Fraud Prevention

Spot the Scam: The FTC’s Latest Warning on What to Watch For Scammers are relentless, but their tactics aren’t always new—they’re just constantly repackaged to exploit our trust and daily routines. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shed light on the current scam landscape, emphasizing how familiar cons have evolved to catch even the cautious off guard. For anyone who shops online, checks their email, or answers their phone, understanding these trends isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of digital life. ...

A Persistent Threat: Understanding and Avoiding Gift Card Scams In our digital age, gift cards have become a staple of convenience for gifting and personal spending. Unfortunately, their very features—ease of purchase and use—have also made them a top tool for fraudsters. A recent consumer alert issued by the District of Columbia Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, underscores a troubling and ongoing trend: gift card scams remain a highly effective way for criminals to steal money quickly and irreversibly. This warning serves as a critical reminder for all consumers, regardless of location, to sharpen their awareness. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Securing Your Data Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign dedicated to arming people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money safely. As we approach NCPW 2026, the landscape of scams continues to shift, making this annual reminder more crucial than ever. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical empowerment. By understanding the latest tactics and solidifying a few key habits, you can significantly reduce your risk and shop, bank, and browse with greater confidence. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics, making old scams feel new and catching even the vigilant off guard. During National Consumer Protection Week in March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to highlight the latest trends in consumer fraud. Their message was clear: while the goals of scammers remain the same—to steal your money or personal information—their methods are constantly evolving. Understanding these current patterns is your best first line of defense. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than a calendar event; it’s a yearly reminder to check the locks on your digital life. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is again leading the charge, offering clear advice to help you spot scams and shield your finances. As fraud tactics grow more sophisticated, this focused week of awareness in early March provides a crucial opportunity to reset your defenses. ...

Scammers Are Refining Their Playbook: Here’s What the FTC Wants You to Know This past March, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a timely webinar to outline the latest tactics scammers are using to separate people from their money. While the specific details of the 2026 webinar are not fully public, the FTC’s focus during these events consistently zeroes in on the most pervasive and evolving threats. The core message is always the same: awareness is your first and best line of defense. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safer During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to arm people with knowledge against scams and fraud. For 2026, the message remains critically important: a few practical habits can significantly strengthen your defenses. This week isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment through simple, actionable steps you can start using today. ...

The New Face of Fraud: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For Last week, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the most current and pervasive scams targeting consumers. The core message was clear: while the classic schemes haven’t disappeared, the methods scammers use to execute them are becoming more sophisticated, personalized, and difficult to detect. ...

How to Spot and Avoid the Latest Scams Every year, the landscape of fraud shifts. Scammers are relentless innovators, always refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and current events. During the recent National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the most pressing and emerging scam trends affecting people today. This annual focus provides a crucial snapshot of what to watch for. Understanding these patterns isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical defenses. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about them. ...

A Practical Guide to Consumer Protection Beyond the Headlines National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), returns each year as a dedicated time for awareness. But the real value lies in translating that annual reminder into year-round habits. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, it’s a timely moment to move past general warnings and focus on concrete steps you can take to protect your information, your money, and your peace of mind. ...