What You Need to Know About Consumer Safety in 2026

Every March, agencies and consumer advocates mark National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a time dedicated to arming people with the knowledge to fight fraud. While this coordinated effort is valuable, the real takeaway is the practical, year-round advice it highlights. Based on the longstanding guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here are the most actionable steps you can take to secure your finances and personal information against the scams that are evolving right now.

The Current Landscape of Threats

Scammers are relentless, constantly refining their tactics. The core threats remain the same—stealing your money, your identity, and your peace of mind—but their methods are becoming more sophisticated. Looking ahead, several key trends are worth your attention:

  • Impersonation Scams: These are consistently at the top of fraud reports. Scammers pretend to be from a government agency (like the Social Security Administration or the IRS), a well-known company (like Amazon or Microsoft), or even a family member in distress. They create a false sense of urgency to trick you into sending money or revealing personal information.
  • Phishing 2.0: Gone are the days of easily spotted, poorly written emails. Phishing attempts now often use legitimate-looking logos, spoofed sender addresses that look almost correct, and context that seems highly personal, like referencing a recent order or a package you might be expecting.
  • The Rise of AI-Enabled Fraud: Artificial intelligence tools are making it easier for scammers to create convincing fake voices, videos, and text. A short audio clip from social media could be cloned to create a fake call from a “grandchild” asking for emergency money. Be extra skeptical of any unexpected communication that asks for sensitive data or payment.
  • Online Shopping and Fake Reviews: Fraudulent sellers set up shop on online marketplaces or social media, advertise enticing deals, and then either send inferior products or nothing at all. They often pad their listings with fake positive reviews to appear legitimate.

Practical Defense: How to Recognize, Avoid, and Respond

Knowledge is your first line of defense. Here’s how to apply it.

1. Slow Down and Verify Urgency. Pressure to act immediately is the hallmark of a scam. A real government agency or reputable company will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank or a tech support service, hang up. Find the official customer service number on your card or the company’s actual website (not a link provided in the call) and call them back to verify the issue.

2. Scrutinize Digital Communications. With every email, text, or direct message:

  • Check the sender’s address carefully. Look for subtle misspellings (e.g., [email protected]).
  • Don’t click on links or open attachments. Instead, navigate to the company’s website directly through your browser.
  • Be wary of messages you didn’t expect, even if they appear to come from someone you know.

3. Fortify Your Accounts.

  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A password manager is the most effective tool for creating and storing complex passwords for every account.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always turn on 2FA, which requires a second step—like a code from an app or text—to log in. This is one of the most powerful ways to stop account takeovers.
  • Freeze Your Credit: This is a free service that locks your credit file at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). It prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name. You can temporarily “thaw” it when you need to apply for credit yourself.

4. Be a Savvy Online Shopper.

  • Research sellers you haven’t heard of before. Look for physical address and contact information.
  • Check the FTC’s website for recent complaints about a company.
  • Pay by credit card when possible, as this offers the strongest legal protections for disputing fraudulent charges.

Your Toolkit for Ongoing Safety

The FTC is your primary resource for reporting scams and staying informed.

  • Report Fraud: If you are targeted by or lose money to a scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps law enforcement spot trends and build cases against scammers.
  • Get Alerts: Sign up for consumer alerts directly from the FTC at ftc.gov/subscribe to get the latest scam warnings delivered to your inbox.
  • Access Free Resources: The FTC’s website has a wealth of easy-to-understand articles and guides on topics from identity theft and credit freezes to spotting specific scams.

Consumer protection isn’t a one-week event; it’s an ongoing practice. By adopting these habits—skepticism of urgency, verification of contacts, securing accounts, and knowing where to report problems—you build a resilient defense that works all year, every year. Start by taking one step, like freezing your credit or setting up 2FA on your email. It’s the most practical way to honor the spirit of consumer protection week.