NCPW 2026: The Scams the FTC Wants You to Know About

Every year, the Federal Trade Commission sets aside a week in March for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a coordinated push to equip people with the latest information on frauds and how to avoid them. The 2026 edition has come and gone, but the scam trends the FTC flagged remain very much alive. If you missed the campaign, or simply need a refresher, here’s what the agency highlighted and what you can do right now to protect yourself.

What Happened During NCPW 2026

The FTC’s NCPW 2026 centered on the most pervasive fraud types currently hitting American consumers. Based on data from the agency’s Consumer Sentinel Network, imposter scams and online shopping fraud led the pack. In an imposter scam, someone pretends to be a trusted entity—a government agent, a tech support representative, a family member in distress—to trick you into sending money or sharing personal information. Online shopping fraud includes fake listings, non‑delivery of goods, and phony seller accounts that vanish after payment.

The FTC also warned about phishing, the practice of sending deceptive emails or texts that appear to come from legitimate companies, designed to steal login credentials or financial details. Although these scams are hardly new, their methods evolve constantly, and losses continue to rise.

Why It Still Matters

You might think that because NCPW 2026 is several weeks behind us, the urgency has faded. It hasn’t. Scams don’t respect calendar dates. The FTC’s warnings are based on real‑time reports: the same impersonation calls and fraudulent online stores that crowded March are still active today. According to the FTC’s most recent consumer protection data, reported losses from imposter scams alone exceeded $1 billion in 2025, and early 2026 figures suggest no letup.

Beyond the immediate financial hit, falling for a scam can lead to identity theft, compromised accounts, and months of clean‑up. The advice the FTC offered during NCPW isn’t seasonal; it’s a set of habits that can prevent harm at any time of year.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Verify Before You Trust

If someone calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from a government agency, your bank, or a tech company, do not respond directly. Hang up and call the official number you have on file. Government agencies rarely initiate contact by phone or email for urgent matters like arrest warrants or “suspended” Social Security numbers—those are classic red flags.

2. Slow Down Online Shopping

When you see a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to well‑known retailers or research an unfamiliar seller before entering payment details. Check for contact information, reviews, and a secure checkout page (URL starting with https://). If the seller requests payment by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, stop—those are nearly impossible to reverse.

3. Protect Your Accounts

Enable two‑factor authentication wherever possible. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for each account. Be suspicious of any email or text that asks you to “verify” your account or click a link to prevent closure. Phishing messages often create a false sense of urgency.

4. Report Scams When You See Them

One of the most effective actions you can take is to report scams to the FTC. Your report helps the agency track emerging patterns and take action against fraudsters. Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov to file a complaint. If you suspect your personal information was stolen, visit identitytheft.gov for a step‑by‑step recovery plan.

Final Thoughts

National Consumer Protection Week 2026 served as a reminder that fraud prevention is not a one‑week effort. The scams the FTC highlighted are still circulating, and the best defense is a routine of skepticism and verification. Share these tips with older relatives, friends, and anyone who might be less familiar with the latest tactics. A few minutes of caution can save weeks of headache.

Sources

  • Federal Trade Commission, “Welcome to NCPW 2026,” Consumer Advice, March 2, 2026. consumer.ftc.gov
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Get ready for NCPW 2026,” Consumer Advice, February 20, 2026.
  • FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, 2025 Data Book (referenced in NCPW materials).