Every March, the Federal Trade Commission uses National Consumer Protection Week to release fresh data on the scams hitting Americans hardest. This year’s webinar, held during the first week of March 2026, offered a detailed look at what fraudsters are doing right now and how consumers can spot the patterns before losing money. The trends are not entirely new, but the methods are shifting in ways that make them harder to recognize.

What the FTC Shared

During the webinar, FTC officials walked through the most-reported fraud categories from the previous year. The data comes from Consumer Sentinel, the agency’s internal database of fraud, identity theft, and other consumer complaints. While the full 2025 annual report had not been released at the time of the webinar, early figures pointed to several consistent problem areas: impersonation scams, phishing messages, and investment fraud.

A key takeaway was that scammers are increasingly using trusted brand names and government agency titles to build credibility. They are also relying more on digital payment apps and cryptocurrency, which are difficult to reverse or trace once the money is sent.

Impersonation scams remain the most common, according to FTC data. Fraudsters call or email pretending to be from the Social Security Administration, the IRS, a tech support company, or even a local utility. They often claim there is an urgent problem—an account suspension, a warrant, or an overdue bill—and demand payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

Phishing messages have evolved. Instead of obvious spelling errors and generic greetings, many now use personal details scraped from social media or data breaches. A text might appear to come from your bank, with a link that looks legitimate but leads to a fake login page. The FTC noted that text message phishing, or “smishing,” is on the rise.

Investment and cryptocurrency scams are becoming more elaborate. Fraudsters promise high returns with little risk, often using fake celebrity endorsements or testimonials. They pressure people into “opportunities” that turn out to be Ponzi schemes or simple theft. The FTC warned that these scams frequently start through dating apps or social media groups.

Why It Matters

The numbers are sobering. According to FTC figures cited in the webinar, consumers reported losing over $10 billion to fraud in 2024, and early 2025 data suggested even higher totals. The median individual loss varies by scam type, but many victims lose thousands of dollars that they cannot recover. Because a large share of fraud goes unreported—often out of embarrassment or uncertainty—the true scale is larger than the official figures.

Understanding the current trends helps consumers recognize red flags before they engage. Fraudsters adapt quickly, but the underlying tactics—urgency, authority, and unusual payment methods—stay the same.

How to Protect Yourself

You can reduce your risk without needing specialized tech skills. Here are practical steps based on what the FTC recommends:

  • Verify unsolicited contacts. If someone calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from a company or agency, do not use the contact information they provide. Look up the official phone number or website yourself and call them directly.
  • Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency on demand. Legitimate organizations do not ask for these forms of payment, especially not for taxes, bail, or utility bills.
  • Use multi-factor authentication on all your important accounts—email, banking, social media. This prevents a stolen password from giving a scammer full access.
  • Pause before acting on urgency. Scammers create panic to override rational thinking. If someone insists you must pay immediately or risk arrest, it is almost certainly a scam. Hang up and verify.
  • Report suspicious messages. Forward phishing emails to [email protected]. Report scam calls online at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to track emerging schemes and warn others.

Where to Report

If you have been targeted or scammed, the FTC wants to hear about it. You can file a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement identify patterns and take action. For identity theft, start at identitytheft.gov, which provides a step-by-step recovery plan.

The webinar also reminded attendees that if you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, you can check the FTC’s scam alerts at ftc.gov/scams. No single article can cover every new twist, but staying informed and skeptical is the best defense.

Sources: ACA International report on FTC webinar, March 5, 2026; FTC Consumer Sentinel data and consumer alerts.