Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026: Practical Advice from the FTC

Every year, the tactics used by scammers become a bit more sophisticated. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), scheduled for early March 2026, serves as a timely reminder to refresh our defenses. Rather than just promoting the event, let’s focus on the practical guidance it highlights. Here’s a look at the evolving threats you should watch for and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself.

What’s Happening: The Scam Landscape is Shifting

Based on ongoing trends and FTC advisories, several types of fraud are becoming more prevalent. While specific tactics morph, the core goals remain the same: stealing your money, personal information, or both.

  • Advanced Phishing and Smishing: The generic “Nigerian prince” email is long gone. Today’s phishing attempts are highly targeted, often using information from data breaches to seem legitimate. Smishing (phishing via SMS) is particularly effective, with texts that appear to be from your bank, a package delivery service, or even a family member in distress. The messages often create a false sense of urgency.
  • Identity Theft Facilitation: Scams are increasingly the first step in identity theft. By tricking you into revealing a one-time passcode, your Social Security number, or account login details, criminals can quickly open new lines of credit, file fraudulent tax returns, or hijack your existing accounts.
  • Digital Payment Exploits: As peer-to-peer payment apps (like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App) become ubiquitous, so do the scams surrounding them. Fraudsters pose as friends, family, or legitimate sellers/buyers, convincing you to send money for goods, services, or emergencies with zero recourse for getting it back.
  • Social Engineering on New Platforms: Scammers are adept at moving to where people congregate. This includes not just social media, but newer digital spaces, metaverse platforms, and community forums. Impersonation and fake investment “opportunities” are common hooks.

Why This Matters to You

The financial and emotional cost of fraud is real. Beyond the immediate loss of money, dealing with identity theft can mean hundreds of hours spent freezing credit, filing police reports, and disputing charges. In 2026, with more of our lives and assets managed digitally, the potential impact of a single successful scam is greater than ever. Proactive protection isn’t just for the tech-savvy; it’s a necessary habit for every consumer.

What You Can Do: Actionable Protection Steps

The FTC’s advice consistently centers on vigilance and verification. Here are the core actions you can implement now.

1. Slow Down and Verify. Pressure to act immediately is the hallmark of a scam. If you get an urgent call, text, or email about a problem or an opportunity:

  • Do not use contact information provided in the message. Look up the official phone number or website of the company (e.g., your bank) independently and contact them directly to verify the claim.
  • Verify identities. If a family member messages asking for money, call them on a known number to confirm.

2. Harden 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 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always use 2FA, but opt for an authentication app or security key over SMS-based codes when possible, as SIM-swapping attacks can intercept texts.
  • Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank, credit card, and financial statements. Consider setting up transaction alerts. You are also entitled to a free weekly credit report from each of the three bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com—stagger these to get a free check every few months.

3. Know How Digital Payments Work. Treat payments sent via apps like sending cash. They are often irreversible. Only send money to people you know and trust. No legitimate business or government agency will demand payment via a gift card or wire transfer.

4. If You Spot a Scam, Report It. Reporting helps authorities track patterns and shut down operations. If you encounter a scam:

  • Report it to the FTC: File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Report to your state’s Attorney General.
  • If it’s an online scam, report it to the platform (e.g., the social media site, marketplace, or payment app).

5. If You’re a Victim, Act Quickly.

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report fraudulent charges.
  • Place a free fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).
  • Consider a credit freeze, which is stronger than a fraud alert and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

Where to Find Help and Learn More

The FTC is the primary source for current, reliable consumer protection information.

  • FTC Consumer Advice Site: consumer.ftc.gov for articles on hundreds of scam types and protection topics.
  • IdentityTheft.gov: The government’s one-stop resource for reporting and recovering from identity theft.

National Consumer Protection Week is a useful prompt, but protecting yourself is a year-round practice. By adopting these habits of verification, securing your accounts, and knowing where to report problems, you build a resilient defense against the scams of today and tomorrow.