The FTC Just Flagged These Rising Scams: Here’s What to Watch For

Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, a key webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) put a spotlight on the specific scam tactics that are proving most effective—and costly—for consumers right now. The discussion moved beyond broad warnings to detail the exact methods scammers are refining. For anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply uses email, understanding these trends is the first step toward avoiding them.

What the FTC Warned Is Happening Now

The webinar highlighted a shift in scammer behavior. While classic cons like phishing and fake tech support remain rampant, the delivery and context are evolving. The FTC emphasized several key trends gaining traction:

  • Phishing Gets More Personal and Pressured: Generic “Dear Customer” emails are being replaced with highly targeted messages. Scammers now use data from previous breaches to personalize their lures, making emails or texts about a “suspicious delivery” or “bank account freeze” seem more legitimate. The calls to action are designed to create panic, urging you to click a link or call a number immediately to resolve a fabricated crisis.
  • The Rise of Impersonation Scams: Here, scammers don’t just impersonate a company; they impersonate people you might trust. This includes fake pleas for help from a “family member” in distress (often called the “grandparent scam”), or sophisticated romance scams that build a relationship over weeks before the inevitable request for money for a medical emergency or travel. The FTC also noted specific warnings about scams targeting military families, which exploit a unique context of trust and urgency.
  • Tech Support and Refund Scams Evolve: You might get a pop-up warning or an unsolicited call claiming to be from “Microsoft” or “Apple Security,” but the new twist often involves the scammer guiding you to a legitimate financial website. Their goal is to trick you into “refunding” an overpayment by sending them money, often via gift cards or wire transfers—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse.

Why This Should Matter to You

These aren’t abstract threats. The FTC processes millions of fraud reports each year, with reported losses in the billions. These evolving tactics work because they exploit human psychology—fear, urgency, trust, and a desire to help. The financial loss is only part of the damage; resolving identity theft or dealing with the emotional fallout of a romance scam can be a lengthy, stressful process. Recognizing that scams now come wrapped in more credible packaging is essential for modern self-defense.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

Knowledge is your best shield. Based on the themes from the FTC’s guidance, here are concrete actions to integrate into your routine:

  1. Slow Down and Verify. Urgency is a scammer’s primary tool. If a message, email, or call demands immediate action, pause. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message. Instead, independently look up the official customer service number or website of the organization supposedly contacting you and reach out directly to verify the claim.
  2. Assume Unsolicited Tech Support is Fake. Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider will not call, text, or send a pop-up warning about problems on your device. If you see a locking pop-up, don’t call the number listed. Simply restart your computer. For ongoing concerns, contact tech support through the official channels you already know.
  3. Guard Your Personal Information Like a Secret. No legitimate government agency, bank, or utility company will call to ask for your Social Security number, bank PIN, or password. If you’re asked for this info to “verify your account” on an incoming call, it’s a scam. Hang up.
  4. Know the Red Flags of Payment. No legitimate transaction will require payment via gift cards, wire transfers (like Western Union or MoneyGram), or cryptocurrency. These are the payment methods of choice for scammers because the money is untraceable and irrecoverable once sent.
  5. Talk About It. Discuss these scams with family, especially older relatives who might be targeted by impersonation cons. Agree on a safe “code word” or a plan (like calling a sibling to confirm) if a strange emergency call for money ever comes in.

Where to Report and Find Help

If you encounter or fall victim to a scam, reporting it is critical. It helps law enforcement track trends and build cases.

  • Report Fraud to the FTC: File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is the primary clearinghouse for consumer fraud complaints in the U.S.
  • Contact Your State Attorney General: Your state’s consumer protection office can provide local resources and take action.
  • For Identity Theft: Go directly to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan.

Staying safe is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix. By understanding the current scam landscape highlighted by the FTC and adopting these vigilant habits, you can significantly reduce your risk and navigate the digital world with greater confidence.

Sources & Further Reading:

  • Federal Trade Commission, “FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week” (March 2026).
  • Federal Trade Commission, “FTC Webinar Highlights Responding to Military Financial Scams” (March 2026).
  • Consumer advice and reporting resources available at ftc.gov.