FTC’s Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Guide to Spotting Scams and Staying Safe

Every year, the landscape of scams shifts. New schemes emerge, old ones get a digital facelift, and the barrage of deceptive emails, texts, and calls can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), running in early March, is a critical time to pause and reassess your defenses. For 2026, the FTC is once again focusing on arming consumers with practical, up-to-date advice to navigate these threats.

What Happened: A Week Focused on Empowerment

National Consumer Protection Week is an annual campaign led by the FTC, typically held in early March. The goal isn’t to spread fear, but to provide clarity and tools. During NCPW 2026, the agency is highlighting the most prevalent frauds of the moment and reinforcing the fundamental rights every consumer has. The FTC uses this week to release free, plain-language educational materials, host virtual events, and partner with other organizations to amplify a unified message: you have the power to protect yourself, and we’re here to help.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

The core threats aren’t entirely new, but their execution continues to evolve. Understanding the “how” is the first step to building a solid defense. Here are two persistent and damaging scams the FTC consistently warns about:

  • Government and Business Impersonation Scams: A caller, email, or text claims to be from the Social Security Administration, the IRS, a utility company, or even a well-known tech company like Microsoft. They use urgency and fear, saying your account is frozen, you owe back taxes, or your computer has a virus. Their goal is to trick you into handing over money, personal information, or remote access to your device.
  • Online Shopping and Fake Check Scams: You see an incredible deal on a social marketplace or a website that looks almost legitimate. You pay, but the item never arrives, or it’s a cheap counterfeit. In another variation, you’re “overpaid” with a fake check for something you’re selling and asked to wire back the difference before the check bounces, leaving you liable for the full amount.

These scams work because they prey on trust, urgency, and our digital habits. A moment of pressure or distraction can lead to a significant financial loss or identity theft.

What You Can Do: Practical Steps for 2026

Knowledge is your primary shield. Here are actionable steps you can take, inspired by the FTC’s ongoing guidance, to significantly reduce your risk.

  1. Slow Down and Verify. Scammers create urgency. If someone pressures you to act immediately, it’s a major red flag. Hang up or ignore the message. Then, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is genuine—not the contact information provided by the suspicious caller or message.

  2. Fortify Your Accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account that offers it, especially email, banking, and social media. This adds a critical second step to the login process, often a code sent to your phone. Also, use strong, unique passwords for different sites. A password manager can handle this for you.

  3. Make Digital Payments Safely. When buying from individuals online, use payment methods that offer purchase protection, like credit cards or trusted payment services with fraud policies. Be extremely wary of sellers who insist on payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—these are virtually impossible to reverse and are hallmarks of fraud.

  4. Know How to Report. If you encounter a scam, reporting it is a public service. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This data helps the FTC and law enforcement track trends and build cases against scammers. You should also report it to your state attorney general’s office.

  5. Get Involved with NCPW Resources. The FTC’s website has a dedicated section for National Consumer Protection Week. Visit ftc.gov/NCPW to find free articles, videos, and infographics on the latest scams. You can sign up for consumer alerts to get tips delivered directly to your inbox, making safety awareness a year-round habit.

Staying safe isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared. By adopting these practical habits and using the free resources provided by the FTC, you can confidently spot red flags, protect your personal information, and make more informed decisions—during Consumer Protection Week and throughout the entire year.

Sources & Further Reading:

  • FTC Consumer Advice: “Welcome to NCPW 2026”
  • FTC Consumer Advice: “Get ready for NCPW 2026”
  • FTC Consumer Advice: “Start planning for National Consumer Protection Week” (2025 Archive)