National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Action Plan Against Scams

This March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will once again spotlight National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While a dedicated week raises awareness, the threats it highlights—evolving scams and fraud—are a year-round concern. The core message remains crucial: staying safe requires consistent, informed habits.

Here’s a practical guide based on the enduring principles promoted by the FTC, designed to help you spot threats, protect your information, and know what to do if you encounter a scam.

Current Scams You Should Recognize

Scammers constantly refine their tactics, but several schemes persist because they work. Being able to name them is the first step to stopping them.

  • AI-Powered Imposter Scams: Voices and videos can be convincingly faked. Be skeptical of urgent calls or messages from a “family member in distress” or a “boss” requesting unusual wire transfers or gift cards. Always verify through a separate, known communication channel.
  • Fake Tech Support: Pop-up warnings or unsolicited calls claiming your computer is infected are almost always fake. Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple will not contact you this way. Never grant remote access to your device or pay for unsolicited “support.”
  • Delivery Text Scams (Smishing): Fake messages about a missed package with a link to “reschedule delivery” are designed to steal personal information or install malware. If you’re unsure, navigate directly to the carrier’s official website or app using a bookmark you trust.
  • Romance Scams: These scams are emotionally and financially devastating. Be cautious if someone you meet online quickly professes love but can never meet. The inevitable request for money—for a medical emergency, travel, or a “investment opportunity”—is the red flag.

How to Spot a Scam: Practical Tips

The details change, but the underlying pressure tactics don’t. Apply these filters to any suspicious communication:

  1. Pressure to Act Immediately: Scammers create false urgency to short-circuit your rational thinking. “Your account will be closed in one hour!” or “This deal expires today!” are classic signs. Legitimate businesses give you time to decide.
  2. Requests for Unusual Payment: Any demand for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards is a massive red flag. These methods are nearly impossible to trace and reverse, which is exactly why scammers love them.
  3. Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: An incredibly high-yield investment with no risk, a lottery you didn’t enter, or a drastic discount on a hot-ticket item are lures, not opportunities.
  4. Spoofed Contacts: Scammers can fake caller IDs, email addresses, and even website URLs to look legitimate. Don’t trust the display name. For emails, check the actual sending address carefully. For calls, hang up and call the company back using a number from your bill or their official website.

Securing Your Personal Information

Prevention is your best defense. Strengthen your daily habits:

  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A password manager is the most practical tool for creating and storing complex passwords for every account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, using an authenticator app over SMS when you can.
  • Lock Down Your Social Media: Review your privacy settings. The personal details you share (pet names, schools, birthdays) are often the answers to security questions or used to build trust in imposter scams.
  • Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Consider placing a free credit freeze with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

What to Do If You Suspect or Fall Victim to Fraud

Acting quickly can limit the damage and help authorities track the criminals.

  1. Stop All Contact. Do not engage further. Hang up the phone, close the browser window, or delete the email.
  2. Secure Your Accounts. If you clicked a link or shared login details, immediately change your passwords for the affected account and any others that use the same password. Run a security scan on your device.
  3. Report It. Your report makes a difference.
    • ReportFraud.ftc.gov: File a report with the FTC. This data helps investigators spot trends and build cases.
    • Your Bank or Credit Card Company: Contact them immediately to report fraudulent charges and secure your accounts.
    • Local Law Enforcement: File a police report, especially if you have significant financial loss. This report is often needed when disputing charges with financial institutions.
  4. Warn Others. If you feel comfortable, share your experience with friends and family. Your story could protect them.

Beyond This Week: Building a Safety Habit

National Consumer Protection Week is a catalyst, but safety is a daily practice. Bookmark these trusted resources and check them periodically:

  • The FTC’s Consumer Advice Site (consumer.ftc.gov): The authoritative source for the latest scam alerts and practical guidance.
  • ReportFraud.ftc.gov: Your direct line to report fraud.
  • IdentityTheft.gov: The FTC’s step-by-step guided resource if your identity is stolen.

Staying safe isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared. By recognizing the common tricks, securing your information, and knowing where to turn, you take powerful control of your own consumer protection—this week and every week.