Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spot Scams and Secure Your Information

Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and make informed decisions. As we approach NCPW 2026 (March 1-7), the focus remains sharply on the evolving landscape of scams that target consumers daily.

This isn’t just about awareness; it’s about building practical habits. Whether you’re managing finances online, shopping from your phone, or simply checking email, understanding current threats is your first line of defense.

While scams constantly adapt, a few persistent types dominate reports to the FTC. Being able to recognize their hallmarks is crucial.

  • Impersonation Scams: This is a top contender. Scammers pretend to be a trusted entity—a government agency like the Social Security Administration, a well-known company, a family member in distress, or even a romantic interest. Their goal is to create urgency or fear, pressuring you to send money, share personal information, or purchase gift cards.
  • Phishing 2.0: The classic " suspicious email" has evolved. You might now receive a text (smishing) or a direct message on social media or a messaging app (angler phishing) that looks legitimate. These messages often contain a link to a fake login page designed to steal your passwords, or an attachment that installs malware.
  • Online Shopping Fraud: Fake websites, bogus social media ads for “too-good-to-be-true” deals, and sellers who accept payment but never ship the merchandise are rampant. These scams often spike around holidays and major sales events.
  • Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams: Promises of guaranteed high returns with no risk are a major red flag. Scammers use sophisticated websites and fake testimonials to lure people into fraudulent investment platforms, particularly those dealing with crypto.

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself

Knowledge is power, but action is security. Here are concrete strategies you can implement now.

1. Slow Down and Verify. Scammers rely on impulsive reactions. If a message creates panic (e.g., “Your account is frozen!”), excitement (“You’ve won a prize!”), or a sense of secret opportunity, pause. Do not click any links or call the number provided. Instead, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website you know is real.

2. Fortify Your Digital Doors. Your passwords and accounts are keys to your digital life.

  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A password manager is the most effective tool for creating and storing complex passwords for every account.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds a critical second step (like a code from an app) to the login process, blocking most unauthorized access even if a password is stolen.
  • Update Software: Regularly update your devices’ operating systems, apps, and browsers. These updates often patch security vulnerabilities.

3. Guard Your Personal Information. Be selective about what you share and where.

  • Treat your Social Security number, birthdate, and bank details as confidential. Legitimate organizations rarely ask for these via email or text.
  • Review privacy settings on social media and limit what’s publicly visible. Scammers mine profiles for details to make their impersonations more convincing.
  • Shred documents containing personal information before discarding them.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

Even the most cautious person can be targeted. Knowing the next steps minimizes damage and helps authorities.

  1. Stop All Contact. Cease communication with the scammer immediately.
  2. Secure Your Accounts. If you clicked a link or shared login information, change your passwords on the affected accounts immediately and enable MFA if you haven’t already. Monitor your bank and credit card statements closely for unauthorized charges.
  3. Report It.
    • Report to the FTC: File a detailed report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is one of the most important actions you can take. The FTC analyzes these reports to track scam trends, build cases against fraudsters, and alert the public.
    • Report to Other Relevant Authorities: You can also report phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected]. If the scam involved a fake website or social media ad, report it to the platform directly.

Staying Vigilant Beyond the Week

Consumer protection is a year-round endeavor. Make the FTC’s Consumer Advice site (consumer.ftc.gov) a regular resource. You can sign up for consumer alerts to get the latest scam warnings directly to your inbox.

National Consumer Protection Week 2026 is a reminder and a call to action. By understanding the tactics used against you, implementing strong digital habits, and knowing how to report fraud, you take control. Share this knowledge with friends and family—conversation is a powerful deterrent. Staying informed is your best defense.