Consumer Alerts

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Wallet and Well-being If you’ve ever deleted a suspicious text, second-guessed an online shopping site, or wondered if that “bank alert” email was real, you’re already engaged in the daily work of consumer protection. Each March, this individual vigilance is amplified during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). With the FTC announcing the kickoff for NCPW 2026, it’s the perfect moment to turn a week of awareness into a year of smarter habits. ...

That Call or Text Isn’t Apple. Here’s What to Do. You’re working, driving, or just relaxing when your phone buzzes or rings. The caller ID might show “Apple Support” or “Apple Security,” or you get an urgent text warning about a compromised iCloud account or suspicious activity on your Apple ID. The message is clear: you need to act now to prevent your account from being locked or your data from being stolen. ...

Don’t Just Be a Consumer—Be a Protected Consumer: Your 2026 Safety Guide Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to navigate the marketplace safely. As we approach NCPW 2026, the landscape of scams and fraud continues to evolve, making proactive defense more critical than ever. This isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building confidence. Here’s a look at the prevalent risks you should watch for and the practical steps you can take right now to secure your finances and identity. ...

That Unknown Number Could Cost You: Protecting Your iPhone from Scam Calls and Texts It’s become a daily nuisance: your iPhone rings with an unknown number or buzzes with a text from a stranger. While it’s tempting to answer or engage, doing so can open the door to sophisticated scams. Recent consumer alerts, including warnings from sources like AL.com, highlight that fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics to target smartphone users. For iPhone owners, understanding these threats is the first step in staying safe. ...

Your X Account Is Suspended. Here’s Your Action Plan. Seeing the “Account suspended” message when you try to log into X (formerly Twitter) is a jarring experience. Whether it’s a personal profile, a business account, or a creator hub, a suspension cuts off your access to your community, your work, and your digital presence. The process to regain access can feel opaque and frustrating. ...

Your Practical Defense Against Modern Scams It can feel like a new scam emerges every time you check your email or answer the phone. The reality isn’t far off. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, and the advent of powerful, accessible artificial intelligence has given them a dangerous new toolkit. What hasn’t changed is their goal: to bypass your rational thinking and provoke an impulsive action, whether that’s sending money, sharing a password, or clicking a malicious link. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Today’s Sophisticated Scams Scams aren’t what they used to be. The days of easily spotted phishing emails with poor grammar are fading, replaced by highly personalized cons powered by technology and psychological manipulation. Whether it’s a voice that sounds exactly like a distressed family member or a video message that seems unquestionably real, modern fraud is designed to bypass your logical defenses. Protecting yourself requires an updated playbook. ...

Apple’s Warning Is Clear: Don’t Answer These Calls or Texts If your iPhone has lit up recently with a text about a suspicious package or a missed call from a number claiming to be Apple Support, you’re far from alone. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, and companies like Apple are issuing urgent, repeated warnings about a surge in sophisticated phone and text scams. The advice is stark: do not answer, do not call back, and delete these messages immediately. ...

Your Practical Guide to Staying Safe: Insights from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) organizes National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to spotlight the most pressing threats to our wallets and personal information. The advice released for NCPW 2026 cuts through the noise, offering clear, actionable strategies for everyday safety. While the event itself is a coordinated campaign, the guidance it provides is valuable year-round. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to protect yourself from modern scams and fraud. ...

Fraud-Proof Your Future: A Practical Guide to Spotting and Stopping Scams Scammers are getting better at their jobs. While the classic email from a “stranded prince” is easy to spot, today’s fraudsters use sophisticated tools—like AI-generated voices and fake videos—to create a profound sense of urgency and familiarity. The goal is always the same: to manipulate you into handing over money or personal information. The impact goes beyond financial loss; it can leave you feeling violated and distrustful. Protecting yourself is less about technical genius and more about building a few key habits and knowing what to look for. ...