National Consumer Protection Week 2026: How to Spot and Avoid Scams

From March 2 to 6, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ran National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) – an annual campaign to help people recognize fraud, protect their personal information, and know where to report problems. The centerpiece is the FTC’s consumer advice hub at consumer.ftc.gov, which remains active year-round. Whether you caught the events or not, the guidance is worth a look.

What happened

The FTC used NCPW 2026 to spotlight the scams that affect millions of Americans every year. According to the agency’s campaign materials, three categories stood out:

  • Impersonation scams – callers claiming to be from the government, a tech support company, or a family member in distress.
  • Online shopping fraud – fake ads, counterfeit goods, and “too good to be true” deals that never arrive.
  • Investment and cryptocurrency scams – promises of high returns with little risk, often pushed through social media or dating apps.

The FTC also released updated data on consumer losses. While exact figures for 2025 were still being finalized, earlier reports showed total fraud losses exceeding $10 billion nationally. That trend has not reversed.

Why it matters

Scams are not just a nuisance. They drain savings, expose sensitive data, and erode trust in everyday transactions. The FTC’s NCPW campaign emphasizes that awareness is the first line of defense. Many schemes rely on urgency and emotional pressure. Once you know the common patterns, you’re far less likely to fall for them.

Importantly, reporting fraud helps authorities track new tactics. The FTC uses complaints from the public to identify emerging threats, issue alerts, and take enforcement action. So reporting matters even if you didn’t lose money.

What readers can do

Here are concrete steps based on FTC advice from NCPW 2026 – and they don’t require special software or technical skills.

Recognize the warning signs

Most scams share a few red flags. Watch out for:

  • Unexpected contact via phone, email, or text from someone claiming to be a representative of a company or agency.
  • Pressure to act fast – “your account will be suspended” or “this offer expires today.”
  • Requests for payment using unusual methods – gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps like Zelle or Cash App, especially if the “official” insists.
  • Too-good-to-be-true promises – especially about free money, prize winnings, or guaranteed investment returns.

If you see these signs, slow down. Hang up. Do not click links. Verify independently by looking up the official contact number or website.

Protect your identity

  • Freeze your credit at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). It’s free and prevents anyone from opening accounts in your name.
  • Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Do not reuse passwords across important accounts.
  • Shred documents that contain account numbers, Social Security numbers, or medical information before throwing them away.
  • Monitor your financial accounts weekly for charges you don’t recognize.

Report fraud the right way

If you encounter a scam – even if you didn’t fall for it – file a report. The FTC’s official portal is ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Here’s a simple process:

  1. Gather information – the name of the person or company, phone number, email, website, and any payment method involved.
  2. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and fill out the form. It takes about 10 minutes and asks for the details you just collected.
  3. Share the complaint ID with your state attorney general’s consumer protection office if you want a local review. Many states coordinate with the FTC.
  4. If your identity was stolen, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.

One note: the FTC does not directly resolve individual complaints, but its database helps law enforcement identify patterns and build cases.

Long-term habits

Consumer protection isn’t just for one week. The best defense is a set of habits you practice all year:

  • Stay skeptical of unsolicited offers – even if they look professional.
  • Keep software and devices updated.
  • Regularly review your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com (once per week through 2026, extended by the credit bureaus).
  • Share what you learn with family members, especially older adults who are often targeted in impersonation scams.

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