Consumer Alerts

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its partners are highlighting a simple, powerful message: your awareness and action are the best defenses against fraud. This week isn’t just about warnings; it’s a coordinated push to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to protect your money and personal information in an increasingly digital world. ...

Your Practical Guide to Scam Prevention: Insights from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designates a National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to sharpen the public’s focus on fraud, scams, and digital safety. With the recent announcement of NCPW 2026, the agency is once again marshaling resources to help consumers navigate an increasingly complex landscape of financial threats. This week isn’t just about awareness; it’s a central hub for actionable defense strategies. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams Right Now During this year’s National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam tactics currently targeting consumers. The session served as a timely alert, emphasizing that while the digital landscape evolves, the core goal of fraudsters remains the same: to trick you out of your money and personal information. By understanding their latest methods, you can build a stronger defense. ...

A Familiar Tactic, A Persistent Threat: What to Know About Gift Card Scams Gift cards are a staple of modern giving and spending. Unfortunately, they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers. The convenience and relative anonymity of gift cards make them an ideal vehicle for fraud, a fact underscored by repeated warnings from consumer protection authorities. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert specifically warning District of Columbia residents about the ongoing prevalence of these schemes. This official notice serves as a critical reminder for everyone to stay vigilant. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026. This annual initiative, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just a calendar event—it’s a focused opportunity for consumers to arm themselves against fraud, enhance their privacy, and learn to navigate the marketplace safely. For the next seven days, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups will flood the zone with free resources, live events, and practical advice. The core message is simple: knowledge is your first and best line of defense. ...

Don’t Fall for the “Shut-Off” Scam: How to Spot a Fake Utility Call You’re at home when the phone rings. The caller ID might even show the name of your local electric company or the state utility commission. The person on the line is urgent and authoritative: your payment is overdue, your service will be disconnected within the hour, and you must pay immediately via a prepaid debit card, wire transfer, or a peer-to-peer payment app to avoid the shutoff. ...

Your Practical Guide for a Safer National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and while it’s a time for education and advocacy, it’s also a reminder of the everyday scams that can target anyone. This year, running from March 1-7, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps to guard your personal information and money. The core message is timeless: an informed consumer is the best defense against fraud. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on helping people understand their rights and avoid scams. While the specific events and partner materials for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the core mission remains constant: to arm consumers with practical knowledge. Based on the FTC’s longstanding priorities and recent alerts, here’s a distillation of the essential, actionable advice you can expect to be central to the conversation next year. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: Your Guide to Spotting Gift Card Scams Imagine getting a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, your utility company, or even tech support. They say you owe money, your service will be cut off, or your computer is infected. The solution? They insist you pay immediately—not with a credit card or bank transfer—but with gift cards. This is the hallmark of a widespread and effective scam. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Practical Playbook for Scam Defense As we head into another year, the tactics scammers use to part us from our money and data grow more sophisticated. That’s why the annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just a calendar event—it’s a timely, focused opportunity to shore up your defenses. ...