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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. ...

Don’t Get Scammed: How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Fraud It starts with a call, a text, or an email. The person on the other end sounds urgent—maybe they claim to be from the IRS, your utility company, a tech support agent, or even a family member in a sudden crisis. Their demand is always the same: pay them immediately, and pay with a gift card. If you hesitate, they’ll pressure you with threats of arrest, service shut-offs, or permanent consequences. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pulled back the curtain on the scam tactics causing the most financial harm right now. The landscape is constantly shifting, with fraudsters refining old tricks and exploiting new technologies. The core message from the agency was clear: awareness is your first and most powerful line of defense. By understanding how these scams work, you can spot the red flags before you become a victim. ...

What to Do When Someone Pretends to Be Your Bank, the Government, or a Loved One Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other consumer protection agencies mark National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated push to share advice that helps people recognize and avoid scams. While the week itself is a useful prompt, the guidance is designed for year-round use. ...

How to Spot and Avoid the Newest Scams Targeting You Today Introduction Staying informed about how scammers operate isn’t just about avoiding annoyance—it’s a critical part of protecting your money, personal information, and peace of mind. Scammers constantly refine their tactics, exploiting new technologies and current events to appear more convincing. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, pulling back the curtain on the latest trends they’re seeing. This article breaks down those key trends into clear, actionable knowledge you can use to shield yourself and your family. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Still a Major Threat. Here’s How to Protect Yourself. If someone official-sounding calls and demands immediate payment via gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. This simple rule is at the heart of a recent consumer alert from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who warned residents about the persistent danger of gift card payment demands. While the warning was localized, the scam it describes is a nationwide epidemic targeting everyone, from students to seniors. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Staying Ahead of Scammers National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns in March 2026, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This annual event is more than a reminder—it’s a coordinated effort to arm the public with knowledge against ever-evolving fraud. As scammers refine their tactics, the guidance from the FTC becomes increasingly critical for everyday financial and digital safety. ...

What You Need to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to highlight the tools and knowledge that can help you defend against scams and fraud. As we approach NCPW 2026, the landscape of threats continues to evolve, but the core principles of staying vigilant and knowing how to respond remain your best defense. ...