Identity Theft

Data Breaches: What They Really Are and How to Shield Yourself It seems like every other week, we hear about another company reporting a data breach. From travel services like Eurail to streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, no sector is immune. More than just a tech industry buzzword, a data breach is a personal event that can affect your finances, privacy, and peace of mind. Understanding what it is, how it happens, and what you can do about it is no longer optional—it’s a basic part of navigating life online. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: Lessons from National Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to guard against fraud. For 2026, the message remains critically important: in a world of evolving digital threats, proactive defense is your best asset. This initiative isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about empowering you with practical, straightforward strategies to protect your money and your identity. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Every year, scammers refine their tricks, making them harder to spot. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, is so important. The event wasn’t just a rundown of complaints; it was a practical briefing on the specific tactics criminals are using right now. Understanding these trends is your first and best defense. ...

A Practical Guide to Staying Safe for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 As we move into 2026, protecting your personal information and money from scams is more crucial than ever. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is an annual campaign dedicated to arming the public with the knowledge to fight back against fraud. This year’s focus is on proactive defense. With scammers constantly evolving their tactics, understanding the current landscape and having a concrete plan is your best shield. ...

The Scams Keep Coming: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For You don’t need to be glued to the news to feel it—scams are everywhere. They pop up in texts, emails, and phone calls, often looking more convincing than ever. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to address this very issue, highlighting the latest trends they’re seeing during National Consumer Protection Week. While the full webinar details aren’t publicly available, the event underscores a critical, ongoing message: fraud tactics are evolving, and awareness is your first line of defense. ...

A Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week How to turn a yearly campaign into lasting online safety habits. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), happens every year, but its importance only grows as scams become more sophisticated. The 2026 campaign is a focused reminder and a toolkit in one. It’s not just a awareness week; it’s a prompt to take specific, concrete actions to protect your finances and personal data. This guide breaks down how you can actually use the FTC’s resources to build a stronger defense against common threats. ...

The FTC’s Latest Warning: Scams Are Evolving, Not Going Away Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our defenses against fraud. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar, distilling the latest patterns they’re seeing in consumer complaints into actionable intelligence. The core message is clear: while the classic scam tactics persist, criminals are continuously refining their approaches, making vigilance more important than ever. ...

A Timely Warning: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment via gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal message from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued a consumer alert to warn residents about the persistent threat of gift card fraud. These scams drain millions from consumers annually by exploiting trust and urgency. Understanding how they work is your first and most powerful line of defense. ...

What Scammers Don’t Want You to Know: Timeless Safety Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dedicates a week to arming the public against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) for 2026 is no different, serving as a focused reminder that while technology and tactics change, the principles of self-defense remain constant. It’s a call to action, not for a single week, but for building lasting habits that protect your money and your identity. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to spotlight the scam trends that are currently trapping people and draining bank accounts. The takeaway was clear: while the classic cons haven’t disappeared, the tactics have evolved, becoming more personalized and persuasive. ...