National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Guide to the FTC’s Free Resources

Every March, the Federal Trade Commission spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a coordinated campaign to help people understand their consumer rights and spot modern scams. For 2026, the FTC has begun its outreach, encouraging consumers to “get ready” and “start planning” to participate. While the full schedule of events and specific 2026 materials are still forthcoming, the agency’s consistent yearly focus provides a reliable blueprint for what to expect and how you can benefit.

This week isn’t just a government announcement; it’s a concentrated opportunity to access free, authoritative tools and information that can protect your wallet and your personal information. Here’s how you can make the most of it.

What to Expect from NCPW 2026

Drawing from the structure of previous years, National Consumer Protection Week 2026 will almost certainly center on the most pressing threats to consumers today. The FTC typically uses this week to amplify its guidance on a few key areas:

  • Scam Recognition and Reporting: You can expect a strong focus on current scam tactics, from sophisticated phishing emails and text messages to imposter scams and fake online marketplaces. The FTC will highlight its reporting portal, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Identity Theft Defense: Guidance on protecting your Social Security number, recognizing the signs of identity theft, and using the official recovery site, IdentityTheft.gov, will be a cornerstone.
  • Digital Privacy and Security: With data breaches a constant concern, advice on creating strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and understanding privacy settings on apps and devices is always relevant.
  • Financial and Shopping Advice: This includes tips on avoiding predatory lending, understanding your rights when a purchase goes wrong, and spotting deceptive “free trial” offers.

The FTC partners with other federal agencies, state governments, and consumer advocacy groups during NCPW. This means you’ll find a wider range of workshops, webinars, and articles than what’s available on a typical day.

How to Find and Use the FTC’s NCPW Resources

The primary hub for all official information is the FTC’s Consumer Advice site. While the dedicated “Welcome to NCPW 2026” page isn’t live as of this writing, based on prior years, here’s where to look and what to do:

  1. Bookmark the FTC Consumer Advice Site. Go to consumer.ftc.gov. This is your central repository for all consumer guidance. As March 2026 approaches, a banner or featured section will direct you to NCPW-specific content.
  2. Look for the Event Calendar. A key feature of NCPW is free virtual events. The FTC usually publishes a calendar of live webinars and Q&A sessions you can join. These are often recorded for later viewing.
  3. Leverage Free Publications. The FTC produces one-page guides, infographics, and videos that break down complex topics. During NCPW, these are heavily promoted. You can download and share them with family or community groups.
  4. Follow the FTC on Social Media. For real-time updates, event reminders, and quick tips, follow the FTC on platforms like X (Twitter) or LinkedIn. The agency uses the hashtag #NCPW2026.

Actionable Steps You Can Take Now

You don’t have to wait for the official week to start building better habits. Use the FTC’s evergreen advice to take these protective steps today:

  • Make Reporting a Habit. If you encounter a scam—even if you didn’t lose money—report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement spot trends and crack down on fraudsters.
  • Secure Your Online Accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email, bank, and social media accounts. This simple step is one of the most effective barriers against account takeover.
  • Learn the Signs of a Phishing Attempt. Be skeptical of urgent messages demanding immediate action or payment, especially if they contain links or attachments. Verify communications by contacting the company directly using a known phone number or website.
  • Check Your Credit Reports. You can get free weekly reports from the three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Regular checks help you spot unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
  • Talk About Scams. Discuss common scams with your family, especially older adults who may be targeted. Awareness is a powerful layer of defense.

A Week for Building Lasting Vigilance

National Consumer Protection Week 2026 is more than a seven-day campaign; it’s an annual reminder to refresh your knowledge and strengthen your daily practices. By marking your calendar for March 2026 and engaging with the FTC’s resources, you’re investing in your own financial and digital safety. The core principles of skepticism, verification, and proactive protection are valuable every week of the year. Visit the FTC’s Consumer Advice site to get ready, and turn their guidance into your routine.

Sources & Further Reading:

  • FTC Consumer Advice Site: consumer.ftc.gov
  • FTC Announcement: “Get ready for NCPW 2026” (February 2026)
  • FTC Announcement: “It’s time to start planning for NCPW 2026” (February 2026)
  • FTC Reporting Portal: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • Identity Theft Recovery: IdentityTheft.gov