Fraud Prevention

Practical Ways to Stop Scammers: Lessons from FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW): the best defense against fraud is a well-informed public. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core message remains urgent. Scammers are endlessly adaptable, but the foundational principles for protecting yourself don’t have to be complex. ...

Attorney General’s Warning: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. This is the straightforward warning from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who issued a recent consumer alert highlighting a surge in these fraudulent schemes. While the alert is aimed at D.C. residents, the threat is national. Gift card scams drain millions from consumers annually by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Spotting the Scams the FTC Says Are Circulating Now Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the latest scam tactics actively targeting people. The core message is clear: while the themes of fraud remain consistent—pressure, deception, and urgency—the delivery methods are constantly evolving. Staying informed isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of protecting your money and personal information. ...

National Consumer Protection Week is Coming: Here’s How to Use It to Fortify Your Finances Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) offers a timely, government-backed reminder to review our defenses against fraud. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, it’s the perfect moment to move beyond awareness and into action. This isn’t about fear; it’s about building simple, effective habits that protect your money and your identity year-round. Let’s explore how you can use this annual event as a catalyst for your personal security. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Tactics Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public webinar to shine a light on the scam trends that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. While the specific tactics evolve, the core goal of fraudsters remains the same: to create a sense of urgency, trust, or fear that overrides our better judgment. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Straight Advice from the FTC March marks the arrival of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), an annual event led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other federal and state agencies. For 2026, the campaign’s core message remains vital: equipping you with the knowledge to spot scams, protect your data, and make informed decisions. It’s a dedicated time to pause and review your personal safety habits in a digital world that grows more complex each year. ...

The Latest Scams and How to Spot Them: Key Takeaways from the FTC Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, making it harder than ever to distinguish a legitimate offer from a sophisticated fraud. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the evolving landscape of consumer scams, emphasizing that awareness is the first line of defense. While the details of every emerging scheme shift, the core principles of protection remain grounded in vigilance and skepticism. ...

How to Recognize and Avoid Gift Card Scams Gift cards are a convenient way to give a present or make a purchase, but their very convenience has made them a top tool for scammers. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning District of Columbia residents about the sharp rise in fraud involving gift cards. The core warning is universal: legitimate organizations and government agencies will never demand payment via gift card. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting yourself and your money. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shed light on the scam tactics that are currently separating Americans from their money. Their key message? While the platforms and specific stories change, the psychological tricks scammers use remain constant. They rely on creating a sense of urgency, exploiting trust, and pressuring you to act before you think. Understanding the most prevalent trends is your first line of defense. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spot Scams and Secure Your Data Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with knowledge against fraud and scams. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, typically scheduled for early March, it’s an ideal moment to focus on the latest threats and the practical tools available to fight them. This week is more than just an awareness campaign; it’s a centralized source of actionable advice from the nation’s primary consumer protection agency. Let’s break down what you can expect and, more importantly, how you can use these resources to build a stronger defense for your finances and personal information. ...