Consumer Alerts

National Consumer Protection Week Is Here. Let’s Talk Defense. Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s more than a calendar event; it’s a focused reminder to shore up our defenses against the fraud that costs consumers billions yearly. With NCPW 2026 underway, the FTC has released a suite of advice, highlighting the scams that are particularly active and providing clear steps to fight back. Let’s break down what you need to know and, more importantly, what you can do. ...

Don’t Just Observe National Consumer Protection Week—Use It Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a dedicated time for agencies, advocates, and businesses to share resources that help people guard against scams, fraud, and unfair practices. For the average person, however, it can feel like just another awareness week that comes and goes. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety Every March, a coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shines a spotlight on the skills and tools we all need to navigate the marketplace safely. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different. While the official events and materials for 2026 are still being finalized, the core mission remains timeless: to arm you with practical knowledge to avoid scams, protect your identity, and secure your hard-earned money. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Staying Safe from Scams Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designates a National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a focused effort to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud, protect their data, and navigate the marketplace safely. For 2026, the theme continues to center on practical, actionable advice. This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about equipping yourself with a few key habits that can save you significant stress and financial loss. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest Official Warning Means for You If you’ve ever purchased a gift card for a birthday or holiday, you understand their convenience. Unfortunately, scammers see them as something else entirely: a perfect, untraceable tool for theft. The prevalence of this fraud has prompted official warnings, including a recent alert from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, urging residents to be vigilant. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting your money. ...

When Your iPhone Rings, Should You Answer? You’ve felt that buzz in your pocket. You glance at the screen to see an urgent alert from your “bank,” a call from a local number about a “suspended” account, or a message claiming you’ve won a prize. Your instinct might be to tap or answer immediately, especially if the caller ID looks familiar. But that instinct is exactly what scammers are banking on. ...

iPhone Users: How to Spot and Stop Dangerous Scam Calls and Texts If you own an iPhone, your phone has likely become a magnet for relentless scam attempts. What was once an occasional nuisance has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise. Recent warnings from outlets like AL.com and law enforcement underscore a troubling surge in fraudulent calls and texts specifically designed to trick iPhone users. Falling for one can lead to far more than a moment of frustration—it can result in significant financial loss and identity theft. Understanding how these scams work and what you can do about it is your first line of defense. ...

The Rockstar Games Data Breach: What It Means for You and How to Respond News broke recently that Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, was targeted in a significant cyberattack. The hacker group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating they accessed a vast trove of data and set a ransom deadline of April 14, 2026. While Rockstar has officially confirmed only a “limited amount of non-material company information” was accessed via a third-party breach, the incident highlights a recurring risk for anyone with online accounts. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) happens every March, and the 2026 campaign from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is focused on a critical mission: arming you with the knowledge to spot, avoid, and report scams. While the official materials highlight the week’s events and partnerships, the core consumer advice remains timeless and urgently practical. The digital landscape is constantly shifting, with scammers refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and anxieties. This year’s focus reinforces that the best defense is a proactive, informed consumer. ...

An Official Warning: How to Spot Investment Scams on Facebook and Instagram If you use Facebook or Instagram, you’ve likely seen them: posts or messages promoting “guaranteed” investment returns, “risk-free” crypto schemes, or secret trading strategies. These offers are not opportunities—they are often sophisticated traps. Recently, the Maryland Attorney General’s office issued a stark consumer alert highlighting the surge in investment scams specifically on Meta Platforms. This official warning underscores a pressing need for heightened vigilance as scammers refine their tactics to target everyday social media users. ...