What to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns this March, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This annual event is dedicated to arming the public with knowledge and resources to fight fraud and make informed decisions. While the specific themes for NCPW 2026 will be detailed by the FTC closer to the date, the core mission remains constant: to highlight practical strategies for staying safe in an increasingly complex marketplace.

Based on persistent trends and the FTC’s longstanding advice, here’s a look at the essential guidance you can expect, focusing on how to protect yourself from scams and safeguard your personal information.

The Scams You’re Most Likely to Face

Scammers constantly refine their tactics, but several schemes remain perennially effective. Being able to recognize the warning signs is your first line of defense.

  • Phishing and Smishing: Fraudulent emails, text messages (smishing), or even social media messages designed to trick you into clicking malicious links or handing over login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal details. They often impersonate legitimate companies, government agencies, or even people you know, creating a false sense of urgency.
  • Imposter Scams: A broad category where scammers pretend to be someone you trust. This includes calls from “tech support” claiming your computer is infected, pleas for help from a “grandchild” in trouble, or threats from fake IRS or law enforcement agents demanding immediate payment.
  • Online Shopping and Fake Review Fraud: Fake websites, social media marketplace scams, and bogus reviews lure shoppers with deals that are too good to be true. The item never arrives, or a cheap counterfeit is delivered instead.
  • Investment and “Get-Rich-Quick” Schemes: These promises of guaranteed high returns with no risk often involve cryptocurrency, fake endorsements, or complex jargon to appear legitimate. They pressure you to invest quickly before the “opportunity” disappears.

Practical Steps You Can Take Right Now

The FTC’s guidance consistently emphasizes proactive habits. You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to implement these effective layers of protection.

1. Slow Down and Verify. Pressure to act immediately is the hallmark of a scam. If you receive an urgent request for money or information—whether by phone, email, or text—pause. Hang up or close the message. Contact the organization or person directly using a phone number or website you know is genuine, not the contact information provided in the suspicious message.

2. Strengthen Your Digital Defenses.

  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A password manager is the most practical tool for creating and storing complex passwords for every account.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds a critical second step (like a code from an app) to the login process, making it much harder for thieves to access your accounts even if they have your password.
  • Update Software: Regularly install updates for your devices’ operating systems, apps, and antivirus software. These updates often patch security vulnerabilities.

3. Guard Your Personal Information. Be selective about what you share online and who you share it with. Never provide your Social Security number, bank account details, or one-time passcodes unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity and the necessity. Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them.

4. Monitor Your Financial Footprint. Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. You are entitled to a free weekly credit report from each of the three major bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing these reports can help you spot signs of identity theft, like accounts you didn’t open.

How to Report and Recover

If you encounter a scam, reporting it is a public service. It helps law enforcement track trends and potentially shut down fraudulent operations.

  • Report to the FTC: File a detailed report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is the primary clearinghouse for consumer fraud complaints in the United States.
  • Report to Your State Attorney General: Your state’s consumer protection office can take action against businesses operating locally.
  • Notify the Impostered Company: If a scammer pretended to be from a specific company (like Amazon, Microsoft, or your bank), alert that company’s fraud department.

If you’ve lost money, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to discuss potential reversal options. If personal information was compromised, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.

Building Long-Term Safety Habits

Consumer protection isn’t a one-week activity. Use NCPW as a reminder to cultivate ongoing vigilance. Subscribe to scam alerts from the FTC, talk about these threats with family and friends—especially older adults who are often targeted—and make digital hygiene part of your routine.

The goal of National Consumer Protection Week is empowerment. By understanding common tactics, implementing strong preventative habits, and knowing where to turn for help, you can shop, bank, and browse with greater confidence throughout the year.

Sources:

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announcements and resources for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW).
  • FTC Consumer Advice and Alerts on phishing, imposter scams, identity theft, and reporting fraud.