National Consumer Protection Week 2026: How to Protect Yourself From Scams

Every year, the Federal Trade Commission organizes National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to help people spot, avoid, and report fraud. The 2026 edition ran from March 2 through March 6, but the guidance from the FTC is designed to last far beyond those five days. Whether you missed the event or want to revisit its key messages, the core advice remains relevant throughout the year—and useful for planning ahead for the next NCPW.

What Happened

During NCPW 2026, the FTC promoted a suite of free consumer resources on its website, including short videos, a scams quiz, sample social media posts, and downloadable tip sheets. The agency highlighted the most common types of fraud that consumers report: imposter scams (someone pretending to be a government official, a family member in distress, or a tech support agent), online shopping fraud, investment scams, and identity theft. The FTC also encouraged people to talk about scams with friends and family, because awareness often spreads faster than the fraud itself.

Why It Matters

Scams are not seasonal. According to FTC data, consumers lost billions of dollars to fraud in recent years, and the methods used by criminals evolve constantly. The tactics highlighted during NCPW 2026—unexpected calls demanding payment, phony online stores, fake investment opportunities—are still circulating. Many people do not realize that reporting fraud helps the FTC and other agencies track patterns and shut down operations. Moreover, knowing how to recognize a scam can save not only money but also the emotional toll that comes with being deceived.

Even if you did not participate in NCPW 2026, the lessons are straightforward and easy to put into practice. The FTC makes its materials available year-round, so you can revisit them whenever you need a refresher.

What Readers Can Do

Here are concrete steps you can take now, based on the FTC’s NCPW advice:

  • Learn the common signs. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, demand payment by gift card or wire transfer, or insist you keep the transaction a secret. The FTC’s “How to Recognize and Avoid Scams” page covers these red flags.
  • Check your credit report. You are entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three major bureaus. Staggering them (one every four months) can help you spot unauthorized accounts early.
  • Set up fraud alerts and credit freezes. If you suspect your information has been compromised, a fraud alert or freeze adds a layer of protection. The FTC provides step-by-step instructions on its identity theft recovery website.
  • Report scams. If you encounter a scam or attempted fraud, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps authorities investigate and warn others.
  • Talk to someone. The FTC emphasizes that simply discussing scam tactics with elderly relatives, neighbors, or younger family members can prevent losses. Use the sample social media posts and conversation starters the FTC offers on its NCPW page.

All of the FTC’s NCPW 2026 materials—including the videos and quiz—are still available on the agency’s consumer advice site. If you want to prepare for next year’s National Consumer Protection Week, bookmark the page and consider sharing the resources with your community.

Sources

  • FTC: Welcome to NCPW 2026 – Consumer Advice (March 2, 2026)
  • FTC: Get ready for NCPW 2026 (February 20, 2026)
  • FTC: It’s time to start planning for NCPW 2026 (February 4, 2026)
  • FTC: Celebrate National Consumer Protection Week. Talk about scams (March 4, 2024)
  • FTC: Start planning for National Consumer Protection Week 2025 (January 31, 2025)