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What to Know About National Consumer Protection Week 2026 This week marks the beginning of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. While it may sound like just another awareness event, this annual campaign spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other agencies serves a critical purpose: to arm you with the knowledge to protect your money and identity. Each year, scammers refine their tactics, making consumer education not just helpful but essential. This NCPW, the focus remains on the digital threats that have become a persistent part of daily life. ...

An Official Warning About Gift Card Scams: What You Need to Know A recent consumer alert from the District of Columbia’s Attorney General serves as a stark reminder of a persistent threat. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert specifically warning District residents about the dangers of gift card scams, urging heightened vigilance. This isn’t an isolated issue for one city; it reflects a widespread fraud tactic that continues to trap people across the country. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best line of defense. ...

Beyond the Headlines: Lasting Safety Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every March, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around, spearheaded by agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While the official week is a concentrated burst of awareness, the core advice it promotes is valuable year-round. The goal isn’t just to highlight the problem of scams and fraud; it’s to equip you with durable, practical habits to protect your money, your privacy, and your peace of mind. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: Key Scams to Watch Now and How to Fight Back Every year, scams evolve, and the tactics fraudsters use become more convincing. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shine a light on the latest trends targeting consumers. The goal was clear: to empower people with knowledge before they become victims. ...

A Guide for the Wary: Protecting Yourself During Consumer Protection Week Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations mark National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated effort to arm the public with knowledge against an ever-evolving landscape of scams and fraud. The core message is always the same: an informed consumer is the first line of defense. ...

When a “Gift Card Emergency” Is a Scam in Disguise Attorney General Brian Schwalb recently issued a clear warning to District of Columbia residents: be extremely wary of anyone demanding payment via gift cards. This alert isn’t about a complex cyberattack; it’s about a simple, devastatingly effective trick that continues to drain bank accounts nationwide. While the warning originated in D.C., the advice applies to everyone, everywhere. ...

Essential Consumer Protection Tips for 2026: How to Outsmart Scammers National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), typically held in early March. For 2026, the focus remains sharply on equipping you with the knowledge to recognize, avoid, and report the most pervasive scams threatening your wallet and personal information today. While the specific weekly dates for 2026 are yet to be finalized, the FTC’s consistent advice provides a reliable defense playbook you can use right now. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Briefing Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics, adapting to new technologies and current events to exploit consumers. Staying informed is your first and best line of defense. A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week shed light on the evolving scam landscape. The briefing provided crucial insights into how scams are changing and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself. ...

Don’t Get Tricked into Paying with a Gift Card: What That Urgent Call Really Means It starts with a call, a text, or an email. The person on the other end sounds official, maybe even threatening. They say you owe money to the IRS, that a family member is in jail, or that your computer has a virus only they can fix. Their solution is always the same: go buy a gift card and read them the numbers. It’s urgent, they insist. It must be done now. ...

What to Do When Scammers Come Knocking: Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming people with the knowledge they need to fight fraud. As we look ahead to NCPW in March 2026, the core message remains urgent: scams are constantly evolving, but a few key principles can help you stay safe. ...