Fraud Prevention

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. ...

Don’t Get Switched Off: How to Handle Fake Utility Payment Calls Imagine your phone rings. The caller ID might even look somewhat official. The person on the other end claims to be from your electric, gas, or water company, and they say your service will be disconnected within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. Your heart races—this is a serious problem. But before you reach for your credit card, you need to know this is almost certainly a scam. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially kicked off its campaign for early March 2026. This annual event is a coordinated effort between government agencies and consumer advocacy groups, all with one clear goal: to help you protect your money, your privacy, and your identity. While the official week is a focal point, the advice and resources shared are designed to be useful year-round. Let’s break down what this means for you and how you can put these protections into practice. ...

How to Spot Scams and Protect Your Money: A Guide for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), returns in March 2026. While the official events and resources are still taking shape, the core mission remains unchanged: to arm you with the knowledge to avoid fraud and assert your rights. In an era where scams are increasingly sophisticated, taking a week to focus on these skills isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for your financial and digital safety. ...

Don’t Hang Up Just Yet: What to Do When “The Government” Calls Demanding Money Imagine your phone rings. The caller ID might even look somewhat official, and the person on the other end claims to be from a government agency—perhaps your state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the IRS, or Social Security. They say you owe money, and it must be paid immediately to avoid severe penalties, service disconnection, or even arrest. Your heart races. This sounds serious. But before you reach for your wallet, you need to know this is almost certainly a scam. ...

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. ...

That “Urgent” Call from Your Utility Company? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam. If your phone rings with someone claiming to be from the water, power, or gas company demanding immediate payment, your first instinct might be panic. After all, having your service shut off is a serious threat. But before you reach for your wallet or credit card, take a deep breath. That sense of urgency is the scammer’s primary weapon. ...

What to Do During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, scammers refine their tactics, but one event consistently arms consumers with the knowledge to fight back: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), NCPW 2026 is a dedicated time to spotlight practical defenses against fraud, identity theft, and deceptive schemes. It’s not just a public awareness campaign; it’s a call to action to build lasting habits. This year’s focus is on translating official advice into simple, actionable steps you can use long after the week is over. ...

What to Expect from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge to spot scams, protect their data, and navigate the marketplace safely. Based on the agency’s recent announcements, planning for NCPW 2026 is now underway. While the full slate of events and specific themes for 2026 will be detailed closer to the March event, the FTC’s consistent focus provides a clear roadmap for the essential advice consumers can expect. ...

Don’t Fall for Fake Utility Calls: A Simple Guide to Protecting Your Money It’s a stressful scenario many have faced: the phone rings, and an urgent, authoritative voice claims to be from your electric, water, or gas company. They say your payment is overdue, your service will be shut off within the hour, and you must pay immediately to avoid it. Your heart races. But before you reach for your wallet, take a deep breath. There’s a very high chance you’re the target of a utility impersonation scam. ...