The FTC’s Warning: How to Spot the New Scams Targeting You Now

Every day, people fall for scams that seem to come out of nowhere. But often, these schemes follow predictable patterns that experts are tracking. During a recent FTC webinar held for National Consumer Protection Week, officials highlighted the latest tactics fraudsters are using to separate people from their money and personal information. The session wasn’t just about raising alarm; it was a crucial update on what to look for and how to defend yourself in an ever-evolving landscape of fraud.

What the FTC Said: The Scams on the Rise

The FTC webinar highlighted the latest scam trends that are catching consumers off guard. While classic cons like imposters pretending to be from the government or tech support haven’t gone away, they are being delivered in new, more convincing ways. A key theme was the sophisticated use of digital tools to create a veneer of legitimacy and urgency.

Two prominent trends stood out:

  1. QR Code Phishing (“Quishing”): Scammers are sending emails or texts that include a QR code, urging you to scan it to update account information, track a package, or confirm a subscription. Scanning the code takes you to a flawless-looking but entirely fake login page designed to steal your credentials.
  2. Fake Missed Delivery Notices: With online shopping ubiquitous, fraudsters are bombarding people with fake “missed delivery” alerts. These messages pressure you to click a link or call a number to reschedule, often leading to a fake postal service website or a person who will demand a “redelivery fee” or attempt to gather personal details.

A related FTC session focused specifically on responding to military financial scams, underscoring how targeted these operations can be. Scammers often pose as representatives from military lending organizations, veterans’ benefits programs, or even romantic interests connected to the military, exploiting trust and a sense of urgency within that community.

Why This Update Matters for Everyone

This isn’t just theoretical. These trends matter because they represent a shift in how scammers operate—they’re meeting people where they already are. We scan QR codes at restaurants, we track packages daily, and we communicate digitally. Fraudsters are weaponizing these everyday habits.

The sophistication is also increasing. The fake websites and logos look real. The messages use personal details often gleaned from previous data breaches to seem authentic. The goal is to bypass your initial skepticism by creating a scenario that feels familiar and urgent, short-circuiting your natural caution.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Knowledge is your first line of defense. Based on the warnings from the FTC, here are practical steps you can take:

  • Be Smarter Than the Scan: Treat QR codes with the same suspicion you would a web link. If you receive an unsolicited message with a QR code, do not scan it. If it claims to be from a company you use, go directly to the company’s official website or app through your browser—not through the provided code.
  • Verify Delivery Notices Independently: If you get a message about a missed delivery, go directly to the carrier’s official website (like USPS.com, UPS.com, or FedEx.com) and use the tracking number from your original purchase receipt. Never pay a “fee” for redelivery via gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps.
  • Slow Down and Verify Urgent Requests: Scammers create artificial urgency. Whether it’s a call from “the IRS” threatening arrest, a message about a frozen bank account, or a plea from a “stranded soldier,” take a breath. Hang up or ignore the message. Then, contact the organization or person directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
  • Report What You See: Reporting scams is critical. It helps law enforcement track trends and build cases. If you encounter a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you are targeted by a military-specific scam, you can also report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).

Staying safe requires a blend of healthy skepticism and proactive habits. The core advice from the FTC remains timeless: if an offer or alert seems too good—or too pressing—to be true, it probably is. By understanding the latest scam trends and pausing to verify, you can protect your finances and your personal information from these constantly changing threats.

Sources:

  • FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week - ACA International (Mar 5, 2026)
  • FTC Webinar Highlights Responding to Military Financial Scams - ACA International (Mar 17, 2026)