Identity Theft

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do Right Now Introduction Gift cards make convenient presents, but scammers have turned them into one of the most widely used payment methods for fraud. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning Washington D.C. residents about the persistent threat of gift card scams. The official notice reminds consumers that no legitimate government agency, business, or utility company will ever demand payment in the form of gift cards. If you encounter such a request, it’s almost certainly a scam. ...

NCPW 2026: What to Keep from the Campaign After the Week Is Over National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission promoted during that week is meant to last all year. If you missed the campaign or only caught parts of it, here’s a rundown of what was covered and—more importantly—what you can still do with that information today. ...

Latest Scam Trends From the FTC: What You Need to Know Now National Consumer Protection Week came and went in early March, but the information shared during the Federal Trade Commission’s webinars remains relevant. Scammers don’t take breaks, and the tactics they use keep shifting. If you missed the FTC’s briefings, here’s a summary of the key scam trends they highlighted and what you can do to protect yourself. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Outsmart Scams Introduction National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 took place in early March, and as in previous years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release fresh consumer advice and highlight the most persistent threats. The campaign may have passed, but the scams it warned about haven’t. For anyone who missed the spotlight, or simply wants a clear, no‑nonsense refresher, the FTC’s guidance remains the best place to start. Here is what you need to know, based on the agency’s official materials. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest DC Attorney General Alert Means for You Gift cards are a convenient way to give someone a present. But scammers have turned them into a favorite payment method for fraud. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about the ongoing threat of gift card scams. The alert serves as a timely reminder that this type of fraud persists year after year, costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars. ...

Gift Card Scams: What to Watch For and How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever received an urgent phone call demanding payment with a gift card, you’re not imagining things—it’s a hallmark of one of the most persistent consumer frauds today. Gift card scams have grown so common that consumer protection agencies across the country regularly issue warnings. In December 2025, Washington D.C.’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb released an alert specifically about these schemes, reminding residents—and by extension, all consumers—that gift cards are meant for giving, not for paying bills or debts. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Key Advice to Stay Ahead of Scams National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1–7, and as in previous years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release a collection of plain-language consumer tips. The agency’s “Welcome to NCPW 2026” page serves as a central hub for advice on the most common frauds, practical steps to shield your finances, and instructions for reporting problems. While the official week has passed, the guidance is evergreen—scams don’t take holidays, and the same red flags appear year after year. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: What You Need to Know Gift card scams are one of the most persistent forms of consumer fraud. In December 2025, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia issued an alert warning residents about a surge in these schemes. While the alert focused on Washington, D.C., the tactics described are used nationwide and year-round. Understanding how these scams work—and what to do if you encounter one—can save you from losing money that is nearly impossible to recover. ...

NCPW 2026: Essential Consumer Protection Advice You Can Use All Year National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 wrapped up in early March, but the advice the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shared during that week is just as useful today. Whether you missed the event or want a refresher, the core message is simple: scams are persistent, but you can reduce your risk with a few straightforward habits. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next Introduction Gift cards are a convenient way to give someone a present, but scammers have turned them into one of the most popular payment methods for fraud. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a new alert warning residents about the continued prevalence of gift card scams and urging consumers to stay vigilant. This article explains what happened, why it matters, and what you can do to protect yourself—or take action if you’ve already been targeted. ...