Identity Theft

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. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot and Stop Them Just before the holiday season, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about a surge in gift card scams. The announcement, published on December 15, 2025, serves as a timely reminder for consumers everywhere: these scams are not limited to one jurisdiction. They happen year-round and spike whenever people are shopping or feeling generous. ...

How to Spot a Gift Card Scam: Advice from D.C.’s Attorney General Gift card scams are one of the most common ways fraudsters steal money from consumers. In December 2025, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about these schemes, which continue to evolve in sophistication. Whether you live in Washington, D.C., or elsewhere, understanding how these scams work and what to do if you’re targeted can save you from losing hundreds or thousands of dollars. ...

Your Guide to Avoiding Scams: Lessons from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year in early March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) runs National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to remind people how to spot fraud and safeguard their money and identity. This year was no different. But the advice the FTC publishes during that week is not meant to be forgotten once the campaign wraps up. Scams evolve, but the patterns that make them work stay the same. If you missed NCPW 2026 — or just want a refresher you can come back to all year — this guide covers the scams that were hitting hardest in 2026 and the steps you can take right now to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: Warning Signs and What to Do Scammers have a simple, effective playbook: they ask you to pay with gift cards. It works because gift cards are nearly impossible to trace, and once you hand over the code on the back, the money is gone. In December 2025, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about a surge in these scams. The alert is a good reminder for all of us: gift cards are for gifts, not for paying bills, taxes, or fines. ...

FTC Webinar Reveals Top Scam Trends: What Consumers Need to Know Every year, the Federal Trade Commission hosts a series of webinars during National Consumer Protection Week to share the latest data on fraud and provide practical advice. In March 2026, the FTC presented its most recent scam trends, offering a snapshot of what consumers are facing and how to stay safe. A separate webinar specifically addressed financial scams targeting military members and veterans. Here’s a breakdown of what was covered and what it means for your everyday decisions. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Stay Safe Every year, the Federal Trade Commission runs National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to help people recognize scams and protect their money and personal information. This year marks the 26th annual event, and the FTC has published its usual round of free resources at ftc.gov/ncpw. Whether you have already been targeted by a scam or just want to be more prepared, the advice is straightforward and worth reviewing. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: How to Protect Yourself From Scams Every year, the Federal Trade Commission organizes National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to help people spot, avoid, and report fraud. The 2026 edition ran from March 2 through March 6, but the guidance from the FTC is designed to last far beyond those five days. Whether you missed the event or want to revisit its key messages, the core advice remains relevant throughout the year—and useful for planning ahead for the next NCPW. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Still Everywhere: How to Spot Them and What to Do Introduction If you receive an unexpected phone call demanding payment by gift card, hang up. That is the simplest advice, yet thousands of people lose money to gift card scams every year. The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia recently issued a consumer alert about this persistent fraud. While the warning targets Washington, D.C. residents, the tactics and protections apply to anyone, anywhere. ...