Fraud Prevention

When the “Utility Company” Calls Demanding Payment, Hang Up Imagine it’s a busy afternoon, and your phone rings. The caller ID shows a local number or even one that looks vaguely official. The person on the other end claims to be from your electric, gas, or water company. They say your payment is dangerously overdue, and if you don’t pay immediately—within the hour—your service will be shut off. They may sound professional, even citing your address or a partial account number to seem legitimate. The pressure is intense, and the demand for payment via a specific method is urgent. ...

National Consumer Protection Week: What You Need to Know for 2026 Every March, a coordinated effort across the United States turns the spotlight on fraud prevention. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a time when government agencies, consumer advocates, and businesses unite to share crucial information on how to spot, avoid, and report scams. With the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leading the charge, the 2026 campaign is shaping up to focus on some of today’s most pervasive threats. ...

Spot and Stop Fake Utility Payment Demands: A Scam Prevention Guide A phone call interrupts your day. The caller insists they’re from your electric or water company, stating your service will be shut off within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. The pressure is intense, and the threat feels real. This is the hallmark of a utility payment scam, and it’s a growing problem. Recently, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a stark reminder to consumers: it does not make unsolicited calls to demand payment. This alert underscores a critical safety message for everyone: you must be able to distinguish between a legitimate call and a sophisticated fraud. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money wisely. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, it’s an ideal moment to refresh your defenses. Scammers don’t take a break, and their tactics keep evolving. This week serves as a crucial reminder and a resource hub, focusing on practical steps you can take to protect your finances and personal information. ...

When the “Power Company” Calls Demanding Money It starts with a jarring phone call. The caller ID might even look somewhat official. A stern voice informs you that your electricity or gas bill is seriously overdue, and service will be disconnected within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. They sound convincing, pressuring you with urgency and official-sounding jargon. This is the hallmark of a utility imposter scam, a deceptive scheme that preys on the fear of losing essential services. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: How to Shield Yourself from Scams Next week marks an important event for anyone who buys goods, uses services, or simply goes online: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this annual campaign is designed to arm people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and protect their hard-earned money. For NCPW 2026, a central focus is on one of the most pervasive and damaging threats: impersonation scams. ...

What We Can Learn from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a concerted effort takes place across the United States to empower people against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a time when government agencies, consumer advocates, and businesses come together to share vital information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a lead organizer, uses this week to highlight the most pressing scams and provide the public with clear, actionable defense strategies. While NCPW 2026 is a future event, the guidance it promotes is grounded in enduring threats that are relevant right now. ...

Don’t Fall for the “Immediate Shut-Off” Scam: How to Spot Fake Utility Calls You’re at home, and the phone rings. The caller ID shows something official, maybe even your local power or water company. A stern voice informs you that your payment is dangerously overdue, service will be disconnected within the hour, and the only way to stop it is to make an immediate payment over the phone using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Your heart races. But before you react, you need to know this: it’s almost certainly a scam. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safer: Practical Advice from National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a calendar event. Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) each March, it’s a focused reminder that safeguarding your money and identity requires year-round attention. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core principles of defense remain consistent: being able to spot scams, securing your personal information, and knowing where to turn for help. This week serves as an excellent prompt to review your habits and adopt some practical, proactive steps. ...

Don’t Just Be Aware, Be Prepared: Your Guide to Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the first full week of March marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2026, this week (expected to run from March 1-7) serves as a critical reminder and resource hub for anyone navigating an increasingly complex digital marketplace. It’s less about a single event and more about an annual checkpoint—a time to refresh your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and leverage free government tools designed to shield you from fraud. ...