Cybersecurity

A Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week How to turn a yearly campaign into lasting online safety habits. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), happens every year, but its importance only grows as scams become more sophisticated. The 2026 campaign is a focused reminder and a toolkit in one. It’s not just a awareness week; it’s a prompt to take specific, concrete actions to protect your finances and personal data. This guide breaks down how you can actually use the FTC’s resources to build a stronger defense against common threats. ...

The FTC’s Latest Warning: Scams Are Evolving, Not Going Away Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar, distilling the latest patterns they’re seeing in consumer complaints into actionable intelligence. The core message is clear: while the classic scam tactics persist, criminals are continuously refining their approaches, making vigilance more important than ever. ...

A Timely Warning: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment via gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal message from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued a consumer alert to warn residents about the persistent threat of gift card fraud. These scams drain millions from consumers annually by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how they work is your first and most powerful line of defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the scam trends that are currently trapping people and draining bank accounts. The takeaway was clear: while the classic cons haven’t disappeared, the tactics have evolved, becoming more personalized and persuasive. ...

Spotting Gift Card Scams: How to Protect Your Money With holiday shopping in full swing and digital payments more common than ever, gift cards have become a convenient go-to. Unfortunately, they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers. In a recent consumer alert issued in December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb warned residents about a persistent wave of gift card scams. The message is a crucial reminder for everyone: no legitimate organization will ever demand payment via gift cards. ...

The Scams That Are Working Right Now: What the FTC Wants You to Know Every year, scams get a little more sophisticated. The vague, poorly written email from a “foreign prince” has largely been replaced by convincing messages that mimic your bank, a government agency, or even a family member in distress. Staying ahead of these threats means understanding the current playbook fraudsters are using. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on arming people with the knowledge to avoid scams and fraud. The theme for NCPW 2026 continues this critical mission, emphasizing practical, up-to-date defenses against the most prevalent consumer threats. ...

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: What the FTC Says About Today’s Scams Keeping up with scammers can feel like a full-time job. Just when you think you’ve learned to spot their tricks, they invent new ones. That’s why the recent insights from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shared during National Consumer Protection Week, are so valuable. They cut through the noise and highlight exactly what fraudsters are doing right now—and more importantly, how you can stop them. ...

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. ...