What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scams

Every year, scams get a little more sophisticated, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) annual webinar during National Consumer Protection Week is such a valuable resource. This March, the agency highlighted how fraudsters are adapting their tactics, weaving new technology into old schemes to catch people off guard. For the average person, understanding these trends is the first, most crucial step in building a better defense.

While we don’t have the full transcript of the 2026 FTC webinar, their consistent reporting and recent enforcement actions point to several clear, evolving threats that were almost certainly on the agenda. Here are the types of scams experts warn are becoming more prevalent and polished.

  1. The Deepfake Impersonation Scam: Forget poorly written emails from a “prince.” Scammers now use AI-generated audio or video to impersonate someone you know. You might get a frantic video call that looks and sounds exactly like a family member claiming they’re in jail or in an accident and need money wired immediately. The emotional shock and visual “proof” make this incredibly convincing.
  2. Hyper-Personalized Phishing: Generic “Dear Customer” emails are giving way to frighteningly specific messages. Using data from past breaches or scraped from social media, scammers craft emails or texts that reference your recent purchases, your bank, or even a package you’re actually expecting. The link or phone number provided, however, leads straight to a fraudster.
  3. Payment App and “Safe Account” Tricks: As peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App become ubiquitous, so do the scams exploiting them. A common twist is the “bank error” scam, where you’re told a large sum was accidentally deposited into your account. The “bank rep” (the scammer) then instructs you to send the “extra” money back via a payment app to “secure” your account. Once you send it, the original fraudulent deposit is reversed, and you’re out the cash.

How to Shield Yourself: Practical Steps You Can Take Today

Knowing the threat is only half the battle. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from these specific tactics.

  • Verify Through a Separate Channel: If you get a desperate call or message from a loved one asking for money, hang up or ignore the message. Call them directly on a number you know is theirs. If it’s someone claiming to be from your bank, utility company, or a government agency, find the official customer service number on your statement or their legitimate website and call them back yourself. Never use contact information provided in the suspicious message.
  • Slow Down and Scrutinize: Scammers rely on urgency and panic. Whether it’s a threat of a frozen account or a plea for help, take a breath. Look for subtle signs: poor grammar in an otherwise personal message, a slightly “off” email address (like [email protected]), or a caller ID that seems spoofed. A legitimate organization will never demand immediate payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
  • Lock Down Your Payment Apps: Treat your payment apps like your wallet. Enable all available security features: multi-factor authentication, PIN codes for transactions, and notification alerts for every transfer. Remember: transactions on these apps are typically instant and irreversible. Only send money to people you know and trust personally. No legitimate business or government agency will demand payment this way for a fine or service.

If You Spot a Scam or Become a Victim

Your actions can help protect others. If you encounter a scam, even if you didn’t fall for it, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This data is vital for law enforcement to track trends and take action. If you’ve lost money, report it immediately to your bank or payment app, and file a report with the FTC and your local police department. While recovering funds can be difficult, a swift report is your best chance.

The key takeaway from the FTC’s warnings is that vigilance is a habit. Scams evolve, but the core principles of defense remain: verify identities independently, reject high-pressure tactics, and secure your digital accounts. By staying informed and cautious, you make yourself a much harder target.