Digital-Safety

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself from Modern Scams: Insights from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud. While the official NCPW 2026 events are scheduled for early March, the advice shared is timeless and critically important. Scammers continuously refine their tactics, but the core principles of protection remain constant: skepticism, secure practices, and knowing how to report problems. ...

How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Guide Based on recent alerts about gift card scams, this article provides clear, practical advice to help consumers recognize warning signs, protect themselves from fraud, and know what to do if targeted. ...

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Advice Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud and privacy threats. The guidance for NCPW 2026 is now available, offering a timely update on the tactics scammers are using and the essential steps you can take to defend yourself. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical awareness. By understanding the current landscape, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. ...

iPhone Users: How to Spot and Stop Dangerous Scam Calls and Texts If you own an iPhone, your phone has likely become a magnet for relentless scam attempts. What was once an occasional nuisance has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise. Recent warnings from outlets like AL.com and law enforcement underscore a troubling surge in fraudulent calls and texts specifically designed to trick iPhone users. Falling for one can lead to far more than a moment of frustration—it can result in significant financial loss and identity theft. Understanding how these scams work and what you can do about it is your first line of defense. ...

Beyond the Headlines: Your 2026 Guide to Outsmarting Scams National Consumer Protection Week comes around every year, but the scams it aims to combat never stand still. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gears up for NCPW 2026, their focus isn’t just on raising awareness—it’s on equipping you with defenses against the latest tricks. The landscape is always shifting, but the core principles of vigilance and proactive protection remain your best shield. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spot Scams and Secure Your Data Every year, scam artists refine their tactics, and every year, consumers need to sharpen their defenses. That’s the core idea behind National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), an annual campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the focus remains steadfast on equipping you with practical knowledge to navigate an increasingly digital marketplace safely. This isn’t about fear; it’s about building simple, effective habits that protect your money, your identity, and your privacy. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Each March, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around as a timely reminder to check the locks on our digital lives. For 2026, the focus remains sharply on the evolving threats that target our wallets and personal information. While spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the real power of the week lies in the practical steps every individual can take. It’s less about a single institution and more about equipping yourself with the knowledge to recognize scams, stop fraud, and protect your privacy. ...

Practical Consumer Safety for a Digital World: What to Know in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it serves as a timely reminder that vigilance is a year-round job. Each March, this initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money, data, and identity. With our lives increasingly moving online, the core principles of consumer protection are now deeply intertwined with digital privacy and cybersecurity. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Tactics the FTC Wants You to Spot Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted an important webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the latest tricks scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. While scam tactics constantly evolve, the core principles of protection remain the same: knowledge and caution. The session underscored that understanding these emerging trends is the first, most crucial step in defending yourself. ...

An Official Warning: How to Spot Investment Scams on Facebook and Instagram If you use Facebook or Instagram, you’ve likely seen them: posts or messages promoting “guaranteed” investment returns, “risk-free” crypto schemes, or secret trading strategies. These offers are not opportunities—they are often sophisticated traps. Recently, the Maryland Attorney General’s office issued a stark consumer alert highlighting the surge in investment scams specifically on Meta Platforms. This official warning underscores a pressing need for heightened vigilance as scammers refine their tactics to target everyday social media users. ...