Consumer Security Alerts

What High Satisfaction with Bank Fraud Protection Means for You A recent survey from the American Bankers Association (ABA), conducted by Morning Consult in Fall 2025, points to a notable trend: a strong majority of U.S. consumers report being satisfied with their bank’s efforts to protect them from fraud. On its face, this is encouraging news. It suggests that the significant investments banks have made in security systems, real-time alerts, and customer education are being recognized. ...

Banking on Safety: What Recent Surveys Tell Us About Protecting Your Money A nagging worry for many of us is the security of our bank accounts. We hear stories about sophisticated scams and data breaches, leaving us to wonder: are our financial institutions keeping up? Recent surveys from the banking industry offer a revealing look at both consumer confidence and the ongoing threats, providing a useful roadmap for where we should focus our own security efforts. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Wallet National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and for 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on the scams that are increasingly finding their way into our daily lives. This annual event, which takes place in early March, is more than just a government initiative—it’s a crucial reminder to pause and review the habits that keep our personal information and finances secure. While the specific themes for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the FTC’s consistent focus points to the ongoing threats that demand our attention right now. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Modern Scams Scams aren’t new, but the tools and tactics used by fraudsters are evolving at a breakneck pace. Where once we were wary of poorly written emails, we now face convincing AI-generated voices, deepfake videos, and scams that leverage stolen personal data for hyper-targeted attacks. This constant evolution makes a proactive, informed defense more critical than ever. Protecting yourself isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about building practical habits that make you a harder target. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to spot and avoid scams and unfair business practices. For NCPW 2026, the message remains critically urgent: fraud is evolving, but your defenses can too. This week serves as an annual checkpoint—a reminder to review your habits and leverage free resources to protect your money and identity. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is almost here. This annual event, typically led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other government and consumer advocacy groups, isn’t just a calendar marker—it’s a dedicated time to refocus on the practical skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex marketplace. For the average person, it serves as a critical reminder to audit personal security habits and learn about the latest threats. This year’s theme centers on empowerment through up-to-date information, providing a perfect opportunity to strengthen your defenses against fraud. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot the Lies and Protect Your Money An official warning from the District of Columbia’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, is the latest reminder of a widespread problem: gift card scams are surging. These aren’t sophisticated digital heists; they are simple, high-pressure cons that trick people into willingly handing over their own money. By understanding how these scams work and recognizing the red flags, you can protect yourself and others from significant financial loss. ...

How to Use National Consumer Protection Week to Lock Down Your Digital Life Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a focused effort to arm people with the knowledge they need to navigate an increasingly complex marketplace, especially online. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core message remains urgent: proactive defense is your best tool against fraud, identity theft, and digital scams. ...

When a Call, Text, or Email Demands a Gift Card Payment, It’s a Scam In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct alert to residents: be on high alert for gift card scams. This official warning underscores a persistent and damaging fraud tactic that shows no sign of slowing down. Scammers have perfected the art of using pressure, deception, and the irreversible nature of gift card payments to steal millions from consumers annually. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best line of defense. ...

That Urgent Call for Gift Cards? It’s a Scam. If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding immediate payment with a gift card, stop. You are almost certainly talking to a scammer. This isn’t a new scheme, but it remains devastatingly effective, prompting consumer protection offices like that of District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb to issue renewed warnings to the public. ...