Fraud Prevention

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. ...

A Guide to Today’s Scam Landscape: What the FTC Wants You to Know As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a webinar to shed light on the latest tactics fraudsters are using. While the specific presentation details are in the recording, the consistent message from the FTC is clear: scammers are endlessly adaptable, refining old cons and inventing new ones to exploit current events and our daily habits. ...

Practical Consumer Protection: How to Outsmart Scams in 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a simple but crucial idea: an informed consumer is the first line of defense against fraud. With National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaching, the focus isn’t on a single event, but on building habits that last all year. The most effective protection isn’t a complicated secret; it’s about recognizing common traps and knowing what to do next. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Costing People Millions. Here’s How to Spot Them. If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal warning from consumer protection agencies nationwide. Recently, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert to District residents, reminding them that legitimate organizations—including government agencies, utilities, or tech support—will never ask you to pay a bill, fee, or fine with a gift card. ...