What to Know About Scams as Consumer Protection Week Begins

As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 gets underway, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again focusing its efforts on arming the public against fraud. This annual campaign, which runs from March 1-7, is a coordinated push to highlight the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money and personal information. While the specific scam tactics may evolve, the core principles of defense remain powerful and accessible to everyone.

Here’s a look at the practical advice emerging from this year’s focus and how you can apply it.

The Enduring Threat of Impersonation Scams

A central theme in recent NCPW campaigns, and one that remains critically relevant, is the danger of impersonation scams. These occur when a fraudster pretends to be someone you trust to trick you into sending money or sharing sensitive data. The FTC consistently warns about several key types:

  • Government Impersonators: Scammers pose as agents from the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare. They often use threats of arrest, frozen benefits, or legal action to create panic and demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
  • Business Impersonators: You might receive a call, text, or email claiming to be from a well-known company like Amazon, Microsoft, or your bank. They’ll allege a suspicious purchase, a compromised account, or a subscription renewal problem, aiming to gain remote access to your computer or your login credentials.
  • Family Emergency Scams: Also known as the “grandparent scam,” a fraudster contacts you pretending to be a relative in distress—arrested, hospitalized, or stranded—urgently needing money for bail, medical bills, or travel.

These scams work because they exploit trust and urgency. The FTC’s advice for NCPW 2026 reinforces that if a message creates a sudden sense of panic and demands immediate action, especially involving an unusual payment method, it’s a major red flag.

Practical Steps to Shield Yourself from Fraud

Knowledge is the first step, but action is what provides real protection. Here are concrete measures you can take, drawing from the FTC’s long-standing guidance.

1. Verify, Then Trust. If you get an unexpected call, text, or email from a government agency or company, do not use the contact information provided by the potential scammer. Hang up or ignore the message. Instead, find the official website or customer service number from a past statement or bill and contact them directly to verify the claim.

2. Resist Pressure to Act Immediately. Legitimate organizations will not demand that you pay or share personal information on the spot. Anyone who insists you act right now is likely a scammer. Take a breath, tell them you will call back, and follow the verification step above.

3. Secure Your Personal Information.

  • Use Strong Passwords: Create long, unique passwords for important accounts and consider using a password manager.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds a critical second step (like a code sent to your phone) to verify your identity when logging in.
  • Guard Your Social Security Number: Be extremely cautious about who you share it with. Most routine business does not require it.

4. Know How Scammers Want to Be Paid. The FTC stresses that no legitimate government agency or business will demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers (like Western Union or MoneyGram), or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Any request for payment in these forms is a guaranteed scam.

How to Report and Where to Find Help

If you encounter a scam, your report matters. It helps law enforcement identify trends and crack down on fraudsters.

  • ReportFraud.ftc.gov: This is the FTC’s primary website for reporting scams, identity theft, and unfair business practices. Your report goes into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a database used by thousands of law enforcement agencies.
  • IdentityTheft.gov: If you believe your personal information has been compromised, this FTC site provides a personalized recovery plan. It walks you through the specific steps to take based on your situation.
  • Stay Informed: For ongoing updates and consumer alerts, you can subscribe to the FTC’s emails at ftc.gov/subscribe.

Staying Vigilant Beyond a Single Week

National Consumer Protection Week is a valuable annual reminder, but the fight against fraud requires year-round awareness. Scammers are adaptable, constantly refining their methods. By making these verification habits and security practices part of your routine, you build a durable defense. Share this information with friends and family, particularly those who may be more vulnerable. In the end, an informed and skeptical consumer is a scammer’s most difficult target.

Sources & Further Reading:

  • Federal Trade Commission, “Welcome to NCPW 2026 - Consumer Advice”
  • Federal Trade Commission, “This NCPW, let’s talk about impersonation scams”
  • Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book
  • ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • IdentityTheft.gov