Identity Theft

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spot Scams and Secure Your Data Every year, scam artists refine their tactics, and every year, consumers need to sharpen their defenses. That’s the core idea behind National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), an annual campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the focus remains steadfast on equipping you with practical knowledge to navigate an increasingly digital marketplace safely. This isn’t about fear; it’s about building simple, effective habits that protect your money, your identity, and your privacy. ...

Your Accounts Are Under Siege: How to Recognize and Prevent a Takeover If you’ve ever been locked out of your email or seen a strange charge on a streaming service you didn’t make, you’ve brushed up against the unsettling world of account takeover. This isn’t just about a stolen password anymore; it’s a full-scale invasion where fraudsters seize control of your digital life, from social media and banking to utility and retail accounts. ...

Your Bank, Social Media, or Email Account Could Be Next If you manage your finances online, use social media, or shop on the internet, there’s a growing threat aimed directly at you. It’s called account takeover fraud, and it’s not just a vague worry—it’s a concrete scam that’s seeing a sharp increase. Recently, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued an alert specifically addressing this rise in incidents. Their warning underscores a trend that security experts have been tracking: fraudsters are aggressively targeting the online accounts of everyday consumers to steal money, commit identity theft, or launch further attacks. ...

The Rockstar Games Data Breach: What It Means for You and How to Respond News broke recently that Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, was targeted in a significant cyberattack. The hacker group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating they accessed a vast trove of data and set a ransom deadline of April 14, 2026. While Rockstar has officially confirmed only a “limited amount of non-material company information” was accessed via a third-party breach, the incident highlights a recurring risk for anyone with online accounts. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: Practical Advice from Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and for 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is focusing on arming you with the knowledge to fight back against increasingly sophisticated scams. This annual event, running the first full week of March, is more than just a reminder—it’s a toolkit for modern life. With fraudsters constantly updating their playbooks, the FTC’s guidance provides a critical update on what to watch for and how to protect what’s yours. ...

Don’t Let Someone Else Live Your Digital Life: How to Prevent Account Takeovers It’s a quiet Tuesday evening. You try to log into your email or a retail account, only to be greeted by an “incorrect password” message. After a reset, you discover orders you didn’t place, emails you didn’t send, and a sinking feeling that someone else is in control. This isn’t just a plot for a thriller; it’s an increasingly common reality known as account takeover fraud. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Each March, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around as a timely reminder to check the locks on our digital lives. For 2026, the focus remains sharply on the evolving threats that target our wallets and personal information. While spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the real power of the week lies in the practical steps every individual can take. It’s less about a single institution and more about equipping yourself with the knowledge to recognize scams, stop fraud, and protect your privacy. ...

Scam Alert: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosts a series of events for National Consumer Protection Week. This year, one of the cornerstone events was a public webinar focused on the latest scam trends. While we weren’t in the virtual room ourselves, the key takeaway from their discussion is clear: scammers are constantly refining their tactics, but the core principles of defense remain steady. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) happens every March, and the 2026 campaign from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is focused on a critical mission: arming you with the knowledge to spot, avoid, and report scams. While the official materials highlight the week’s events and partnerships, the core consumer advice remains timeless and urgently practical. The digital landscape is constantly shifting, with scammers refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and anxieties. This year’s focus reinforces that the best defense is a proactive, informed consumer. ...

Latest Scam Trends: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week served as a crucial reminder: scammers never take a break, but their tactics do evolve. In collaboration with partners like ACA International, the FTC highlighted the specific frauds that are currently putting consumers at the greatest risk. Understanding these trends isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical awareness. By knowing what to look for, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...