Identity Theft

The Latest Scams Are More Convincing Than Ever. Here’s What You Need to Know. Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the fraud tactics that are currently costing people the most money and causing the most harm. The key takeaway? Scammers are refining their methods, leveraging technology and current events to create more personalized and persuasive cons. ...

Heed the Warning: Practical Steps to Shield Yourself from Rising Consumer Fraud Recent warnings from court systems, like the statewide consumer fraud alert issued by the Philadelphia Courts, serve as a critical reminder: scams are pervasive, evolving, and targeting everyone. These alerts aren’t just bureaucratic notices; they are a direct signal that fraudsters are actively exploiting current events, new technologies, and our daily habits. While the specifics of any single alert are important locally, the underlying message is universal. It’s time to reinforce your personal defenses. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe During Consumer Protection Week 2026 It’s that time of year again. As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is kicking off its annual campaign to arm the public with knowledge. This coordinated effort, which runs from March 1-7, is more than just a reminder—it’s a focused push to educate people on the specific scams that are costing victims billions each year. The core message is simple but vital: awareness and a few key habits are your best defense. ...

National Consumer Protection Week Is Here: Let’s Talk About Scams Every March, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around, and in 2026 it runs from March 2nd to the 8th. For many, it might just be a note on the calendar. But for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other consumer watchdogs, this week is a crucial, focused effort to turn awareness into action. The theme is simple but powerful: talk about scams. ...

The Gift Card Trap: What to Do When a Stranger Asks for Payment in Pixels If someone you don’t know—or even someone you think you know—asks you to pay them with a gift card, stop. That’s the core message from a recent consumer alert by Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and it’s advice that applies to everyone, everywhere. These scams aren’t new, but they remain devastatingly effective, tricking people out of millions each year by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how they work is your first and best defense. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Practical Advice from the FTC Staying ahead of scammers can feel like a full-time job. Just as you learn to dodge one scheme, a new, more convincing one pops up. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provided a valuable update during National Consumer Protection Week, highlighting the scam trends that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. Here’s a breakdown of what they reported and, more importantly, the practical steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

Make Your Security a Priority: Practical Advice from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated campaign to empower people with knowledge against fraud. For NCPW 2026, the focus remains sharply on the scams flooding our inboxes, phones, and social media feeds. It’s more than a reminder; it’s a yearly call to action to sharpen your defenses. This week serves as a perfect opportunity to pause, review your habits, and adopt the straightforward strategies that experts agree are most effective. ...

The New Scams You Need to Watch For This Year Every year, scam artists refine their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. During this year’s National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a critical webinar to shed light on the most pressing fraud trends emerging in 2026. The goal was simple: to arm consumers with the knowledge to recognize and stop these threats before they cause harm. ...

Consumer Defense 2026: Sharpening Your Scam Radar for National Consumer Protection Week Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a focused campaign to educate and empower people against fraud. As we enter NCPW 2026, the landscape of scams is not static; it evolves with technology and current events. This week serves as a crucial reminder to review your defenses, understand the latest tricks, and know exactly where to turn for help. ...

FTC Webinar Highlights Latest Scam Trends: What You Need to Know The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, focusing on the latest and most pervasive scam trends affecting consumers. This annual event serves as a crucial reminder that fraud tactics are constantly evolving, and staying informed is your first line of defense. ...