stolen merchandise. The FTC cautions that these scams often appear as remote job listings or social media ads promising easy income. Once victims complete the work, the scammers disappear without paying, leaving […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about a new wave of scams targeting aspiring actors and models through fake virtual casting calls. According to the alert, scammers are posing as legitimate talent scouts or production companies, promising participants auditions or roles in exchange for personal information or upfront fees. These fraudsters often use professional-looking websites, social media ads, and fake contracts to appear credible, luring victims with the promise of fame and quick opportunities. The FTC advises consumers to be cautious of any casting call that asks for payment, personal financial details, or immediate commitments. Legitimate casting agencies typically […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about scammers posing as John Krebs, the agency’s Chief Privacy Officer, in an attempt to deceive consumers. According to the alert, fraudsters are contacting individuals through phone calls, emails, and messages, falsely claiming to represent the FTC. Their goal is to trick people into sharing personal information, paying fake fines, or providing financial details under the guise of official government business. The FTC emphasizes that its officials, including John Krebs, will never contact consumers to demand money, threaten arrest, or request sensitive information. The agency advises anyone who receives such communications to […]

A recent article from Forbes Technology Council highlights the increasing risk of insider threats within organizations, emphasizing that dangers often come from trusted individuals – not just external hackers. The piece identifies three main types of insider threats: malicious insiders who intentionally cause harm, negligent insiders who inadvertently expose data, and compromised insiders whose credentials are stolen by cybercriminals. Each type poses unique challenges, requiring companies to adopt proactive strategies to safeguard sensitive information. The Forbes article stresses that insider threats are particularly dangerous because they exploit legitimate access to systems and data. Unlike external attacks, these threats can be harder to detect and […]

As financial scams grow more advanced, safeguarding personal and business information is essential. From phishing emails to identity theft and AI-generated schemes, fraudsters are constantly developing new tactics. Staying alert and following proven security practices can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Use strong, unique passwords for every account and update them regularly. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for hackers to access multiple accounts once one is compromised. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols helps strengthen protection against brute-force attacks. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. MFA requires a second form of […]

New data from Alloy’s 2025 Financial Fraud Report reveals a sharp increase in financial fraud, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention measures. The report highlights that identity theft, account takeovers, and synthetic identity fraud have surged as criminals leverage advanced technology and stolen data to exploit financial systems. With digital transactions at an all-time high, both consumers and businesses face heightened risks of falling victim to sophisticated scams. The findings also show that fraudsters are increasingly using automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to bypass traditional security checks. While real-time fraud monitoring and enhanced authentication remain critical tools to combatting fraud, […]