What to Do During National Consumer Protection Week 2026

Every year, scammers refine their tactics, but one event consistently arms consumers with the knowledge to fight back: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), NCPW 2026 is a dedicated time to spotlight practical defenses against fraud, identity theft, and deceptive schemes. It’s not just a public awareness campaign; it’s a call to action to build lasting habits. This year’s focus is on translating official advice into simple, actionable steps you can use long after the week is over.

For most people, scams feel like a distant threat until they land in your inbox, pop up in a search result, or ring your phone. The reality is that fraud is evolving rapidly, with new pressures and technologies creating fresh vulnerabilities. The value of NCPW lies in its timing and authority—it’s a moment to pause and get your bearings using guidance directly from the nation’s primary consumer protection agency.

The Current Landscape of Consumer Threats

While specific scams come and go, several persistent categories are likely to dominate the FTC’s warnings for 2026. Understanding these helps you recognize the patterns.

  • Phishing and Impersonation Scams: These remain the most common entry point. You might see sophisticated emails or texts pretending to be from banks, government agencies like the Social Security Administration, or even familiar companies. The goal is to steal login credentials or personal information.
  • Online Shopping and Fake Review Fraud: Misleading ads on social media and search engines can lead to websites selling counterfeit goods or nothing at all. Scammers often use fake reviews and stolen images to appear legitimate.
  • Tech Support and Imposter Scams: Calls or pop-up alerts falsely claiming your computer is infected are still prevalent. The scammer demands payment or remote access to your device.
  • AI-Enhanced Scams: A growing concern is the use of artificial intelligence to create more convincing fake voices (to impersonate a family member in distress), generate fraudulent text, or produce deceptive images and videos.

The common thread in all these threats is social engineering—exploiting human emotions like fear, urgency, or a good deal to bypass logical scrutiny.

Practical FTC Guidance You Can Use Today

The FTC’s advice for NCPW consistently centers on a few powerful, evergreen principles. Here’s how to apply them:

  1. Slow Down and Verify. Scammers create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking. If someone demands immediate payment or action, especially via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, it’s a major red flag. Hang up or close the message. Contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is genuine—not the contact information provided in the suspicious message.

  2. Secure Your Personal Information. Treat your Social Security number, account numbers, and one-time passcodes like the keys to your financial life. The FTC advises never to give these out to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be cautious about what you share on social media, as details like your pet’s name or mother’s maiden name can be used to answer security questions.

  3. Know How to Spot a Phish. Examine sender email addresses closely for subtle misspellings. Hover over links (without clicking) to see the true destination URL. Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information via email or text. When in doubt, don’t click.

  4. Check Out Companies and Offers. Before you buy from a new online store, search its name alongside terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” Look at the return policy and contact information—a lack of a physical address or phone number is suspicious. The FTC’s website is a valuable resource for checking known scam trends.

Engaging with NCPW and Accessing Free Resources

National Consumer Protection Week is more than just reading tips; it’s about engagement. The FTC and hundreds of partner organizations host free virtual and in-person events.

  • Find Events: Visit the official NCPW website (typically consumer.ftc.gov/ncpw) for a calendar of webinars, Twitter chats, and workshops. Topics often range from spotting rental scams to protecting older adults from fraud.
  • Use Free Toolkits: The FTC provides free articles, videos, and shareable graphics. These are excellent for community groups, workplaces, or family chats.
  • Report Fraud: This is a critical step. If you encounter a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement detect patterns and take action against fraudsters. It also makes the data available to other consumers through the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network.

Building Habits for Long-Term Safety

The true goal of NCPW is to instill vigilance that lasts all year. Make a habit of discussing recent scams with family. Consider placing your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Regularly check your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Enable strong, multi-factor authentication on your important online accounts.

Consumer protection isn’t a one-week activity. By using the FTC’s guidance as a foundation, you can develop a more critical eye for offers that seem too good to be true and a stronger defense against those who seek to exploit trust. Let NCPW 2026 be your starting point for a more secure year.

Sources:

  • Federal Trade Commission, “Welcome to NCPW 2026 - Consumer Advice”
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Get ready for NCPW 2026 - Consumer Advice”
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Join the FTC for these 2024 NCPW events next week - Consumer Advice”