Your Practical Guide for a Safer National Consumer Protection Week

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and while it’s a time for education and advocacy, it’s also a reminder of the everyday scams that can target anyone. This year, running from March 1-7, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps to guard your personal information and money. The core message is timeless: an informed consumer is the best defense against fraud.

Here’s what you need to know to navigate current threats and strengthen your digital safety.

The Persistent Threats You Should Recognize

Scammers constantly refine their methods, but many rely on familiar pressure tactics and emotional triggers. During NCPW and beyond, these are some of the most common threats you might encounter:

  • Impostor Scams: Someone pretends to be from a government agency (like the IRS or Social Security), a well-known company, a tech support agent, or even a family member in distress. Their goal is to create a sense of urgency that bypasses your logical thinking.
  • Phishing and Smishing: These are attempts to steal your login credentials, account numbers, or personal details via deceptive emails, text messages (SMS phishing, or “smishing”), or even phone calls (“vishing”). The message often looks legitimate, urging you to click a link to “verify your account” or “claim a refund.”
  • Online Shopping and Fake Review Scams: You find an incredible deal on a product from a website you’ve never heard of, often buoyed by fabricated positive reviews. After you pay, you receive a cheap counterfeit, nothing at all, or worse—your payment information is stolen.
  • Investment and “Get-Rich-Quick” Schemes: These scams promise guaranteed, high returns with little to no risk. They often use sophisticated-looking websites and fake testimonials to lure people in, exploiting a desire for financial security.

Practical Strategies to Protect Yourself

Knowledge is the first step; action is the next. You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to implement these effective habits.

  1. Slow Down and Verify. Scammers rely on haste. If you get an unexpected call, email, or text demanding immediate action or payment, pause. Hang up or don’t click. Independently look up the official contact information for the organization (using a statement or a known .gov website) and contact them directly to verify the request.
  2. Strengthen Your Digital Defenses. Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s offered. This adds a critical second layer of security, like a code sent to your phone, even if your password is compromised.
  3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost always is. Research companies before you buy. Be wary of sellers who only accept payment through peer-to-peer apps, gift cards, or wire transfers, as these are nearly impossible to reverse and are favored by scammers.
  4. Guard Your Personal Information. Treat your Social Security number, bank account details, and even your birthdate as sensitive data. Never share them in response to an unsolicited request. Regularly check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com for unfamiliar accounts.

How and Where to Report Fraud

If you encounter a scam, reporting it is a crucial public service. Your report helps law enforcement identify patterns and stop fraudsters. Don’t be embarrassed—scammers are skilled at what they do.

  • The FTC is Your Primary Hub: Report fraud, scams, and bad business practices directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is the nation’s central database for consumer complaints.
  • Report to Other Relevant Agencies: Depending on the scam, you may also want to report it to your state Attorney General’s office, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for online crimes, or the USPS Inspection Service if mail was involved.
  • Notify Your Financial Institutions: If you shared payment information or believe an account was compromised, contact your bank, credit card company, or payment app immediately.

Where to Find Ongoing Support and Resources

Consumer protection is a year-round effort. Bookmark these reliable, free resources from the FTC:

  • FTC Consumer Advice Site (consumer.ftc.gov): Your go-to for the latest alerts, in-depth articles on hundreds of scam topics, and practical guides.
  • IdentityTheft.gov: If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, this site provides a personalized recovery plan, walking you through each step.
  • Do Not Call Registry: You can register your phone number to reduce telemarketing calls at donotcall.gov.

National Consumer Protection Week serves as an annual checkpoint. By taking these practical steps—staying skeptical, securing your accounts, and knowing how to report problems—you build resilience that lasts far beyond a single week. The best protection is the habit of pausing and thinking before you act on an unexpected request.