Top Scam Trends from the FTC’s Latest Webinar — and How to Protect Yourself

Every year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission holds a webinar to brief the public on emerging fraud threats. This year’s session, which took place in early March 2026, focused on several trends that are costing Americans billions. If you missed the event, here is a clear summary of what was discussed and concrete steps you can take now to avoid becoming a victim.

What Happened

The FTC’s 2026 National Consumer Protection Week webinar brought together agency experts and partner organizations to review the most common scams reported over the previous year. Among the key topics were imposter scams, online shopping fraud, phishing attacks, and a specific focus on scams targeting military families.

Imposter scams remain the most frequently reported fraud category. Scammers pose as government agencies (like the Social Security Administration or the IRS), tech support representatives, or even a loved one in distress. They often use phone calls, emails, or text messages that appear legitimate.

Online shopping fraud also continues to grow. Fake websites and social media ads lure consumers with deep discounts on popular items, then either deliver nothing or send counterfeit goods. The FTC noted that these scams often spike around major shopping holidays.

Phishing—attempts to steal personal information through deceptive messages—has become more sophisticated. Scammers now use personalized details gleaned from data breaches or social media profiles to make their requests seem authentic.

A notable portion of the webinar was dedicated to financial scams affecting active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. These scams prey on the unique circumstances of military life—frequent moves, deployment stress, and reliance on benefits. Examples include fake loan offers, fraudulent rental listings near bases, and imposters posing as military relief organizations.

Why It Matters

Consumer fraud is not a minor nuisance; it has real financial and emotional consequences. According to FTC data, consumers reported losing over $10 billion to fraud in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. Military families are especially vulnerable because they may be less familiar with local consumer protections when stationed overseas or moving frequently.

The tactics highlighted in the webinar are not new in concept, but their delivery has evolved. Artificial intelligence tools make phishing emails and scam calls harder to distinguish from genuine communications. A recorded voice can now mimic a relative’s tone, and fake websites can look nearly identical to real storefronts.

Understanding these trends is the first line of defense. The scams succeed because they exploit trust, urgency, and lack of information. Once you know what to look for, you are far less likely to fall for them.

What Readers Can Do

You do not need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Here are actionable steps based on the FTC’s guidance from the webinar.

Recognize the Red Flags

Most scams share common warning signs. Be suspicious if:

  • You receive an unsolicited call, email, or text demanding immediate action.
  • The caller or sender pressures you to pay with a gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.
  • You are told you must “verify” personal information like your Social Security number or bank account.
  • The offer seems too good to be true—free money, a huge discount, or a guaranteed investment return.

Verify Before You Trust

If someone contacts you claiming to be from a company or government agency, hang up and call the official number listed on a trusted website or your account statement. Do not use the phone number provided in the suspicious message. Similarly, before making a purchase from an unfamiliar online store, search for reviews and check if the site has a working phone number and physical address.

Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze is one of the strongest protections against identity theft. It prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit for free at each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and unfreeze it temporarily when you need to apply for credit.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Wherever possible, turn on multi-factor authentication for your email, banking, and social media accounts. This adds a second step—like a code sent to your phone—that makes it much harder for scammers to break in even if they steal your password.

Report Scams Promptly

If you encounter a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps the agency track emerging patterns and take enforcement action. Military families can also report scams to the Defense Department’s military consumer protection resources. If you lost money or had your identity stolen, file a report with your local police and place a fraud alert on your credit file.

Sources

  • FTC webinar materials and press releases from National Consumer Protection Week 2026.
  • ACA International coverage: “FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week” (March 2026).
  • ACA International coverage: “FTC Webinar Highlights Responding to Military Financial Scams” (March 2026).

For the most current scam alerts, visit ftc.gov/scams.