Every year, National Consumer Protection Week draws attention to the latest fraud tactics affecting Americans. In March 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar highlighting current scam trends, co-hosted with ACA International, a trade group for credit professionals. The session offered a data-driven look at what kinds of fraud are rising and how consumers can protect themselves. Here is a summary of the most important points and what you can do about them.

What Happened

The FTC’s webinar covered several categories of fraud that have become more common or more sophisticated. Among the standout trends:

  • Imposter scams remain the most reported type of fraud. Callers pretending to be from the government, tech support, or a known company trick people into sending money or sharing personal information.
  • Online shopping fraud continues to grow. Fake websites, social media ads for items that never arrive, and “phantom” delivery tracking are all prevalent.
  • Investment scams are on the rise. Cryptocurrency and “get rich quick” offers are a major vector, often starting through social media or dating apps.
  • Military-related financial scams target service members, veterans, and their families—using fake debt collection, predatory loans, or impersonation of military aid organizations.

These findings align with the FTC’s broader Consumer Sentinel Network data, which consistently shows that people in their twenties and those over sixty report losing money to fraud more often than other age groups.

Why It Matters

The reason these trends deserve attention is that fraud is not just about money—it often damages credit, creates stress, and erodes trust in legitimate institutions. Imposter scams, for instance, can lead victims to hand over bank account details, which criminals then use for identity theft. Similarly, fake online stores can collect credit card numbers and use them elsewhere.

The military scam trend is particularly concerning because service members may face unique pressures from frequent moves, deployments, or financial uncertainty. Scammers are skilled at exploiting these vulnerabilities.

Knowing what is currently working for fraudsters helps consumers recognize red flags before they act.

What Readers Can Do

While the FTC continues to pursue enforcement, individual vigilance remains the best defense. Here are practical steps based on the webinar’s recommendations:

1. Verify contacts before acting. If someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, a bank, or a utility—hang up and call the official number on your statement or the agency’s website. Do not use a number the caller provides.

2. Be skeptical of urgent demands. Scammers create pressure: “Your account will be locked,” “You must pay now,” “There’s a warrant out for your arrest.” Legitimate organizations will not demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

3. Shop safely online. Stick to well-known retailers when possible. Before buying from an unfamiliar site, search the store name plus “scam” or “complaints.” Use a credit card for purchases—credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards.

4. Protect your information. Do not click links in unsolicited texts or emails. Enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts and email. Freeze your credit at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent new account fraud.

5. If you or a military family member receives suspicious debt collection calls: Ask for a written validation notice (you are legally entitled to one). Verify the debt is real before paying anything. The FTC also has specific guidance for military consumers on its website.

What to do if you become a victim: Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. That report helps law enforcement track trends and sometimes leads to refunds for victims. Also contact your bank and credit card issuer immediately to stop payments and dispute charges.

Sources

  • FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week – ACA International (March 5, 2026)
  • FTC Webinar Highlights Responding to Military Financial Scams – ACA International (March 17, 2026)

Both articles are accessible via Google News search for “FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week.”

Staying informed about current tactics is one of the simplest ways to avoid becoming a statistic. The FTC’s data shows that awareness alone can prevent many fraud attempts from succeeding.