Fraud Prevention

Scam Alert: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosts a series of events for National Consumer Protection Week. This year, one of the cornerstone events was a public webinar focused on the latest scam trends. While we weren’t in the virtual room ourselves, the key takeaway from their discussion is clear: scammers are constantly refining their tactics, but the core principles of defense remain steady. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) happens every March, and the 2026 campaign from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is focused on a critical mission: arming you with the knowledge to spot, avoid, and report scams. While the official materials highlight the week’s events and partnerships, the core consumer advice remains timeless and urgently practical. The digital landscape is constantly shifting, with scammers refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and anxieties. This year’s focus reinforces that the best defense is a proactive, informed consumer. ...

Latest Scam Trends: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week served as a crucial reminder: scammers never take a break, but their tactics do evolve. In collaboration with partners like ACA International, the FTC highlighted the specific frauds that are currently putting consumers at the greatest risk. Understanding these trends isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical awareness. By knowing what to look for, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

That “Perfect” Online Match Could Be a Financial Trap You meet someone new online. The conversation flows easily. They’re attentive, successful, and share your interests. Over weeks or months, a genuine connection seems to blossom. Then, they mention an exclusive investment opportunity, a “sure thing.” You make a small, successful trade. Encouraged, you invest more. And then, the person—and your money—disappear. ...

Practical Consumer Safety for a Digital World: What to Know in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it serves as a timely reminder that vigilance is a year-round job. Each March, this initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money, data, and identity. With our lives increasingly moving online, the core principles of consumer protection are now deeply intertwined with digital privacy and cybersecurity. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on arming people with the knowledge to avoid fraud and protect their data. The 2026 iteration is no different, serving as a critical yearly checkpoint to refocus on the most pressing threats to your wallet and privacy. While the full slate of events and resources for NCPW 2026 will be detailed on the FTC’s website as the week approaches, the core mission remains constant: providing practical, actionable advice. Here’s a breakdown of the essential themes and strategies you can expect, based on the FTC’s ongoing priorities and past warnings. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Tactics the FTC Wants You to Spot Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted an important webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the latest tricks scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. While scam tactics constantly evolve, the core principles of protection remain the same: knowledge and caution. The session underscored that understanding these emerging trends is the first, most crucial step in defending yourself. ...

An Official Warning: How to Spot Investment Scams on Facebook and Instagram If you use Facebook or Instagram, you’ve likely seen them: posts or messages promoting “guaranteed” investment returns, “risk-free” crypto schemes, or secret trading strategies. These offers are not opportunities—they are often sophisticated traps. Recently, the Maryland Attorney General’s office issued a stark consumer alert highlighting the surge in investment scams specifically on Meta Platforms. This official warning underscores a pressing need for heightened vigilance as scammers refine their tactics to target everyday social media users. ...

Heed the Official Warning: How to Spot Investment Scams on Social Media In early April 2026, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a stark consumer alert, warning the public about a significant rise in fraudulent investment schemes proliferating across Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This official warning underscores a troubling trend: social media, a space for connection, has become a prime hunting ground for financial predators. ...

Your Action Plan for a Safer Year: National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) arrives each spring, serving as a timely reminder to review our digital habits. While it’s a coordinated effort led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with partners, its real value lies in the practical steps it prompts us to take. This year, the focus is squarely on navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape. Rather than just a week of awareness, think of it as your annual check-up for personal data security. ...