Each year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission holds a webinar to share the latest patterns in fraud. The March 2026 edition was no exception, and the trends it highlighted are worth paying attention to. If you’ve been wondering what kinds of scams are most common right now and how to avoid them, here’s a clear breakdown.

What the FTC Shared

The FTC webinar, co-published by ACA International, focused on three categories of fraud that are currently causing the most harm to consumers across the United States:

1. Imposter scams. These are still the most frequently reported type of fraud. Scammers pretend to be someone you trust—a government official, a tech support agent, or even a romantic interest. They often demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

2. Online shopping scams. Fake websites and phony product listings continue to trick shoppers into paying for items that never arrive. During the holiday season and around major sales events, these reports tend to spike.

3. Investment and cryptocurrency scams. Fraudsters are increasingly promoting fake investment opportunities, often involving cryptocurrency. They promise high returns with little risk, using social media and messaging apps to find victims.

The FTC noted that while these scam types aren’t new, the tactics grow more sophisticated each year. Imposters now use voice-cloning and realistic-looking emails. Fake shopping sites often appear at the top of search results. And crypto scams can be difficult to trace once the money is gone.

The financial losses from these scams are substantial. According to FTC data from previous years, imposter scams alone cost consumers billions. The webinar reinforced that older adults are still disproportionately targeted, but younger people are not immune—especially when it comes to online shopping and investment fraud.

One of the reasons these scams persist is that they exploit emotional reflexes. A fake IRS call creates panic. A too-good-to-be-true deal online triggers excitement. A romance scammer builds genuine trust over weeks or months. Recognizing the pattern is the first line of defense.

What You Can Do

There are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk, regardless of which scam type you encounter.

  • For imposter calls and messages: Hang up. Do not engage. Government agencies and legitimate companies will never demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. If you’re unsure, contact the organization directly using a phone number you know is real.

  • For online shopping: Stick to well-known retailers when possible. Before buying from a new site, search for reviews and complaints. Use a credit card rather than a debit card—you have more protections. If a deal looks suspiciously cheap, it probably is.

  • For investment offers: Be extremely skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those that push urgency. Always verify whether the person and the investment are registered with the SEC or your state securities regulator. If someone guarantees returns, it’s a red flag.

If you or someone you know falls victim, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track trends and can even help recover losses in some cases.

Staying Ahead

Scammers adapt quickly, so staying informed is a continuous effort. The FTC’s webinars and consumer alerts are a reliable source of up-to-date information. You can also sign up for fraud alerts from the FTC or your state consumer protection office.

By understanding what the most common scams look like right now, you can spot them before they do real damage. A moment of caution can save you a lot of trouble.

Sources:

  • Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Protection Webinar, National Consumer Protection Week, March 2026
  • ACA International, “FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends During National Consumer Protection Week,” March 5, 2026