Fraud Prevention

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. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams: Insights for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, as spring approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) kicks off a crucial campaign: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated effort to arm you with the knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital marketplace. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, the FTC is once again highlighting practical advice to help you guard against fraud, scams, and identity theft. ...

What to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns this March, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This annual event is dedicated to arming the public with knowledge and resources to fight fraud and make informed decisions. While the specific themes for NCPW 2026 will be detailed by the FTC closer to the date, the core mission remains constant: to highlight practical strategies for staying safe in an increasingly complex marketplace. ...

A Sudden Call to Pay Your Utility Bill? Here’s Why You Should Hang Up Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller claims to be from your local utility commission or power company. They say your payment is overdue, your service will be disconnected within the hour, and you must pay immediately—usually via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Their tone is urgent, even threatening. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams: Practical Tips from Consumer Protection Week As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 kicks off, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again sounding the alarm on the latest scams targeting everyday people. The annual event isn’t just about awareness; it’s a call to action, providing updated, practical tools to help you guard your money and personal information. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Smarter Consumer Protection and Fraud Prevention Every year in March, consumer advocates, government agencies, and communities come together for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). As we look ahead to 2026, this dedicated week serves as a crucial reminder and a valuable resource hub. It’s an ideal time to reset your personal safety protocols, learn about emerging scams, and understand the tools at your disposal. This article breaks down how you can use NCPW 2026 as a springboard for year-round vigilance. ...

That Utility Bill Call Is Probably a Scam: Here’s What to Do You’re at home when the phone rings. The caller ID might even show the name of your local electric or gas company. The person on the line says your payment is overdue, service will be shut off within the hour, and you must pay immediately. They sound official, even urgent. Before you react, you should know this is almost certainly a scam. This exact scenario is happening right now, prompting official warnings to protect consumers. ...

A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself from Common Scams As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ramps up for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, it’s a timely reminder that scams aren’t just a headline—they’re a daily reality. Every year, this dedicated week aims to spotlight the tools and knowledge consumers need to defend themselves. The goal isn’t to incite fear, but to build confidence through practical, actionable steps you can use right now. ...

Beyond the Headlines: What the FTC’s Latest Scam Alert Really Means for You The digital world offers convenience, but it also provides new avenues for scammers. Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses National Consumer Protection Week to spotlight the most pressing fraud threats. In a recent webinar, the agency distilled millions of consumer reports into a clear picture of the scams you’re most likely to encounter right now. This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about practical awareness. Knowing the playbook is the first step to not becoming a victim. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026. This annual initiative, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just a calendar event—it’s a focused opportunity for consumers to arm themselves against fraud, enhance their privacy, and learn to navigate the marketplace safely. For the next seven days, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups will flood the zone with free resources, live events, and practical advice. The core message is simple: knowledge is your first and best line of defense. ...