Fraud Prevention

NCPW 2026: Key Consumer Alerts and What to Do National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returned in early March 2026, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) once again used the occasion to highlight the scams and frauds that pose the greatest risk to everyday consumers. The week is designed to give people a concentrated dose of practical advice—not just during the event, but all year long. If you missed the alerts, here is a summary of what was emphasized and how you can apply that advice right now. ...

What the FTC’s Latest Webinar Tells Us About Scam Trends in 2026 Every year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission holds webinars to brief the public on the latest fraud data. The 2026 edition, held in early March, focused on three emerging scam categories that consumers need to know about: AI-powered fraud, payment app scams, and schemes specifically targeting military families. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: How to Spot Scams and Protect Yourself National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 runs from March 2 to March 6, and it’s a good time to pause and review how you handle your personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses this week to highlight the most common fraud tactics and provide free resources to help people avoid becoming victims. Whether you’ve been targeted before or just want to stay ahead, the FTC’s advice is straightforward and practical. ...

What Is a Pig Butchering Scam? How to Spot and Avoid This Growing Fraud If you get a friendly text from a wrong number, a compliment on a social media post, or a match on a dating app who seems almost too good to be true, that person may actually be a scammer. Not just any scammer, but one running a long‑term con known as “pig butchering.” In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about the rising tide of these frauds, which have already cost victims in New York millions of dollars. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: What the FTC Wants You to Know National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 took place from March 2 to 6, and the Federal Trade Commission used the annual event to push out its latest fraud prevention guidance. While the week has passed, the advice doesn’t expire. Here’s a practical recap of the most important tips and resources that any consumer can use year-round. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: How to Spot Scams and Protect Your Money National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 started on March 2 and runs through March 6. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses this week each year to draw attention to the most common scams, ways to protect personal information, and steps to take if you’ve been a victim of fraud. If you haven’t had a chance to look through the FTC’s resources yet, you still have time to make use of them—and many of the materials remain available year-round. ...

How to Spot Tech Scams Targeting Seniors (And What to Do About Them) Introduction If you’ve noticed more suspicious phone calls, emails, or pop‑up warnings lately, you’re not imagining it. A recent CBS News report highlighted that fraud cases involving people aged 50 and older are rising sharply, especially scams that use technology to gain trust and access to personal information. Whether you’re a senior yourself or you help a family member with digital tasks, knowing how these scams work—and what to do when they appear—is the best defense. ...

Top Scams Targeting Americans in 2026, According to the FTC During National Consumer Protection Week in March 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar that laid out the most prevalent scams hitting consumers. The data comes from the agency’s Consumer Sentinel Network, which collects millions of fraud reports each year. While the webinar was held several months ago, the trends it highlighted remain active. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just trying to protect your savings, this summary of the top schemes and the steps you can take should help. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest Alert from DC’s Attorney General Means for You Earlier this month, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning residents about a spike in gift card scams. While the alert is specific to the District, the tactics described are used nationwide. If you’ve ever received a call, email, or text demanding payment via a gift card, this warning is worth reading. ...

How Seniors Can Spot and Avoid Tech-Related Scams: A Consumer Alert Recent reports have highlighted a troubling trend: fraud cases targeting people aged 50 and older are on the rise, and scammers are increasingly using technology to reach their victims. A CBS News story published in late April 2026 underscored the urgency of this issue, noting that older Americans are being hit by a wave of high-tech schemes that can be difficult to recognize. This article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to protect yourself or a loved one. ...