What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026

Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated campaign to arm the public with knowledge against fraud. The lead-up to NCPW 2026 is no different, with the agency publishing straightforward advice to help you navigate an increasingly complex digital marketplace. While specific 2026 announcements are still emerging, the FTC’s guidance consistently zeroes in on timeless yet evolving threats, emphasizing vigilance and practical action.

The Persistent Threats in Focus

Based on the FTC’s enduring warnings and the trajectory of recent scams, several key areas demand your attention. These are the arenas where fraudsters are most active:

  • Phishing and Impersonation Scams: This remains a top threat. You might receive emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from a government agency like the Social Security Administration, a well-known company, or even a family member in distress. The goal is to create a sense of urgency—threatening a frozen account or promising a fake refund—to trick you into revealing passwords, sending money, or clicking malicious links.
  • Online Shopping and Fake Review Fraud: The convenience of e-commerce is a double-edged sword. Scammers set up fake websites or listings on legitimate platforms, offering popular items at too-good-to-be-true prices. They often bolster these listings with fabricated positive reviews. The result is that you pay for products that never arrive, or you receive counterfeit goods.
  • Identity Theft: This broad category involves someone using your personal information—like your Social Security number, bank account details, or medical insurance—to commit fraud. This can happen through data breaches, stolen mail, or the successful execution of a phishing scam. The damage can range from unauthorized credit card charges to loans taken out in your name.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

Understanding the threat is only half the battle. The FTC’s advice for NCPW consistently translates into these actionable habits:

  1. Slow Down and Verify. Pressure to act immediately is the scammer’s greatest tool. If you get an urgent message about a problem or a prize, pause. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message. Instead, look up the official website or customer service number yourself and contact them directly to verify the claim.
  2. Strengthen Your Digital Defenses.
    • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Consider a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords for every account.
    • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds a critical second step to logging in, like a code sent to your phone.
    • Update Your Software: Regular updates on your phone, computer, and apps patch security vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.
  3. Make Safe Payments. When shopping online or sending money, use a credit card or secure payment service that offers fraud protection. Be deeply wary of anyone who demands payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency—these are nearly impossible to reverse and are preferred by scammers.
  4. Monitor Your Financial Footprint. 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 (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) via AnnualCreditReport.com. Staggering these reports throughout the year gives you a regular pulse check on your credit health.

Why This Consistent Message Matters

The FTC’s NCPW campaign matters because consumer fraud is not a static problem. As we adopt new technologies, scammers adapt their tactics. The core principles of healthy skepticism, verification, and secure habits, however, remain constant. NCPW serves as an annual reminder to review and reinforce these practices. By focusing on education, the FTC aims to create a first line of defense that is informed and proactive, reducing the success rate of scams that cost consumers billions annually.

Where to Go for Help and More Information

If you encounter a scam, reporting it is a crucial step. It helps law enforcement track trends and build cases against fraudsters.

  • Report Fraud: File a report directly with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Get Alerts: Sign up for consumer alerts at the FTC at ftc.gov/consumer-alerts to stay current on new scams.
  • Access Free Resources: The FTC’s main consumer advice site (consumer.ftc.gov) is a comprehensive library of free articles, videos, and guidance on virtually every consumer protection topic.

The goal of National Consumer Protection Week is empowerment. By taking its advice to heart—verifying contacts, securing your accounts, and knowing how to report problems—you build resilience not just for a week, but for the entire year.