NCPW 2026: Essential Consumer Protection Advice You Can Use All Year

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shared during that week is just as useful today. Whether you missed the event or want a refresher, the core message is simple: scams are persistent, but you can reduce your risk with a few straightforward habits.

What Happened During NCPW 2026

The FTC has organized NCPW every year since 1998. The 2026 edition ran from March 2 through March 8, with the themes “Scams Are the Worst” and “Report Fraud.” The agency published consumer alerts, social media resources, and tip sheets focused on the most common frauds affecting Americans. Partner organizations across the country also held local events and webinars.

Key scams highlighted included government impersonation calls, tech support fraud, romance scams, and fake online shopping offers. The FTC also repeated its long-standing advice to never pay upfront for a promised prize or loan, and to avoid anyone who demands payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

Why It Still Matters

Scams don’t respect a calendar. The tactics covered during NCPW 2026—which are largely the same as those reported in FTC Consumer Sentinel data for the past several years—remain active. According to the FTC’s most recent data, consumers reported losing billions of dollars to fraud in 2025, with impersonation scams and online shopping fraud among the top categories.

Knowing what was emphasized during NCPW 2026 gives you a practical checklist. The advice is evergreen: if you recognize the warning signs, you’re less likely to fall for a con.

What You Can Do Right Now

Even after NCPW 2026 has ended, you can take concrete steps to protect yourself and your family.

  1. Block unwanted calls and texts. Use your phone’s built-in blocking features or a call-blocking app. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from the government, hang up. Do not press any numbers or call back a number they give you.

  2. Don’t respond to unsolicited messages. Scammers use email, text, and social media to phish for personal information. Never click links or download attachments from unknown senders. If a message claims to be from a company you use, contact the company directly using a trusted website or phone number.

  3. Guard your personal information. Your Social Security number, bank account details, and passwords are valuable. Only share them when you initiated the contact and you’re certain of the recipient’s legitimacy. The FTC advises that legitimate organizations will not call you out of the blue to ask for sensitive data.

  4. Be skeptical of urgent or emotional appeals. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency—claiming you’ll be arrested, lose your computer, or miss out on a prize—to get you to act without thinking. Pause and verify.

  5. Use secure payment methods. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for something you haven’t received. These payment methods are almost untraceable once sent.

  6. Report fraud when you see it. Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting helps the FTC spot trends and shut down scams. The easiest way is to file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Where to Find More Information

The FTC’s official NCPW 2026 page is still available at ftc.gov/ncpw. It includes downloadable tip sheets, sample social media posts you can share with others, and links to partner resources. You can also sign up for the FTC’s Consumer Alerts email list to stay informed about the latest scams and advice throughout the year.

Sources:

  • FTC, “Welcome to NCPW 2026 – Consumer Advice,” March 2, 2026.
  • FTC, “Get ready for NCPW 2026,” February 20, 2026.
  • FTC Consumer Sentinel Data Book, 2025 edition (released February 2026).