What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams This Year

Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a dedicated time to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to guard against fraud. While the 2026 event is a focal point, the advice it promotes is critical year-round. The landscape of scams is always shifting, with fraudsters refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and current events. The core message, however, remains timeless: a bit of knowledge and skepticism is your best defense.

Based on the FTC’s ongoing guidance, here are the common threats you should watch for and concrete steps you can take.

While specific tactics evolve, several broad categories of fraud consistently top the FTC’s list of complaints. Being aware of their general patterns is the first step to avoiding them.

  • Phishing and Impersonation Scams: These are attempts to steal your personal information, money, or both. You might get a text, email, or call that looks like it’s from a legitimate company—your bank, a utility provider, a government agency like the Social Security Administration, or even a well-known tech brand. The message will often create a sense of urgency, claiming your account is compromised or a payment is overdue, and pressure you to click a link or provide sensitive details. Remember, legitimate organizations will never demand immediate payment or personal information via unsolicited messages.
  • Investment and “Get-Rich-Quick” Schemes: With promises of high returns with little or no risk, these scams prey on hope. They may involve fake cryptocurrency platforms, bogus stock tips, or online “gurus” selling worthless courses. The FTC consistently warns that if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
  • Identity Theft: This is often the end goal of other scams. Once a thief has your Social Security number, date of birth, or account details, they can open new credit lines, file fraudulent tax returns, or make purchases in your name. The damage can be extensive and time-consuming to repair.

What You Can Do: Practical Protection Steps

Knowledge of scams is only useful when paired with action. Integrate these habits into your digital routine.

  1. Slow Down and Verify. Urgency is a scammer’s primary weapon. If you receive a pressing message, do not click any links or call any numbers provided in it. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is genuine from a past statement or bill.
  2. Fortify Your Accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for important accounts (email, banking, social media). Even better, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s offered. This adds a second step—like a code from an app or text—to verify it’s really you.
  3. Monitor Your Financial Life. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. You are entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the three major bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com. Staggering your requests throughout the year allows for ongoing monitoring.
  4. Recognize the Red Flags. Be highly skeptical of: anyone who demands payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency; callers who threaten immediate arrest or legal action; and unsolicited requests for remote access to your computer.

How to Use the FTC’s Resources

The FTC isn’t just a source of warnings; it’s a hub of free tools. Here’s how to put them to work for you:

  • Report Fraud: If you encounter a scam, report it. Your report helps law enforcement spot trends and build cases. File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Get Consumer Alerts: Subscribe to the FTC’s free consumer alerts. You’ll get timely emails about new and emerging scams directly in your inbox.
  • Find Trusted Guidance: The FTC’s website (ftc.gov) is a vast library of free articles on every consumer topic imaginable, from securing your devices to understanding your rights. Before making a big financial decision, it’s a wise first stop.

Staying Safe is an Ongoing Practice

National Consumer Protection Week is a helpful reminder, but protecting yourself from scams is a daily habit. By adopting a mindset of healthy skepticism, taking proactive steps to secure your information, and knowing where to turn for help, you make yourself a much harder target. The goal isn’t to be fearful, but to be prepared. Use the FTC’s resources as your guide, and make these practices part of your routine for a more secure year ahead.