How to Avoid Gift Card Scams: Essential Tips from a Recent Alert In response to an official warning from Attorney General Brian Schwalb, this article breaks down the mechanics of gift card scams, offering clear, actionable advice to help consumers recognize and prevent fraud, based on credible alerts and best practices. ...
Gift Card Scams: What the Latest Official Warning Means for You If you’ve ever purchased a gift card for a birthday or holiday, you understand their convenience. Unfortunately, scammers see them as something else entirely: a perfect, untraceable tool for theft. The prevalence of this fraud has prompted official warnings, including a recent alert from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, urging residents to be vigilant. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting your money. ...
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. ...