Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026

The Federal Trade Commission has officially kicked off planning for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. While the full slate of events is still being organized, this annual initiative serves as a critical reminder and resource hub for everyone navigating an increasingly complex digital world. It’s a coordinated effort between government agencies and consumer advocates to provide the tools you need to protect your money, data, and privacy.

You don’t have to wait for the week itself to act. The core advice remains urgent and evergreen: scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and a proactive defense is your best protection.

What the FTC Wants You to Watch For

Based on persistent trends and FTC alerts from recent years, several scam categories are almost certain to remain top threats in 2026. Being able to recognize them is the first step to avoidance.

  1. Impersonation Scams: These remain the most profitable for fraudsters. This includes calls, texts, or emails pretending to be from government agencies (like the Social Security Administration or the IRS), well-known companies (like Amazon or Microsoft support), or even family members in distress. The goal is to create a sense of urgency or fear to get you to pay or share personal information.
  2. Payment App and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Fraud: As instant payment services like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App become more commonplace, so do the scams surrounding them. Fraudsters exploit the “irreversible” nature of many P2P payments by posing as buyers, sellers, or even friends to trick you into sending money you can’t get back.
  3. Sophisticated Phishing & Smishing: Gone are the days of poorly written “Nigerian Prince” emails. Modern phishing attempts are highly targeted, using information from data breaches to seem legitimate. Smishing (SMS phishing) is particularly dangerous, as people tend to trust text messages more.
  4. AI-Enhanced Scams: The use of artificial intelligence by scammers is a growing concern. This can range from generating highly convincing fake text to cloning a loved one’s voice in a phone call, making impersonation scams frighteningly realistic.

Practical Steps for Your Digital Safety Today

The overarching theme of NCPW is empowerment through education. Here are actionable cybersecurity and privacy measures you can implement now, drawing from the FTC’s long-standing guidance.

  • Slow Down and Verify: Scammers rely on urgency. If you get a message demanding immediate payment or action, pause. Hang up the phone or close the text. Contact the organization or person directly using a verified phone number or website you know is real—not the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
  • Freeze Your Credit: This is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft. A credit freeze locks your credit file at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), making it extremely difficult for anyone to open new accounts in your name. It’s free, and you can temporarily lift it when you need to apply for credit yourself.
  • Fortify Your Logins: Use strong, unique passwords for every account. A password manager is the most practical way to do this. Wherever available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), preferably using an authenticator app or security key rather than SMS codes, which can be intercepted.
  • Think Before You Click & Share: Be skeptical of unsolicited links and attachments. Hover over links to see the true destination URL. Be mindful of what you share on social media; details like your pet’s name, mother’s maiden name, or hometown are common security question answers.

How to Participate and Stay Informed for NCPW 2026

While the main event is next March, preparation is already underway. You can get a head start on protecting yourself and your community.

  1. Bookmark the Official Source: The FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week website (consumer.ftc.gov/ncpw) is the primary hub. While the 2026 page will be fully populated closer to the date, it currently provides planning resources and will eventually host event listings, articles, and downloadable toolkits.
  2. Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to the FTC’s consumer alerts at ftc.gov/subscribe. You’ll get free, timely updates about new scams directly in your inbox.
  3. Report Fraud: 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.
  4. Use Available Resources: The FTC’s main site (consumer.ftc.gov) is a treasure trove of free articles, videos, and guides on virtually every consumer protection topic, from identity theft to online shopping.

Quick Wins for Year-Round Protection

You don’t need to be an expert to be safer. Start with these simple habits:

  • Check your statements and credit reports regularly for unfamiliar charges or accounts.
  • Update the software on your phone, computer, and router. These updates often patch critical security holes.
  • Talk about scams with family and friends, especially older adults who are frequently targeted. Sharing stories makes everyone more vigilant.

National Consumer Protection Week is a focal point, but the principles it promotes are for every week of the year. By understanding common threats, adopting a few key security habits, and knowing where to find trusted guidance from the FTC, you can significantly reduce your risk and shop, bank, and browse with greater confidence.