Fraud Prevention

What You Really Need to Know to Avoid Scams in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is gearing up to provide its latest, most relevant guidance. This annual event is more than just a calendar note; it’s a concentrated effort to arm you with the knowledge to protect your money and your identity. The scams of tomorrow are already taking shape today, and being prepared is your first line of defense. ...

Staying Ahead of Scams: Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) serves as a crucial reminder to pause and review our digital and financial defenses. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance continues to spotlight a troubling consistency: the most effective scams are often the oldest tricks, repackaged for new technology. The core lesson remains that vigilance, not technical expertise, is your best defense. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams The landscape of fraud is never static. Scammers constantly refine their tactics, exploiting new technologies and current events to catch people off guard. Staying informed about these evolving threats is one of the most effective forms of self-defense. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to highlight the latest scam trends actively targeting consumers. Understanding these patterns is the first step in protecting yourself and your family. ...

Beyond the Headlines: How “Pig Butchering” Scams Work and How to Protect Yourself Recently, the New York State Attorney General’s office issued a stern warning about a sophisticated and devastating financial fraud known as “pig butchering.” While the alert was directed at New Yorkers, this scam is a global threat that targets anyone with an online presence. The name, derived from the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter, chillingly describes the scammer’s method: they spend weeks or months building trust before stealing everything. ...

Beyond the Headlines: A Practical Guide to Stopping Scams Before They Start Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) serves as a helpful reminder to check our digital defenses. But the truth is, scams don’t take a week off. The persistent threats of impersonation, phishing, and fraud require a year-round mindset. Drawing on the consistent advice from consumer protection agencies, here’s a concrete guide to identifying today’s common tricks and fortifying your personal information. ...

What the FTC’s Latest Webinar Reveals About Today’s Top Scams Introduction Each year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) underscored that mission by hosting a webinar focused on the most pressing scam trends currently affecting consumers. As fraudsters continuously refine their tactics, staying informed is the first step toward protection. Here’s a breakdown of the key threats highlighted and what you can do about them. ...

Don’t Fall for It: The Latest Scams the FTC Warns You About Each March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a critical reminder to stay vigilant against fraud. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to highlight the latest and most pervasive scam trends targeting consumers today. The tactics are evolving, becoming more sophisticated and personalized. Understanding these methods is your first and best line of defense. ...

How to Spot and Stop “Pig Butchering” Scams Before You’re Targeted If you’re active on social media, dating apps, or even professional networking sites, you should be aware of a sophisticated and devastating fraud known as “pig butchering.” The name is as brutal as the crime: scammers “fatten up” a victim with trust and affection before “butchering” them for their money. ...

How to Protect Yourself from Scams: A National Consumer Protection Week Guide As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it’s a perfect time to sharpen your defenses against fraud. This annual initiative, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), focuses on educating and empowering consumers. While official 2026 alerts are still forthcoming, the consistent trends from previous years offer a clear roadmap for the scams you’re most likely to encounter and how to stop them. ...

Your Playbook for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, as March rolls around, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) kicks off National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). This year, it begins on March 2, 2026. It’s a nationwide campaign designed to arm you with the knowledge you need to spot, avoid, and report scams. While it’s a government initiative, the real focus is on you—your wallet, your privacy, and your peace of mind. ...