What the FTC’s Latest Webinar Reveals About Today’s Scams Each March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) underscored that reminder with a timely webinar, shedding light on the scam trends that are currently tricking consumers and the practical steps everyone can take to stay safe. ...
That Text About an Amazon Recall? It’s Probably a Scam. If you’ve recently gotten a text message claiming a product you bought on Amazon is under recall and needs urgent action, be very careful. Scammers are running a convincing new scheme that impersonates Amazon to exploit a very real consumer fear: product safety. ...
Staying a Step Ahead: Your Guide to a Safer Digital Life in 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide effort to arm people with knowledge against fraud. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, the agency’s early announcements serve as a timely reminder: in our increasingly digital world, an annual check-up on your financial and online defenses is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. ...
Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Each March, a coordinated effort led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) focuses a national spotlight on fraud prevention and consumer rights. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different, serving as a dedicated time to arm yourself with knowledge and tools against an ever-evolving landscape of scams. While the official week provides a focal point, the resources and strategies highlighted are valuable year-round. ...
FTC’s Latest Scam Warning: The Digital Traps You Need to Avoid Now During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cut through the noise to spotlight the scam trends that are currently swindling consumers. Their message was clear: while the core tactics of fraudsters remain constant—pressure, fear, and false promises—the delivery methods are evolving rapidly. For anyone who shops online, manages finances digitally, or simply uses email and text, understanding these trends is the first step to building an effective defense. ...
Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a coordinated effort led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brings together consumer protection agencies and advocacy groups for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, the campaign is already underway, with resources and events designed to arm you with knowledge against an evolving landscape of fraud. The core message remains vital: informed consumers are safer consumers. ...
Why Gift Card Demands Are a Scam: Understanding the Latest Official Alert A gift card is a convenient present, not a legitimate form of payment for bills, taxes, or fines. Yet, this fundamental misunderstanding is exploited by scammers thousands of times a day, leading to devastating, instantaneous financial losses for victims. The persistent danger of these frauds has prompted renewed warnings from consumer protection authorities. ...
The Scams in Your Inbox: What the FTC Says is Trending Now Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to pause and assess the digital threats vying for our attention and money. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to cut through the noise and highlight the specific scam tactics that are proving most effective—and most dangerous—right now. The message was clear: while the classics like phishing haven’t gone away, their delivery has become more sophisticated and harder to distinguish from legitimate communication. ...
Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Staying Safe As we approach another National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) in March 2026, it’s more than just an annual reminder—it’s a crucial call to action. Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other agencies use this week to amplify a vital message: fraud is pervasive, but you are not powerless against it. Scammers refine their tactics constantly, but the fundamental principles of protection remain steady. This guide draws on the ongoing work of the FTC to give you concrete, actionable steps to identify, avoid, and report the scams you’re likely to encounter. ...
That Urgent Gift Card Request? It’s a Trap. If someone contacts you out of the blue and demands payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. There is no legitimate scenario where a government agency, utility company, tech support agent, or family member in distress will require you to pay them with Target, Apple, or Amazon gift cards. Yet, this simple fraud continues to drain millions from consumers every year. ...