National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Recognizing Scams and Taking Action
National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1 through March 7, and the Federal Trade Commission used the occasion to release updated guidance on how to spot and avoid common scams. While the official week has passed, the advice remains as relevant as ever—scammers don’t take breaks. Whether you’re an experienced online shopper or helping a family member navigate digital life, understanding the tactics used today can save you money and stress.
What happened during NCPW 2026
The FTC’s Consumer Advice page served as the hub for NCPW 2026 materials, including free videos, printable tip sheets, and short articles covering the most frequent fraud categories. According to the agency’s data, imposter scams—where someone pretends to be a government official, a tech support agent, or a loved one in distress—continue to be the most commonly reported type of fraud. Online shopping scams and investment-related schemes also ranked high on the list.
The FTC’s theme for 2026 emphasized that talking about scams is a powerful defense. They encouraged consumers to share what they learned with friends, neighbors, and especially older adults, who are disproportionately targeted.
Why this matters
Scams are not isolated incidents. In 2025 alone, consumers reported losing billions of dollars to fraud, and the actual figure is likely higher because many incidents go unreported. Beyond financial losses, victims often experience emotional distress and a loss of trust. For vulnerable groups—new immigrants unfamiliar with U.S. consumer protections, older adults who may be less comfortable with technology, and frequent online shoppers—the risk is especially high.
Knowing the red flags can make the difference between avoiding a scam and becoming a victim. The FTC’s advice is authoritative and based on years of complaint data, making it a reliable starting point.
What readers can do
You don’t need to wait for the next NCPW to protect yourself. Here are practical steps you can take now:
Know the common red flags. Scammers create urgency (“Act now or your account will be closed”), insist on unusual payment methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers), and often contact you out of the blue. If an email or call pressures you to pay immediately, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Stop before you act. If you suspect a scam, hang up the phone. Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts. Do not share personal or financial information with someone who contacted you first.
Report it. If you encounter a scam—or think you might have—report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track patterns and stop criminals. If your identity has been stolen, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan.
Talk about it. One of the simplest and most effective actions is to discuss scams with family members. The FTC provides conversation starters and free materials you can print or share on social media. A five-minute conversation can prevent a parent or grandparent from losing thousands.
Check official sources. For the latest updates on scams, bookmark the FTC’s Consumer Advice page. Local consumer protection agencies and your state attorney general’s office also offer region-specific alerts.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission, “Welcome to NCPW 2026 - Consumer Advice” (March 2, 2026).
- Federal Trade Commission, “Get ready for NCPW 2026” (February 20, 2026).
- FTC Consumer Advice: consumer.ftc.gov
- FTC ReportFraud: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FTC IdentityTheft: identitytheft.gov
Scams evolve, but the basic defenses remain the same. Stay informed, stay skeptical, and share what you know.