Identity Theft

Navigating the Comcast Data Breach Settlement: A Step-by-Step Guide for Customers If you’re a Comcast or Xfinity customer, you may be eligible for compensation from a recent multimillion-dollar legal settlement. Following a significant data breach in 2023, Comcast has agreed to establish a $117.5 million settlement fund to resolve a class-action lawsuit. This isn’t just another news item—it’s a direct opportunity for affected individuals to claim benefits and a critical reminder to secure your personal information. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety Every March, a coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shines a spotlight on the skills and tools we all need to navigate the marketplace safely. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different. While the official events and materials for 2026 are still being finalized, the core mission remains timeless: to arm you with practical knowledge to avoid scams, protect your identity, and secure your hard-earned money. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Staying Safe from Scams Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designates a National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a focused effort to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud, protect their data, and navigate the marketplace safely. For 2026, the theme continues to center on practical, actionable advice. This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about equipping yourself with a few key habits that can save you significant stress and financial loss. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest Official Warning Means for You If you’ve ever purchased a gift card for a birthday or holiday, you understand their convenience. Unfortunately, scammers see them as something else entirely: a perfect, untraceable tool for theft. The prevalence of this fraud has prompted official warnings, including a recent alert from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, urging residents to be vigilant. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting your money. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to spot and avoid scams and unfair business practices. For NCPW 2026, the message remains critically urgent: fraud is evolving, but your defenses can too. This week serves as an annual checkpoint—a reminder to review your habits and leverage free resources to protect your money and identity. ...

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself from Modern Scams: Insights from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud. While the official NCPW 2026 events are scheduled for early March, the advice shared is timeless and critically important. Scammers continuously refine their tactics, but the core principles of protection remain constant: skepticism, secure practices, and knowing how to report problems. ...

How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Guide Based on recent alerts about gift card scams, this article provides clear, practical advice to help consumers recognize warning signs, protect themselves from fraud, and know what to do if targeted. ...

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Advice Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud and privacy threats. The guidance for NCPW 2026 is now available, offering a timely update on the tactics scammers are using and the essential steps you can take to defend yourself. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical awareness. By understanding the current landscape, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Staying Safe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026, running from March 2nd through March 8th. As announced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this annual campaign is a focused reminder to review your defenses against fraud. While consumer threats evolve, the core advice from protection agencies remains a vital toolkit for everyone. ...

New Scam Alerts: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For Staying ahead of scammers is a constant challenge. Their tactics evolve quickly, and what worked to protect yourself last year might not be enough today. That’s why the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, was so valuable. It provided a direct line to the latest data and trends straight from the agency on the front lines. If you missed it, here’s a breakdown of the key scams they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about them. ...