Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a reminder that fraud evolves quickly. During the 2026 event, the Federal Trade Commission held a webinar outlining the latest patterns in consumer scams. The agency also dedicated a separate session to financial schemes that disproportionately affect military personnel and their families. Here’s a practical summary of what was shared and how you can lower your risk.

What Happened

The FTC’s webinar, covered by ACA International, focused on three broad categories that have dominated complaint data: impersonation scams, payment fraud, and phishing attempts. According to the presentation, fraudsters continue to pose as government agencies, tech support, or utility companies to pressure victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

A distinct segment of the webinar addressed military financial scams. The FTC noted that active-duty service members, veterans, and their families are frequent targets of fake charities, fraudulent loan offers, and romance scams. These schemes often exploit the unique stresses of military life—frequent moves, deployment, and financial pressure—to gain trust and extract money quickly.

Why It Matters

Scam trends shift constantly, and being aware of what the FTC is seeing helps consumers spot trouble before it’s too late. Impersonation scams remain one of the most reported frauds, partly because they can be very convincing. A caller may already have your name, address, or even the last four digits of your Social Security number, making the lie feel real.

For military families, the risks are heightened. Scammers know that service members may be less likely to question an official-sounding request, especially if it involves benefits, housing allowances, or deployment-related aid. Romance scams that begin on dating apps or social media can drain thousands of dollars before the victim realizes there is no real person behind the profile—just a well-rehearsed script.

What You Can Do

Here are concrete steps you can take, based on the FTC’s recommendations:

  • Verify before you act. If someone claims to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a utility company, hang up and call the agency directly using the number on its official website. Don’t use numbers the caller provides.
  • Limit payment methods that can’t be reversed. Scammers frequently request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. These methods are nearly impossible to trace or recover. Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never demand payment this way.
  • Secure your accounts and devices. Enable two-factor authentication on banking and email accounts. Keep software updated and avoid clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails, even if they appear to come from familiar companies.
  • Watch for warning signs in relationships. If someone you meet online quickly professes love, avoids video calls, and asks for money for an emergency or travel expenses, it is almost certainly a scam. Do not send money or share personal financial details.
  • Report fraud when you see it. Filing a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov helps the agency track new schemes and may aid in stopping repeat offenders. If you believe your identity has been stolen, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan.

Sources

  • ACA International, “FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week,” March 5, 2026.
  • ACA International, “FTC Webinar Highlights Responding to Military Financial Scams,” March 17, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission, consumer protection resources at ftc.gov/consumer.