Your Guide to Avoiding Scams: Lessons from National Consumer Protection Week 2026
Every year in early March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) runs National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to remind people how to spot fraud and safeguard their money and identity. This year was no different. But the advice the FTC publishes during that week is not meant to be forgotten once the campaign wraps up. Scams evolve, but the patterns that make them work stay the same. If you missed NCPW 2026 — or just want a refresher you can come back to all year — this guide covers the scams that were hitting hardest in 2026 and the steps you can take right now to protect yourself.
What happened: The top scams of 2025–2026
The FTC’s latest Consumer Sentinel data shows that imposter scams remained the most-reported fraud category in 2025, with losses reported to the agency exceeding $2.7 billion. These are calls, texts, or emails where someone claims to be a government official, a relative in trouble, a tech support agent, or a company you do business with. The goal is always the same: get you to send money or share sensitive information.
Online shopping fraud continued to rise, especially around fake websites and social media ads that look like legitimate stores. Fake check scams also persisted, often used in “mystery shopper” or “car wrap” job offers. Tech support scammers still called people, claiming their computer had a virus and demanding payment to “fix” it. And prize or lottery scams — “You’ve won! Just pay a fee first” — continued to target older adults.
These are not new scams, but their methods change. In 2026, scammers increasingly used AI to imitate voices and generate convincing emails that appear to come from trusted contacts.
Why it matters: Scams happen year-round
One reason NCPW exists is that fraud does not take a holiday. The FTC gets reports every day, and the total reported losses in 2025 were upward of $10 billion, a number that only captures a fraction of actual cases because most go unreported. The emotional and financial damage can be severe, especially for people on fixed incomes or those who are less familiar with common digital tactics.
The good news is that prevention does not require advanced technical skills. It relies on a few straightforward habits that anyone can practice.
What readers can do: Four habits to adopt now
1. Pause before you pay
Scammers create urgency. They want you to act without thinking. Whether it’s a call from “the IRS” threatening arrest or a text saying your Netflix account is about to be canceled, slow down. Do not send money, buy gift cards, or share personal information on the spot. Hang up or ignore the message and verify the claim using a phone number or website you know is real.
2. Verify the contact
If someone calls, texts, or emails out of the blue asking for money or information, do not call them back at the number they gave. Look up the company or agency’s official contact information yourself. For government calls, remember that agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration will never demand payment by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
3. Use secure payment methods
Credit cards offer the strongest fraud protection. Avoid paying by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency to someone you do not know personally. Once that money is sent, it is nearly impossible to recover. When shopping online, make sure the website address starts with “https” and look for reviews outside the site itself.
4. Monitor your accounts regularly
Check bank and credit card statements at least once a month. Set up account alerts for transactions over a certain amount. Free credit reports are available weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see something you do not recognize, report it immediately.
What to do if you are scammed
If you or someone you know falls victim, act quickly.
- Contact your bank or credit card company right away to stop payments or reverse charges.
- Change passwords on any accounts you think may be compromised.
- Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps the agency track patterns and stop scammers.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You can also freeze your credit for free to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
The FTC also offers a detailed recovery plan for identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
Ongoing resources
You do not have to wait for next March. The FTC’s Consumer Advice blog is updated regularly with alerts about emerging scams. You can sign up for scam alerts at ftc.gov/scams. The NCPW materials from 2026 — including a toolkit with social media graphics, tip sheets, and conversation starters — are still available at ftc.gov/ncpw.
If you are tired of telemarketing calls, add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov. It will not stop all unwanted calls, but it reduces them. For those that still get through, hang up and report the number to the FTC.
Final thought
National Consumer Protection Week is a useful reminder, but staying safe from scams is a year-round job. The advice from the FTC is straightforward: slow down, verify, and never let anyone rush you into sending money. If something feels off, trust that feeling. It is better to be cautious than to lose money and peace of mind.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Sentinel Data Book 2025 (reported losses by category)
- FTC NCPW 2026 web page: ftc.gov/ncpw
- FTC Report Fraud page: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FTC Scam Alerts sign-up: ftc.gov/scams