Cybersecurity Tips

What to Expect From National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads a nationwide campaign to arm consumers with knowledge against scams, fraud, and identity theft. This campaign is National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While the official dates for NCPW 2026 are not yet finalized, looking at patterns from previous years, we can expect it to be scheduled for early March 2026. The FTC uses this dedicated week to roll out new resources, host events, and spotlight the most pressing threats facing consumers today. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Practical Advice from the FTC for 2026 Every March, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around, serving as a crucial reminder to check the locks on our digital lives. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again leading the charge, offering clear guidance to help everyday people spot, avoid, and report the scams that continue to evolve. This isn’t about fear; it’s about building practical habits that make you a harder target. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics, making old scams feel new and catching even the vigilant off guard. During National Consumer Protection Week in March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to highlight the latest trends in consumer fraud. Their message was clear: while the goals of scammers remain the same—to steal your money or personal information—their methods are constantly evolving. Understanding these current patterns is your best first line of defense. ...

A Practical Guide to Consumer Protection Beyond the Headlines National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), returns each year as a dedicated time for awareness. But the real value lies in translating that annual reminder into year-round habits. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, it’s a timely moment to move past general warnings and focus on concrete steps you can take to protect your information, your money, and your peace of mind. ...

Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026: Practical Advice from the FTC Every year, the tactics used by scammers become a bit more sophisticated. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), scheduled for early March 2026, serves as a timely reminder to refresh our defenses. Rather than just promoting the event, let’s focus on the practical guidance it highlights. Here’s a look at the evolving threats you should watch for and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 For one week each March, a nationwide spotlight shines on a critical issue: keeping your money and identity safe. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just an awareness campaign. It’s a concentrated effort to arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to fight back against scams and fraud. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to understand what this week offers and how you can use its resources to build stronger personal defenses. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams The digital world offers incredible convenience, but it also creates new opportunities for fraudsters. To help the public fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a key webinar during National Consumer Protection Week. The session focused on arming consumers with knowledge about the latest scam trends that are costing people time, money, and peace of mind. Understanding these tactics is the first, most critical step in building your personal defense. ...

A Recent Official Warning Highlights a Simple, Costly Fraud If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it is a scam. Full stop. This isn’t just common sense advice; it’s the core message from an official consumer alert. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a specific warning to District of Columbia residents about the pervasive threat of gift card scams. These schemes continue to drain millions from consumers nationwide by exploiting trust and urgency. ...

Essential Consumer Protection Tips for 2026: How to Outsmart Scammers National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), typically held in early March. For 2026, the focus remains sharply on equipping you with the knowledge to recognize, avoid, and report the most pervasive scams threatening your wallet and personal information today. While the specific weekly dates for 2026 are yet to be finalized, the FTC’s consistent advice provides a reliable defense playbook you can use right now. ...

Don’t Get Scammed: How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Fraud It starts with a call, a text, or an email. The person on the other end sounds urgent—maybe they claim to be from the IRS, your utility company, a tech support agent, or even a family member in a sudden crisis. Their demand is always the same: pay them immediately, and pay with a gift card. If you hesitate, they’ll pressure you with threats of arrest, service shut-offs, or permanent consequences. ...