Fraud Prevention

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. ...

Don’t Fall for the Fake Utility Inspector: How to Spot a Common Scam Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller ID shows a local or official-looking number. The person on the other end claims to be from your state’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) or a similar regulatory body. They say you have an outstanding bill and that your power will be shut off within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. ...

Your Guide to Spotting Impersonation Scams for National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a government announcement—it’s an annual reminder to pause and check your digital defenses. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is continuing to sound the alarm on a particularly pervasive threat: impersonation scams. These scams, where fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust, have cost consumers billions in recent years and show no sign of slowing down. This NCPW, let’s turn awareness into action by learning how to spot, stop, and report these deceptive schemes. ...

What You Need to Know About Today’s Most Common Scams During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the latest tactics scammers are using. As fraud techniques evolve, staying informed is your first and best defense. This guide distills the key trends from that session into clear, actionable advice to help you protect your money and personal information. ...

Don’t Fall for Fake Utility Calls: A Guide to Protecting Your Money Introduction: The Knock at Your Digital Door It’s a call that can strike fear into any homeowner: a stern voice claiming to be from your electric, gas, or water company, insisting your service will be shut off in minutes unless you make an immediate payment. The pressure is real, but the caller is not. This is a utility impostor scam, a persistent fraud that authorities warn is once again making the rounds. As highlighted in a recent alert from bodies like the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), these criminals are adept at creating a convincing crisis to part you from your money. This guide will help you spot the deception and know exactly how to respond. ...