Every year, the Federal Trade Commission hosts a series of webinars during National Consumer Protection Week to share the latest data on fraud and provide practical advice. In March 2026, the FTC presented its most recent scam trends, offering a snapshot of what consumers are facing and how to stay safe. A separate webinar specifically addressed financial scams targeting military members and veterans. Here’s a breakdown of what was covered and what it means for your everyday decisions.

What Happened

During National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7, 2026), the FTC conducted a webinar focused on the latest scam trends. According to an ACA International report on the event, the agency highlighted the types of fraud that have become most prevalent, based on reports from consumers across the country. While the FTC did not release a formal report at the webinar, the discussion drew on its ongoing data collection through the Consumer Sentinel Network.

The main categories that stood out were impostor scams and online shopping fraud. Impostor scams involve someone pretending to be a government official, a family member, or a trusted business to trick you into sending money or sharing personal information. Online shopping scams often appear as fake websites, counterfeit goods, or phony payment requests. The FTC also touched on scams that affect military personnel, which were covered in more depth in a second webinar held later in the month.

Why It Matters

Scams are not just a nuisance; they can cause real financial harm and emotional stress. According to the FTC’s 2025 data (released in early 2026), consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in the previous year, with median losses continuing to rise. The trends identified in the webinar reflect the tactics that criminals are currently using most aggressively. For example, impostor scams often rely on urgency—someone claims you owe a debt, or a loved one is in trouble—to bypass your better judgment. Online shopping scams have become more sophisticated, using lookalike websites and social media ads that appear legitimate.

Understanding which scams are common right now helps you recognize red flags before you take the bait. Military families face added risk because scammers may target them with fake benefits offers or impersonate military support organizations. The FTC’s focus on these specific threats during National Consumer Protection Week underscores the importance of staying informed.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be an expert to protect yourself. The FTC recommends a few straightforward steps that apply to most fraud situations.

Pause before you act. Scammers often create a sense of urgency. If someone pressures you to send money or provide personal information immediately, stop and verify. Call the organization directly using a number you know is real, not one the caller gives you.

Pay with credit cards when possible. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protections than debit cards, wire transfers, or gift cards. If a seller insists on a payment method like a wire transfer or a gift card, that’s a major warning sign.

Check the source before clicking. For online shopping, type the retailer’s web address yourself rather than clicking a link from an email or social media ad. Look for typos, missing contact information, or deals that seem too good to be true. If you’re unsure, search for reviews of the site before making a purchase.

If you’re a military member or veteran, be skeptical of unsolicited offers for benefits or debt relief. The FTC’s separate webinar noted that scammers often impersonate the Department of Veterans Affairs or military relief societies. Verify any claim by contacting official resources like the VA directly.

Report scams when you encounter them. Even if you didn’t lose money, filing a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov helps the agency track trends and warn others. Your report can make a difference.

Sources

  • ACA International, “FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week,” March 5, 2026.
  • ACA International, “FTC Webinar Highlights Responding to Military Financial Scams,” March 17, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission, consumer protection resources at ftc.gov.