Digital Safety

Your Guide to the FTC’s Consumer Protection Blueprint for 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a focused campaign to arm the public against fraud. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, the agency has begun rolling out its annual consumer advice, distilling lessons from millions of fraud reports into actionable guidance. This isn’t about fear; it’s about building practical defenses for your digital and financial life. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Realistic Guide to Scams in 2026 It starts with a call. The voice, perhaps sounding eerily like a family member, is panicked and needs money now. Or maybe it’s an email from your “bank” about suspicious activity, complete with official logos. The message is urgent, the pressure is real, and in that moment of stress, even the savviest among us can make a costly mistake. ...

What to Know as National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Approaches Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to arm the public with knowledge against scams, fraud, and privacy threats. With NCPW 2026 scheduled for March 1-7, the agency is already gearing up to provide resources and guidance. This annual focus is more than a calendar event; it’s a concentrated effort to highlight the practical steps anyone can take to safeguard their money and personal information in an increasingly digital world. ...

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. ...

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. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Action Plan Against Scams This March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will once again spotlight National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While a dedicated week raises awareness, the threats it highlights—evolving scams and fraud—are a year-round concern. The core message remains crucial: staying safe requires consistent, informed habits. ...

A Practical Guide to Recognizing, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams Scammers are no longer just sending poorly written emails from foreign princes. Today’s fraud is sophisticated, psychologically manipulative, and increasingly powered by artificial intelligence. It targets everyone, exploiting trust and urgency to steal money and identities. The good news is that by understanding the tactics and having a clear plan, you can significantly reduce your risk and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 You don’t need a special week on the calendar to be targeted by a scammer, but having one certainly helps sharpen our defenses. That’s the core idea behind National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially kicks off NCPW 2026 in early March, the advice and resources it highlights are crucial year-round for anyone navigating today’s digital marketplace. ...