Cybersecurity

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. ...

What to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns this March, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This annual event is dedicated to arming the public with knowledge and resources to fight fraud and make informed decisions. While the specific themes for NCPW 2026 will be detailed by the FTC closer to the date, the core mission remains constant: to highlight practical strategies for staying safe in an increasingly complex marketplace. ...

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. ...

The Utility Payment Scam: Don’t Let a Fake “Final Notice” Shake You It’s a familiar scenario for many: the phone rings, and someone claims to be from your local power, water, or gas company. They say your payment is overdue, that service will be disconnected within the hour, and that you must pay immediately to keep the lights on. The pressure is intense, and the demand is urgent. ...

FTC Alert: The Latest Scams and How to Protect Yourself The first week of March is designated as National Consumer Protection Week, a time when agencies and advocates focus on educating the public. In line with this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar highlighting the current scam landscape. Their findings reveal that while classic fraud schemes persist, criminals are constantly refining their methods, making it crucial for consumers to stay informed. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Early Guide to Staying Safe The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially announced National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) for 2026. This annual event serves as a critical reminder and resource hub, uniting government agencies and consumer advocacy groups to educate the public on avoiding scams, protecting privacy, and exercising their rights. While the full slate of events and materials for 2026 is still being developed, now is the perfect time to get informed and build your defenses. Proactive awareness is your best tool against fraud. ...

A Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 As March approaches, you might start seeing reminders for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. This annual event, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), isn’t just a ceremonial calendar note. It’s a concentrated, nationwide effort to arm people with the knowledge and tools they need to defend their wallets and personal information. For anyone who shops online, pays bills, or simply uses digital services, this week serves as a critical checkpoint for your financial health. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: Key Lessons from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a focused effort emerges to help us defend our wallets and personal data: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is again at the forefront, providing crucial advice to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. This week is more than a reminder—it’s a toolkit. By understanding the prevailing threats and adopting a few key habits, you can build resilience against fraud that lasts all 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. ...