FTC

Social media scams cost Americans billions: How to spot and stop them Americans lost an estimated $2.4 billion to scams in 2024, with older adults bearing the brunt, according to the Federal Trade Commission. A growing share of that fraud starts on social media, where scammers no longer rely on clumsy messages or grainy photos. AI tools now let them generate realistic profiles, voices, and videos, making deception easier than ever. ...

Social Media Scams Cost Americans Billions: Here’s How to Protect Yourself Fraud has increasingly moved from email inboxes to social feeds. According to the Federal Trade Commission, older Americans alone lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024, much of it originating on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These platforms have become the top vector for fraud because scammers can create fake profiles and ads quickly, often bypassing automated checks. While platforms have added reporting tools, users still need to take their own precautions. Below is a breakdown of the most common schemes and practical steps you can take to avoid losing money or personal data. ...

Social media scams are booming: How to spot them before you lose money If you’ve ever scrolled past a too-good-to-be-true deal on Facebook Marketplace, clicked a link in an Instagram DM promising a free gift card, or been tempted by a TikTok ad for a viral product at a steep discount, you’re not alone. Scammers have moved aggressively onto social media, and the losses are staggering. ...

How to spot and avoid social media scams: What’s behind the billions in losses Intro Scammers have found a new home for their operations: your social media feed. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024, and for the first time, social media was the most common way scammers initiated contact. What used to happen over the phone or through email has now moved to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. The scale is staggering, and the trend is accelerating. For everyday users—especially those who may not be as familiar with the warning signs—the risk is real and growing. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Money In mid-December 2025, Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about a surge in gift card scams. The notice highlighted a pattern that law enforcement agencies across the country have been tracking for years: fraudsters impersonating government officials, utility companies, or tech support agents who demand payment in the form of gift card codes. While the alert was directed at D.C. consumers, the advice applies to anyone who shops online or has ever received a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a well-known retailer. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Practical Advice to Avoid Scams and Fraud Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a coalition of government agencies, advocacy groups, and businesses run National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). The 2026 edition took place March 2–6, and its goal was straightforward: give people the tools to recognize, avoid, and report fraud, identity theft, and other consumer scams. Even though the week itself has passed, the guidance remains timely. Here’s a look at what was covered and how you can apply the advice year-round. ...

Top Scam Trends the FTC Wants You to Know About Right Now Every year during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission shares its latest findings on what frauds are costing Americans the most money and which tactics are spreading fastest. This year’s webinar, held in early March 2026, highlighted several scam types that continue to evolve and grow. Here is a practical summary of the trends that matter most to consumers, along with steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim. ...

Don’t Let Scammers Win: Essential Tips from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission shared during that week is worth keeping at hand all year. Whether you missed the live webinars or just want a clear summary of the most practical steps, here’s what you need to know to spot scams, protect your identity, and know what to do if something goes wrong. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Avoid Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — a campaign that brings together government agencies, consumer groups, and businesses to spread practical advice on preventing fraud and safeguarding personal information. The 2026 edition offered a clear set of recommendations that are worth revisiting long after the week ends. If you missed the campaign, or simply want a refresher, here is a concise summary of what the FTC highlighted and how you can apply those lessons year-round. ...

Top Consumer Protection Tips from the FTC’s 2026 National Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dedicates the first full week of March to helping people avoid scams, protect their personal information, and know their rights as consumers. National Consumer Protection Week 2026 ran from March 1 to 7, and the FTC published a series of practical articles aimed at everyday consumers. If you missed the campaign or just want a quick recap, here are the most actionable takeaways from this year’s advice. ...