Fraud Prevention

That Urgent Call for Gift Cards Is a Scam: Here’s How to Protect Yourself Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller ID shows a local number, or perhaps it even spoofs the name of a government agency like the IRS or Social Security Administration. The person on the other end sounds official, even intimidating. They tell you there’s a serious problem—a warrant for your arrest, a frozen bank account, a family member in jail, or a virus on your computer. The solution, they insist, is simple and immediate: go to a store, buy gift cards, and read the card numbers over the phone to resolve the issue. ...

Your Action Plan from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again. While it’s an annual event spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and partners, the core message for 2026 remains critically practical: your daily habits are your first and best defense against fraud. Instead of just raising awareness, this year’s guidance zeroes in on the specific actions you can take to secure your money and identity. Let’s break down what this means for you. ...

Navigating the Comcast Data Breach Settlement: A Step-by-Step Guide for Customers If you’re a Comcast or Xfinity customer, you may be eligible for compensation from a recent multimillion-dollar legal settlement. Following a significant data breach in 2023, Comcast has agreed to establish a $117.5 million settlement fund to resolve a class-action lawsuit. This isn’t just another news item—it’s a direct opportunity for affected individuals to claim benefits and a critical reminder to secure your personal information. ...

The Gift Card Trap: How to Spot a Scam Before You Pay Another urgent alert from a government office lands in the news, warning about a relentless wave of fraud. This time, it’s District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issuing a clear warning to residents about gift card scams. While the alert is local, the threat is universal. These scams have become a favorite tool for criminals, and understanding how they work is your first line of defense. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety Every March, a coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shines a spotlight on the skills and tools we all need to navigate the marketplace safely. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different. While the official events and materials for 2026 are still being finalized, the core mission remains timeless: to arm you with practical knowledge to avoid scams, protect your identity, and secure your hard-earned money. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Staying Safe from Scams Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designates a National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a focused effort to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud, protect their data, and navigate the marketplace safely. For 2026, the theme continues to center on practical, actionable advice. This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about equipping yourself with a few key habits that can save you significant stress and financial loss. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest Official Warning Means for You If you’ve ever purchased a gift card for a birthday or holiday, you understand their convenience. Unfortunately, scammers see them as something else entirely: a perfect, untraceable tool for theft. The prevalence of this fraud has prompted official warnings, including a recent alert from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, urging residents to be vigilant. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting your money. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to spot and avoid scams and unfair business practices. For NCPW 2026, the message remains critically urgent: fraud is evolving, but your defenses can too. This week serves as an annual checkpoint—a reminder to review your habits and leverage free resources to protect your money and identity. ...

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself from Modern Scams: Insights from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud. While the official NCPW 2026 events are scheduled for early March, the advice shared is timeless and critically important. Scammers continuously refine their tactics, but the core principles of protection remain constant: skepticism, secure practices, and knowing how to report problems. ...

How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Guide Based on recent alerts about gift card scams, this article provides clear, practical advice to help consumers recognize warning signs, protect themselves from fraud, and know what to do if targeted. ...