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Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money wisely. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, it’s an ideal moment to refresh your defenses. Scammers don’t take a break, and their tactics keep evolving. This week serves as a crucial reminder and a resource hub, focusing on practical steps you can take to protect your finances and personal information. ...

When the “Power Company” Calls Demanding Money It starts with a jarring phone call. The caller ID might even look somewhat official. A stern voice informs you that your electricity or gas bill is seriously overdue, and service will be disconnected within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. They sound convincing, pressuring you with urgency and official-sounding jargon. This is the hallmark of a utility imposter scam, a deceptive scheme that preys on the fear of losing essential services. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: How to Shield Yourself from Scams Next week marks an important event for anyone who buys goods, uses services, or simply goes online: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this annual campaign is designed to arm people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and protect their hard-earned money. For NCPW 2026, a central focus is on one of the most pervasive and damaging threats: impersonation scams. ...

A Real Warning About Fake Utility Calls If your phone rings and someone claims to be from the “utility commission” demanding immediate payment to avoid your power being shut off, hang up. It’s a scam. ...

What We Can Learn from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a concerted effort takes place across the United States to empower people against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a time when government agencies, consumer advocates, and businesses come together to share vital information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a lead organizer, uses this week to highlight the most pressing scams and provide the public with clear, actionable defense strategies. While NCPW 2026 is a future event, the guidance it promotes is grounded in enduring threats that are relevant right now. ...

Don’t Fall for the “Immediate Shut-Off” Scam: How to Spot Fake Utility Calls You’re at home, and the phone rings. The caller ID shows something official, maybe even your local power or water company. A stern voice informs you that your payment is dangerously overdue, service will be disconnected within the hour, and the only way to stop it is to make an immediate payment over the phone using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Your heart races. But before you react, you need to know this: it’s almost certainly a scam. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safer: Practical Advice from National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a calendar event. Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) each March, it’s a focused reminder that safeguarding your money and identity requires year-round attention. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core principles of defense remain consistent: being able to spot scams, securing your personal information, and knowing where to turn for help. This week serves as an excellent prompt to review your habits and adopt some practical, proactive steps. ...

Don’t Just Be Aware, Be Prepared: Your Guide to Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the first full week of March marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2026, this week (expected to run from March 1-7) serves as a critical reminder and resource hub for anyone navigating an increasingly complex digital marketplace. It’s less about a single event and more about an annual checkpoint—a time to refresh your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and leverage free government tools designed to shield you from fraud. ...

Your Practical Guide to Outsmarting Scammers National Consumer Protection Week serves as a timely reminder that our personal information and finances face constant threats. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which spearheads this annual campaign, consistently reports that scams are becoming more sophisticated, often starting with a simple, believable message. The goal isn’t to spread fear, but to equip you with clear, actionable defenses against the most common schemes. ...

Don’t Fall for the Fake Utility Inspector: How to Spot a Common Scam Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller ID shows a local or official-looking number. The person on the other end claims to be from your state’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) or a similar regulatory body. They say you have an outstanding bill and that your power will be shut off within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. ...