Fraud Prevention

The Latest Scams Are More Convincing Than Ever. Here’s What You Need to Know. Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the fraud tactics that are currently costing people the most money and causing the most harm. The key takeaway? Scammers are refining their methods, leveraging technology and current events to create more personalized and persuasive cons. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe During Consumer Protection Week 2026 It’s that time of year again. As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is kicking off its annual campaign to arm the public with knowledge. This coordinated effort, which runs from March 1-7, is more than just a reminder—it’s a focused push to educate people on the specific scams that are costing victims billions each year. The core message is simple but vital: awareness and a few key habits are your best defense. ...

The Gift Card Trap: What to Do When a Stranger Asks for Payment in Pixels If someone you don’t know—or even someone you think you know—asks you to pay them with a gift card, stop. That’s the core message from a recent consumer alert by Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and it’s advice that applies to everyone, everywhere. These scams aren’t new, but they remain devastatingly effective, tricking people out of millions each year by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Practical Advice from the FTC Staying ahead of scammers can feel like a full-time job. Just as you learn to dodge one scheme, a new, more convincing one pops up. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provided a valuable update during National Consumer Protection Week, highlighting the scam trends that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. Here’s a breakdown of what they reported and, more importantly, the practical steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

Make Your Security a Priority: Practical Advice from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated campaign to empower people with knowledge against fraud. For NCPW 2026, the focus remains sharply on the scams flooding our inboxes, phones, and social media feeds. It’s more than a reminder; it’s a yearly call to action to sharpen your defenses. This week serves as a perfect opportunity to pause, review your habits, and adopt the straightforward strategies that experts agree are most effective. ...

The New Scams You Need to Watch For This Year Every year, scam artists refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. During this year’s National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a critical webinar to shed light on the most pressing fraud trends emerging in 2026. The goal was simple: to arm consumers with the knowledge to recognize and stop these threats before they cause harm. ...

FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends: What You Need to Know The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, focusing on the latest and most pervasive scam trends affecting consumers. This annual event serves as a crucial reminder that fraud tactics are constantly evolving, and staying informed is your first line of defense. ...

Philadelphia Courts’ Fraud Alert: How to Spot and Stop a Fake Texting Scam In March 2026, the Philadelphia Courts took the unusual step of issuing a formal, statewide consumer fraud alert. The warning centers on a surge in sophisticated texting scams where criminals impersonate court officials or other government entities. This isn’t just a local Pennsylvania issue; it’s a blueprint for a type of fraud that is becoming increasingly common everywhere. Understanding how this scam works is your first and best defense. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Practical Guide to the FTC’s Advice As we approach early March 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again preparing to lead National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). This annual event serves as a crucial, concentrated effort to empower people with the knowledge they need to guard against scams and fraud. The FTC’s published advice for NCPW 2026 provides a timely roadmap for consumers, small business owners, and anyone looking to strengthen their financial defenses. This guide breaks down that advice into practical, actionable steps. ...

FTC Exposes Latest Scam Threats: How to Protect Yourself Now Introduction Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sharpened that focus with a timely webinar highlighting the latest scam trends. As fraudsters refine their tactics, understanding these evolving threats is the first step toward safeguarding your money and personal information. This guide breaks down the key trends identified by the nation’s top consumer protection agency and provides concrete steps you can take today. ...