Fraud Prevention

Staying Ahead of Scams in 2026: Practical Advice from the FTC Every year, the tactics used by scammers become a bit more sophisticated. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), scheduled for early March 2026, serves as a timely reminder to refresh our defenses. Rather than just promoting the event, let’s focus on the practical guidance it highlights. Here’s a look at the evolving threats you should watch for and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 For one week each March, a nationwide spotlight shines on a critical issue: keeping your money and identity safe. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just an awareness campaign. It’s a concentrated effort to arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to fight back against scams and fraud. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to understand what this week offers and how you can use its resources to build stronger personal defenses. ...

What to Know About National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a nationwide effort takes place to arm people with the knowledge they need to fight back against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and brings together consumer groups, law enforcement, and government agencies. For 2026, the FTC has officially announced the week’s kickoff, marking another critical opportunity to spotlight the scams targeting people today and the best ways to stay safe. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: The Latest Scam Trends You Need to Know About Every day, scammers refine their tactics, making it harder to tell a legitimate offer from a clever trap. Staying ahead of them requires knowing what to look for. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to highlight the current scam landscape. Their insights provide a crucial snapshot of the most pressing threats targeting consumers today. Let’s break down what they revealed and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

That Urgent Gift Card Request? It’s a Scam. Here’s What to Know. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a public alert warning residents about a persistent and damaging threat: gift card scams. This official warning underscores a simple, brutal fact—no legitimate government agency, utility company, tech support service, or business will ever demand payment via a gift card. Yet, these scams continue to drain bank accounts because they exploit urgency, fear, and a desire to be helpful. ...

How to Use National Consumer Protection Week to Lock Down Your Digital Life Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a focused effort to arm people with the knowledge they need to navigate an increasingly complex marketplace, especially online. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core message remains urgent: proactive defense is your best tool against fraud, identity theft, and digital scams. ...

Don’t Just Be Aware—Be Prepared: Practical Safety Tips for Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) arrives every year with a vital reminder: the landscape of fraud is always shifting. The 2026 observance is a perfect time to move beyond general awareness and adopt specific, practical defenses against the scams you’re most likely to encounter. While new schemes emerge, the core principles of protection remain constant: vigilance, skepticism, and knowing where to turn for help. ...

The Latest Scams Are Getting Sneakier: What the FTC Wants You to Know Scams can feel like a constant, ever-shifting threat. Just when you learn to spot one scheme, another emerges, dressed in new digital clothing. That’s why updates from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the agency shed light on the fraud trends currently tricking the most people. While the exact transcript isn’t public, the FTC consistently reports on the patterns where consumers are losing money and peace of mind. ...

That Urgent Call for Gift Cards? It’s Likely a Scam. If someone calls, texts, or emails demanding immediate payment with a gift card, it’s almost certainly a fraud attempt. This simple warning is at the heart of consumer alerts from authorities across the country. In a recent and typical advisory, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct warning to residents about the enduring threat of gift card scams. ...

Practical Safety Tips from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission to help people understand their consumer rights and avoid scams. While the full agenda for NCPW 2026 is still being finalized, the FTC consistently uses this event to highlight the most pressing digital threats and offer clear, actionable defense strategies. Based on their longstanding focus, here’s what you can expect to learn and how to apply the advice to protect yourself today. ...