National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Avoid Scams

Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — a campaign that brings together government agencies, consumer groups, and businesses to spread practical advice on preventing fraud and safeguarding personal information. The 2026 edition offered a clear set of recommendations that are worth revisiting long after the week ends. If you missed the campaign, or simply want a refresher, here is a concise summary of what the FTC highlighted and how you can apply those lessons year-round.

What Happened During NCPW 2026

NCPW 2026 ran from March 1–7, with the FTC publishing daily consumer advice on its website. The agency renewed its focus on the most persistent scams reported to the Consumer Sentinel Network, including imposter calls, phishing emails, and online shopping fraud. According to FTC data for 2025–2026, imposter scams remained the top category of fraud reported, followed by online shopping and negative reviews, and then identity theft-related complaints. The campaign encouraged consumers to “talk about scams” with friends and family, because awareness often spreads faster than the fraud itself.

The official FTC page for NCPW 2026 (titled “Welcome to NCPW 2026 – Consumer Advice”) served as a hub for free resources, including printable guides, videos, and social media toolkits. Partner organizations like the AARP Fraud Watch Network, the Better Business Bureau, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service also contributed materials.

Why It Matters

Fraud is not seasonal. Even though NCPW is a one-week event, the tactics scammers use evolve daily. In 2025, consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud, according to FTC estimates. A single phishing email can compromise bank accounts or lead to identity theft that takes months to resolve. The FTC’s advice is grounded in years of complaint data, so following it can help you avoid the most common pitfalls. The agency also stresses that reporting scams — even if you didn’t lose money — helps law enforcement track patterns and shut down fraudulent operations.

What Readers Can Do: Key Prevention Tips

Here are the most actionable steps from the FTC’s NCPW 2026 advice, organized to fit into your daily routine.

1. Block unknown callers and texts.
If you receive an unsolicited call claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, a tech support company, or a utility provider, hang up. Legitimate organizations typically send written notices before calling. Use your phone’s built-in spam blocking features or a reputable call-blocking app.

2. Verify before you click.
Phishing emails often mimic shipping notifications, account alerts, or invoices. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If the domain looks suspicious — for example, “amaz0n-delivery.co” — do not interact. Instead, open a browser and navigate directly to the company’s official website.

3. Freeze your credit.
A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. It is free and remains in place until you lift it. The FTC recommends freezing credit with all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) as a baseline protection against identity theft.

4. Use strong, unique passwords.
Reusing passwords across multiple accounts is risky. A password manager can generate and store complex passwords for you. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible, especially for email and financial accounts.

5. Monitor your accounts and credit reports.
Check bank and credit card statements at least monthly for unauthorized charges. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com. The FTC suggests staggering your requests (e.g., one every four months) to spread monitoring throughout the year.

6. Report fraud promptly.
If you suspect a scam, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Include as many details as possible: dates, phone numbers, email addresses, and the amount lost, if any. For identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.

Useful Resources from the FTC and Partners

  • FTC Consumer Advice (consumer.ftc.gov) – articles on current scams, refunds, and data breaches.
  • National Consumer Protection Week 2026 archive – still available at ftc.gov/ncpw with downloadable materials.
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network – scam tracking map and helpline.
  • Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker – reports and warnings by location.
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service – for mail fraud reports.

Stay Vigilant All Year

NCPW may come only once a year, but the habits it encourages — question unexpected requests, protect your information, and report scams when you see them — work every day. The FTC’s advice is free, data-driven, and updated regularly. Bookmark their consumer page, and consider sharing what you learn with someone who might not follow these topics closely. The people most vulnerable to scams are often those who think they could never be fooled. A little caution goes a long way.

Sources: FTC official NCPW 2026 consumer advice pages (www.ftc.gov/ncpw), FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data (2025–2026), and FTC.gov fraud reporting guidelines.