Don’t Get Tricked: Key Scams to Watch Now and How to Fight Back Every year, scams evolve, and the tactics fraudsters use become more convincing. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shine a light on the latest trends targeting consumers. The goal was clear: to empower people with knowledge before they become victims. ...
A Guide for the Wary: Protecting Yourself During Consumer Protection Week Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations mark National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated effort to arm the public with knowledge against an ever-evolving landscape of scams and fraud. The core message is always the same: an informed consumer is the first line of defense. ...
When a “Gift Card Emergency” Is a Scam in Disguise Attorney General Brian Schwalb recently issued a clear warning to District of Columbia residents: be extremely wary of anyone demanding payment via gift cards. This alert isn’t about a complex cyberattack; it’s about a simple, devastatingly effective trick that continues to drain bank accounts nationwide. While the warning originated in D.C., the advice applies to everyone, everywhere. ...
Essential Consumer Protection Tips for 2026: How to Outsmart Scammers National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), typically held in early March. For 2026, the focus remains sharply on equipping you with the knowledge to recognize, avoid, and report the most pervasive scams threatening your wallet and personal information today. While the specific weekly dates for 2026 are yet to be finalized, the FTC’s consistent advice provides a reliable defense playbook you can use right now. ...
Staying Ahead of Scammers: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Briefing Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics, adapting to new technologies and current events to exploit consumers. Staying informed is your first and best line of defense. A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week shed light on the evolving scam landscape. The briefing provided crucial insights into how scams are changing and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself. ...
Don’t Get Tricked into Paying with a Gift Card: What That Urgent Call Really Means It starts with a call, a text, or an email. The person on the other end sounds official, maybe even threatening. They say you owe money to the IRS, that a family member is in jail, or that your computer has a virus only they can fix. Their solution is always the same: go buy a gift card and read them the numbers. It’s urgent, they insist. It must be done now. ...
What to Do When Scammers Come Knocking: Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming people with the knowledge they need to fight fraud. As we look ahead to NCPW in March 2026, the core message remains urgent: scams are constantly evolving, but a few key principles can help you stay safe. ...
Don’t Get Scammed: How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Fraud It starts with a call, a text, or an email. The person on the other end sounds urgent—maybe they claim to be from the IRS, your utility company, a tech support agent, or even a family member in a sudden crisis. Their demand is always the same: pay them immediately, and pay with a gift card. If you hesitate, they’ll pressure you with threats of arrest, service shut-offs, or permanent consequences. ...
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) pulled back the curtain on the scam tactics causing the most financial harm right now. The landscape is constantly shifting, with fraudsters refining old tricks and exploiting new technologies. The core message from the agency was clear: awareness is your first and most powerful line of defense. By understanding how these scams work, you can spot the red flags before you become a victim. ...
How to Spot and Avoid the Newest Scams Targeting You Today Introduction Staying informed about how scammers operate isn’t just about avoiding annoyance—it’s a critical part of protecting your money, personal information, and peace of mind. Scammers constantly refine their tactics, exploiting new technologies and current events to appear more convincing. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, pulling back the curtain on the latest trends they’re seeing. This article breaks down those key trends into clear, actionable knowledge you can use to shield yourself and your family. ...