Top Consumer Protection Tips from the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week 2026

Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) runs National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to help Americans stay informed about scams, identity theft, and fraud. This year’s campaign, which ran in early March 2026, provided a fresh set of warnings and practical advice that remain relevant even after the official events ended. If you missed it, here’s a summary of the most important points and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Happened During NCPW 2026

The FTC and its partner organizations hosted webinars, released updated guides, and shared public service announcements focused on the most pressing consumer threats. The agency’s consumer advice page (consumer.ftc.gov) became the hub for these resources. Among the scams highlighted were:

  • AI-powered voice cloning scams. Fraudsters use a short audio clip—often pulled from social media or a voicemail—to mimic a loved one’s voice and call demanding money for an emergency.
  • Fake package delivery texts. You receive a text claiming a package could not be delivered and asking you to click a link to reschedule. The link leads to a phishing site that steals your personal or financial information.
  • Investment fraud (especially cryptocurrency). Scammers promote fake investment opportunities on social media or through unsolicited messages, promising high returns with little risk.
  • Imposter scams. Callers pose as government officials, tech support, or utility company representatives, pressuring you to send money or share sensitive data.

Why It Matters

Scams are not static. As technology evolves, so do the methods criminals use. Voice cloning and text‑based phishing are particularly dangerous because they exploit trust and urgency. According to the FTC’s 2025 Data Book, consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud—a trend that is likely continuing upward. NCPW 2026’s focus on these newer tactics is an attempt to keep the public one step ahead.

Even if you consider yourself scam‑savvy, the sheer variety of schemes means no one is immune. The advice from the FTC is designed for everyone, not just vulnerable populations. And because reporting scams helps the agency track and shut down fraudulent operations, consumer vigilance benefits the entire community.

What Readers Can Do

The FTC’s message boils down to four actionable steps:

  1. Pause and verify. If someone calls claiming to be a family member in distress, hang up and call that person directly on a number you know. Do not trust caller ID alone. For package delivery texts, do not click the link—go to the carrier’s official website and check tracking there.
  2. Protect your personal information. Never share passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial account details over the phone or via unsolicited text. Enable two‑factor authentication on important accounts, and use a password manager.
  3. Research before investing. If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check with your state securities regulator and search the FTC’s consumer alerts for the company name.
  4. Report scams promptly. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file a report. Your information helps law enforcement identify patterns and take action. If you suspect identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.

Free resources from the FTC include:

  • A guide on avoiding voice cloning scams (available at consumer.ftc.gov)
  • Sample scripts for handling unexpected calls or messages
  • Videos explaining how to spot phishing attempts
  • The “Protect Your Identity” toolkit, which includes checklists and sample letters

Sources

Scams aren’t confined to one week of the year. The insights from NCPW 2026 are worth keeping in mind every time you answer an unexpected call, open a text from an unknown number, or come across a too‑good‑to‑be‑true investment. A moment of caution can save you time, money, and stress.