What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams

Staying ahead of scammers can feel like a full-time job. Just as you learn to spot one trick, they invent a new one. That’s why the information shared during National Consumer Protection Week is so valuable. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the latest scam trends, providing a crucial update on what fraudsters are pushing now and how you can defend yourself.

The Latest Tricks in the Scammer’s Playbook

The FTC’s discussion highlighted several concerning trends that are seeing a significant uptick. While classic cons like phishing emails haven’t gone away, their delivery and disguise have become more sophisticated. Here are some of the key threats they emphasized:

  • The “Hi, Can You Hear Me?” Scam: This one is particularly sneaky. You receive a call, often about a supposed warranty or loan, and the caller immediately asks, “Can you hear me?” or “Are you [Your Name]?” If you answer “yes,” they may record your response and use it to fraudulently authorize charges or contracts, claiming you verbally agreed to something.
  • Investment and Crypto Fraud: With the continued interest in digital assets, scammers are creating fake investment platforms and “opportunities” that promise huge, guaranteed returns. The FTC notes these often start on social media or with a sudden, friendly message, pressuring you to act quickly before the “chance” disappears.
  • Impersonation Scams: This broad category includes criminals posing as trusted figures—like a family member in distress, a government agent from the IRS or Social Security Administration, or a tech support expert from a well-known company. The goal is to create a sense of urgency, fear, or obligation to get you to send money or share personal information.
  • Phishing 2.0: Gone are the days of obviously fake emails from a “prince.” Modern phishing attempts are highly targeted (called “spear-phishing”) and can look identical to messages from your bank, utility company, or a delivery service. They often contain links to convincing fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.

Why This Update Matters for You

This isn’t just a list of abstract threats. These trends matter because they are what people are falling for right now. Scammers are masters of social engineering, exploiting current events, new technologies, and human psychology. The shift toward voice-based verification (“yes” recordings) and the use of pressure tactics around investments show how adaptive these criminals are. Understanding their current methods is the first step in building an effective defense.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

Knowledge is your best shield. Here are actionable ways to protect yourself based on the FTC’s guidance:

  1. Guard Your “Yes.” Be extremely wary of any unsolicited call that asks a simple “yes” or “no” question. If you’re unsure, hang up. If the call is supposedly from a legitimate business, find their official customer service number independently and call them back to verify.

  2. Slow Down and Verify. Scammers thrive on urgency. If someone pressures you to make a payment, buy crypto, or share information immediately, it’s a major red flag. Take a breath. Hang up the phone. Contact the supposed organization or person through a verified, official channel to confirm the story.

  3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contact. Whether it’s a call, text, email, or social media message, treat unexpected communication with caution. Do not click on links or open attachments. Verify the sender’s email address carefully—look for subtle misspellings.

  4. Secure Your Accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds a critical second layer of security, even if a scammer gets your password.

  5. Know How to Report. If you encounter a scam, reporting it helps authorities track trends and crack down. Report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a report with your state attorney general’s office.

Staying Updated: For ongoing alerts, you can sign up for consumer alerts directly from the FTC at ftc.gov/subscribe. During National Consumer Protection Week and throughout the year, their website is an excellent resource for free, trustworthy information.

Staying safe is an ongoing process, but you don’t have to do it alone. By tuning into updates from trusted sources like the FTC and adopting these practical habits, you can significantly reduce your risk and navigate the digital world with more confidence.

Sources:

  • FTC Webinar on emerging scam trends, March 5, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission Consumer Resources: ftc.gov
  • National Consumer Protection Week information.