New FTC Data Reveals Top Scams Consumers Face Right Now

Each year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission releases a fresh look at the fraud landscape. In a webinar held in early March 2026, FTC officials walked through the latest data on what scams are hitting Americans hardest—and what consumers can do about it. The information is timely: scam tactics evolve quickly, and awareness remains one of the best defenses.

What happened

The webinar, covered by ACA International, summarized the FTC’s most recent consumer complaint data. Agency staff presented the top fraud categories by volume and reported dollar losses, pointing to three types of scams that dominated in 2025 and early 2026. They also discussed how fraudsters are adapting their approaches, particularly with new technology.

Why it matters

Scams cost consumers billions each year. While no one is immune, understanding which schemes are most active helps you spot red flags before you send money or share sensitive information. The FTC’s findings are based on millions of reports, making them a reliable snapshot of the current threat environment.

What readers can do

Here are the three most prevalent scam categories highlighted in the webinar, along with practical ways to avoid them.

1. Impostor scams
Impostor scams remain the most frequently reported fraud type. Scammers pretend to be someone you trust—a government agency (like the Social Security Administration or IRS), a tech support company, a utility provider, or even a family member in distress. They create urgency, often threatening arrest, service cutoff, or financial loss if you don’t act immediately.

How to protect yourself

  • Never give personal or financial information to someone who calls or emails you unexpectedly. Hang up and call the official number of the organization they claim to represent.
  • Be suspicious of pressure to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate agencies and businesses do not demand payment in those forms.
  • If a caller says a loved one is in trouble, verify the story by contacting that person directly.

2. Online shopping scams
As more people buy from unfamiliar websites or through social media ads, fake storefronts and phishing emails have surged. Scammers set up convincing-looking sites that sell popular items at too-good-to-be-true prices. After you pay, the item never arrives, or a low-quality knockoff shows up. Others use bogus shipment tracking links to steal credit card details.

How to protect yourself

  • Research the seller before buying, especially if you found them via a social media ad. Look up reviews on third-party sites and check the company’s Better Business Bureau profile.
  • Use a credit card for online purchases—not a debit card or direct bank transfer. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection.
  • Watch for typos, odd URLs, and missing contact information on websites. If a deal seems unreal, it usually is.
  • Never click on shipping update links in unsolicited texts or emails. Go to the carrier’s official site and enter the tracking number there.

3. Investment and cryptocurrency scams
Schemes promising quick, guaranteed returns—especially in cryptocurrency—are growing. Scammers build fake trading platforms, promote “opportunities” through social media influencers, or use romance tactics to lure victims into transferring crypto. Losses can be large and nearly impossible to recover.

How to protect yourself

  • Treat any unsolicited investment offer with deep skepticism. Legitimate investments never guarantee high returns with little risk.
  • Verify that the platform or advisor is registered with the SEC or your state securities regulator.
  • Never send cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person and fully verified.
  • Be aware that if someone insists you pay in cryptocurrency, it is almost certainly a scam.

Practical prevention checklist
Beyond these specific categories, the FTC webinar reinforced a few universal steps:

  • Verify independently. Scammers rely on you trusting the caller ID, email sender, or website URL. Always look up the official contact information yourself.
  • Use secure payment methods. Credit cards and payment services (like PayPal with buyer protection) give you recourse. Cash, wire transfers, and crypto do not.
  • Report scams. Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps track trends and may prevent others from being victimized.

Sources

  • ACA International coverage of the FTC webinar, March 5, 2026.
  • FTC consumer alerts and press releases published during National Consumer Protection Week.
  • For more resources, visit ftc.gov/consumer-protection-week or the FTC’s Consumer Advice page.