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A Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week How to turn a yearly campaign into lasting online safety habits. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), happens every year, but its importance only grows as scams become more sophisticated. The 2026 campaign is a focused reminder and a toolkit in one. It’s not just a awareness week; it’s a prompt to take specific, concrete actions to protect your finances and personal data. This guide breaks down how you can actually use the FTC’s resources to build a stronger defense against common threats. ...

The FTC’s Latest Warning: Scams Are Evolving, Not Going Away Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar, distilling the latest patterns they’re seeing in consumer complaints into actionable intelligence. The core message is clear: while the classic scam tactics persist, criminals are continuously refining their approaches, making vigilance more important than ever. ...

A Timely Warning: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment via gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal message from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued a consumer alert to warn residents about the persistent threat of gift card fraud. These scams drain millions from consumers annually by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how they work is your first and most powerful line of defense. ...

What Scammers Don’t Want You to Know: Timeless Safety Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dedicates a week to arming the public against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) for 2026 is no different, serving as a focused reminder that while technology and tactics change, the principles of self-defense remain constant. It’s a call to action, not for a single week, but for building lasting habits that protect your money and your identity. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the scam trends that are currently trapping people and draining bank accounts. The takeaway was clear: while the classic cons haven’t disappeared, the tactics have evolved, becoming more personalized and persuasive. ...

What the Latest FTC Scam Alert Means for You During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to spotlight the fraud tactics that are currently tricking the most people. While the specific numbers change, the patterns are clear: scammers are refining their approaches, making them harder to spot. The discussion wasn’t just about statistics; it was a direct alert about the specific methods you need to watch for right now. Staying aware of these trends is your first and best line of defense. ...

Spotting Gift Card Scams: How to Protect Your Money With holiday shopping in full swing and digital payments more common than ever, gift cards have become a convenient go-to. Unfortunately, they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers. In a recent consumer alert issued in December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb warned residents about a persistent wave of gift card scams. The message is a crucial reminder for everyone: no legitimate organization will ever demand payment via gift cards. ...

What to Expect from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated campaign to empower people with the knowledge to avoid scams and protect their data. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core mission remains unchanged: to provide clear, actionable advice that helps you navigate an increasingly digital marketplace. While the FTC will unveil specific themes and resources closer to the date, we can anticipate a strong focus on the persistent and evolving threats that cost consumers billions annually. Based on the agency’s consistent messaging in recent years, here’s what you can likely expect and how you can prepare now. ...

The Scams That Are Working Right Now: What the FTC Wants You to Know Every year, scams get a little more sophisticated. The vague, poorly written email from a “foreign prince” has largely been replaced by convincing messages that mimic your bank, a government agency, or even a family member in distress. Staying ahead of these threats means understanding the current playbook fraudsters are using. ...

The FTC Just Warned About These Scams—Here’s What You Need to Know Scammers are relentless, and their tactics constantly evolve. To stay safe, you need to know what they’re up to right now. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar focused on the latest trends in consumer fraud. While the full details of that specific session aren’t publicly published, the agency consistently highlights patterns that are ensnaring people today. Based on their ongoing advisories, here are the current scam types you should be watching for and concrete steps you can take. ...