NCPW 2026: What You Need to Know to Avoid Scams and Protect Your Wallet

Intro

Every year in early March, the Federal Trade Commission leads a nationwide campaign called National Consumer Protection Week. NCPW 2026 is no exception. It’s a week-long push to help consumers spot fraud, protect their personal information, and know what to do if they’ve been scammed. The official hub for all resources is ftc.gov/ncpw, where the FTC publishes free materials, tips, and event listings.

If you have not come across NCPW before, think of it as an annual checkup for your financial and digital safety. The timing matters: scammers adapt quickly, and the FTC uses this week to highlight the most current threats.

What happened

The FTC launched NCPW 2026 on March 2, 2026, with a fresh set of consumer advice pages and planning resources for community partners. In the weeks leading up to the event, the agency published guidance on how organizations can participate and spread the word. Past NCPW campaigns have covered topics such as fraud targeting older adults, identity theft prevention, online shopping scams, and how to spot government imposter calls. Based on the FTC’s recent alerts and press releases, 2026’s focus areas appear to follow similar lines: imposter scams, deceptive online offers, and data security for everyday transactions.

The campaign is not just about reading warnings. The FTC coordinates free webinars, social media toolkits, and downloadable one-pagers that local libraries, senior centers, and community groups can use. All of these are still available at ftc.gov/ncpw.

Why it matters

Fraud is not a distant problem. According to FTC data, consumers reported losing billions of dollars to scams in recent years, and the actual figure is likely higher because many incidents go unreported. Identity theft can cause weeks or months of hassle with banks, credit bureaus, and government agencies. Even smaller losses of a few hundred dollars represent real harm to household budgets.

NCPW matters because it is a rare moment when the entire consumer protection community—federal agencies, state attorneys general, Better Business Bureaus, AARP, and local nonprofits—aligns on a single message. Instead of having to hunt for advice, you get a concentrated set of practical steps all in one place. The week also amplifies reporting: the more people who know how to report fraud to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network, the better law enforcement can track emerging patterns.

What readers can do

You do not need to be an expert to benefit from NCPW 2026. Here are concrete actions you can take right now:

  1. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw. You will find a menu of free guides on topics like protecting your credit, avoiding rental scams, and recognizing job offer fraud. Download the ones relevant to your situation. The materials are written in plain language and often come in Spanish as well.

  2. Report scams promptly. If you or someone you know has lost money or shared sensitive information with a fraudster, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if you did not fall for it, reporting helps the FTC build cases and issue public warnings.

  3. Strengthen your digital habits. Enable two-factor authentication on accounts that offer it (email, banking, social media). Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords. Freeze your credit with the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—if you have not already. Credit freezes prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name.

  4. Watch for the biggest scams this year. The most common frauds reported to the FTC include:

    • Imposter scams (someone pretending to be from the government, a tech support company, or a relative in trouble)
    • Online shopping fraud (items never delivered or counterfeit goods)
    • Investment scams tied to cryptocurrency or “guaranteed returns”
    • Fake debt collection calls

    If someone pressures you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, that is a red flag. Legitimate businesses and agencies do not demand payment in those forms.

  5. Share what you learn. NCPW’s impact multiplies when people talk about it. Forward a tip sheet to family members—especially older relatives who are often targeted. Post the FTC’s social media graphics with your own warning. Host a brief lunch-and-learn at work or your place of worship using the free discussion guides.

  6. Check for local events. Many state consumer protection offices organize in-person or virtual workshops during NCPW. Search for “National Consumer Protection Week [your state]” to see what is happening near you.

Sources

  • FTC official NCPW 2026 page: ftc.gov/ncpw (for the most current resources and event schedule)
  • “Welcome to NCPW 2026” – Consumer Advice | Federal Trade Commission (March 2, 2026)
  • “Get ready for NCPW 2026” – Consumer Advice | Federal Trade Commission (February 20, 2026)
  • “It’s time to start planning for NCPW 2026” – Consumer Advice | Federal Trade Commission (February 4, 2026)

For up-to-date scam alerts, you can also subscribe to the FTC’s Consumer Alerts email list at ftc.gov/subscribe.