Latest Scam Trends from FTC Webinar: What to Watch for in 2026
Every year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) holds a webinar to walk through the scams that are costing Americans the most money and causing the greatest harm. This year’s session, summarized by ACA International, highlighted several persistent threats — and a few newer twists on old tricks. If you missed the live event, here’s a practical rundown of what was covered and how you can protect yourself.
What happened: The FTC’s 2026 scam landscape
The FTC webinar focused on three dominant categories of fraud: impersonation scams, romance scams, and investment fraud. According to the agency, losses from impersonation scams — where someone pretends to be a government official, a tech support agent, or a familiar business — continue to rise. Scammers are becoming more convincing, often using real company logos, caller ID spoofing, and even personal information bought on the dark web to make their stories stick.
Romance scams also remain a serious concern. The FTC noted that victims reported losing tens of thousands of dollars on average, often after being groomed over weeks or months. The tactics have evolved: scammers now frequently use AI-generated images and voice messages to build trust before asking for money.
Investment fraud, particularly cryptocurrency investment schemes, was another major topic. The agency reported an uptick in “pig butchering” scams, where fraudsters cultivate a relationship over time before steering victims into fake trading platforms. These scams can be hard to spot because the initial interactions feel genuine.
Beyond these headlines, the webinar also covered business impersonation schemes targeting small companies and tech support fraud that still catches many older adults off guard.
Why it matters
The dollar figures are sobering, but the real cost goes beyond bank accounts. Victims of impersonation and romance scams often experience lasting emotional distress, and some lose retirement savings or home equity. The FTC emphasized that these scams are not rare — they touch every income level and age group, though older adults and those unfamiliar with digital payment methods are at greater risk.
What makes current trends concerning is that scammers are using the same tools that legitimate businesses and government agencies rely on. They know how to create urgency, mimic official language, and pressure people into acting before they have time to verify. That means the traditional advice to “be cautious” is no longer enough. Consumers need specific, actionable strategies.
What you can do: Practical steps to stay safe
Based on the FTC’s guidance in the webinar, here are concrete actions to reduce your risk:
Hang up and verify. If someone calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, your bank, or a tech company, do not provide any information. Hang up and call the official number yourself — not one the caller gives you. Genuine agencies will not threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment.
Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These are the preferred methods for scammers because they are nearly impossible to reverse. Any request for payment in one of these forms is a major red flag. Stop and talk to someone you trust.
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. Whether it’s a text, email, or social media direct message, if you did not initiate contact, treat it with suspicion. Do not click links or download attachments from unknown senders.
Protect your personal information. The less scammers know about you, the harder it is for them to impersonate someone you know. Be careful what you share publicly online, especially details about your job, family, or daily routines.
Report scams when you see them. Even if you did not lose money, filing a complaint at FTC.gov/Complaint helps the agency track trends and stop fraudsters. The FTC also encourages people to tell friends and family about new scams — awareness is one of the best defenses.
Where to find more information
The FTC’s full webinar materials and consumer alerts are available at consumer.ftc.gov. ACA International, the trade association that summarized the session, also publishes regular updates on collection and consumer protection issues. For military families, the FTC hosted a separate webinar on scams targeting service members and veterans — that summary is available through ACA International as well.
Staying vigilant year-round
National Consumer Protection Week is a useful reminder, but scams don’t follow a calendar. The trends highlighted in this year’s webinar will evolve, and new schemes will emerge. The best protection is to maintain a healthy skepticism, verify before acting, and share what you learn with others. If something feels off, it probably is.