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FTC Alert: The Latest Scams and How to Protect Yourself The first week of March is designated as National Consumer Protection Week, a time when agencies and advocates focus on educating the public. In line with this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar highlighting the current scam landscape. Their findings reveal that while classic fraud schemes persist, criminals are constantly refining their methods, making it crucial for consumers to stay informed. ...

That Urgent Call About Your Bill? It’s Likely a Scam If your phone rings and the caller ID shows a familiar name—maybe your electric company or water utility—you might naturally feel inclined to answer. The person on the line sounds official, even urgent. They say your service will be disconnected within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. Your heart races. What do you do? ...

The Latest Utility Scam: What to Do When “The Power Company” Calls for Payment If your phone rings and the caller ID shows your local utility company, your first instinct might be to pick up. But be careful: that sense of urgency is exactly what scammers are banking on. Recently, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a clear reminder that serves as a warning for everyone: legitimate utility companies do not make unsolicited calls to demand immediate payment. This isn’t a new scam, but it’s a persistent and convincing one that continues to trap people. ...

Your Practical Guide for a Safer National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and while it’s a time for education and advocacy, it’s also a reminder of the everyday scams that can target anyone. This year, running from March 1-7, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps to guard your personal information and money. The core message is timeless: an informed consumer is the best defense against fraud. ...

Spot and Stop New Scams: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Alert During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shine a light on the most pervasive scams currently targeting consumers. The discussion wasn’t just a list of complaints; it was a detailed analysis of how fraud is evolving. For anyone who shops online, manages finances digitally, or simply uses email and social media, understanding these trends is the first critical step toward protection. Let’s break down what the FTC highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

Putting Fraud on Notice: A Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) happens every March, but its mission is year-round: to arm you with the information you need to spot and stop scams. For NCPW 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is again leading the charge, offering a focused week of resources and reminders. It’s a perfect time to pause, review your personal safety habits, and learn how to better guard your money and identity. ...

How to Spot a Fake Utility Bill Collector Calling Your Phone If your phone rings with an urgent demand to pay a utility bill immediately or face disconnection, take a deep breath before you act. That call is almost certainly a scam. Utility payment scams are a persistent and effective form of fraud, and recent alerts from official bodies like the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) remind us that the threat is ongoing. These scams prey on fear and urgency to trick people into handing over money and personal information. Understanding how they work is your best defense. ...

Staying Safe This Consumer Protection Week: Your Guide to Avoiding Scams Every day, scams become more sophisticated. They arrive as urgent text messages about a missed package, convincing phone calls from a “government agency,” or emotional pleas from a “family member” in trouble. During National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) amplifies its mission to empower people with the knowledge to spot and stop these threats. While the specific events and themes for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the core advice remains timeless and critically important. This isn’t just about a single week of awareness; it’s about building habits that protect your finances and personal information year-round. ...

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in a Gift Card Scam As the holidays approach, many of us are thinking about gifts. Unfortunately, scammers are thinking about them, too—specifically, how to steal from you using gift cards. In a recent consumer alert, Attorney General Brian Schwalb warned District residents about a persistent and costly fraud: gift card scams. These scams rely on pressure, deception, and the irreversible nature of gift card payments to separate people from their money. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

When the “Power Company” Calls, It Might Be a Scam A recent alert from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) delivers a stark reminder: the agency does not call customers out of the blue to demand immediate payment. This warning highlights a persistent and damaging fraud—the utility impostor scam. As these schemes evolve, understanding how they work is your best defense. Let’s break down the tactics scammers use and what you can do to protect yourself. ...