Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) gives the Federal Trade Commission a platform to update the public on the newest fraud tactics. This year’s webinar, held during the first week of March 2026, covered the scams that have been costing consumers the most money and offered clear steps to avoid becoming a victim. If you missed the live session, here is a summary of what was shared and how you can apply it.

What Happened

The FTC’s webinar, covered by ACA International, highlighted several scam categories that have surged over the past year. The agency’s data and enforcement staff walked through the mechanics of each scheme and the demographic groups most often targeted.

Imposter scams remained the most common type reported. Fraudsters pose as government officials (like the Social Security Administration or IRS), tech support representatives, or even family members in distress. They often demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse.

Phishing continues to evolve. Emails and text messages that appear to come from banks, delivery services, or healthcare providers trick people into clicking malicious links or sharing login credentials. The FTC noted that many of these messages now use logos and language lifted from real companies, making them harder to spot.

Cryptocurrency investment scams were also a major focus. Scammers lure victims with promises of guaranteed returns or “exclusive” opportunities. They often push victims to set up crypto wallets and transfer funds, then disappear. The FTC reported that losses in this category have been especially high, with many victims losing life savings.

Separately, a companion webinar addressed military financial scams, which specifically target service members, veterans, and their families. Those scams include fake debt-relief offers, predatory lending, and phishing aimed at military benefits.

Why It Matters

Scams are not just a nuisance—they cause real financial harm. According to the FTC, consumers reported losing billions of dollars in 2025. Imposter and investment scams alone accounted for a significant share. Older adults, military families, and people who are less familiar with digital payment methods are disproportionately affected.

The FTC also emphasized that scam tactics change quickly. Phishing messages now use artificial intelligence to sound more convincing. Imposter scams may spoof official phone numbers so they appear on caller ID as a legitimate agency. Being aware of these trends is the first line of defense.

What Readers Can Do

The FTC provided several concrete recommendations during the webinar. These steps are straightforward and can reduce your risk significantly.

  1. Verify before you act. If someone calls, emails, or texts claiming to be a company or government agency, do not use the contact information they provide. Look up the official number or website yourself and call them directly. Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to pay immediately with a gift card or cryptocurrency.

  2. Never pay with gift cards or wire transfers. Scammers demand these because they are hard to trace and almost never refunded. No legitimate business or government agency will ask for payment this way.

  3. Protect your personal information. Do not share passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details in response to unsolicited requests. Enable multi-factor authentication on important accounts.

  4. Keep software and devices updated. Many phishing attempts rely on vulnerabilities in outdated software. Regular updates patch those holes.

  5. Report scams. If you encounter a fraud attempt, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to track trends and take action against scammers. Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting helps protect others.

  6. Check free resources. The FTC’s website (ftc.gov) has consumer alerts and guides in multiple languages. For military families, the FTC’s military-specific resources are available at ftc.gov/military.

Sources

  • Federal Trade Commission ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • ACA International article covering the FTC’s NCPW webinar (March 2026)
  • FTC webinar on military financial scams (March 2026)

Staying informed is the best way to stay safe. These trends change fast, but the basic rule remains: if an offer or request feels urgent or too good to be true, slow down and verify.