Identity Theft

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026, and the Federal Trade Commission is using the occasion to spotlight the latest strategies for staying safe. This annual event, which began in early March, is more than just a reminder—it’s a focused effort to arm people with the specific knowledge needed to navigate today’s fraud landscape. As scams grow more sophisticated, the FTC’s guidance for 2026 emphasizes a shift from basic awareness to proactive, informed defense. ...

FTC Alert: The Latest Scams and How to Protect Yourself The first week of March is designated as National Consumer Protection Week, a time when agencies and advocates focus on educating the public. In line with this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar highlighting the current scam landscape. Their findings reveal that while classic fraud schemes persist, criminals are constantly refining their methods, making it crucial for consumers to stay informed. ...

Your Practical Guide for a Safer National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and while it’s a time for education and advocacy, it’s also a reminder of the everyday scams that can target anyone. This year, running from March 1-7, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps to guard your personal information and money. The core message is timeless: an informed consumer is the best defense against fraud. ...

Spot and Stop New Scams: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Alert During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shine a light on the most pervasive scams currently targeting consumers. The discussion wasn’t just a list of complaints; it was a detailed analysis of how fraud is evolving. For anyone who shops online, manages finances digitally, or simply uses email and social media, understanding these trends is the first critical step toward protection. Let’s break down what the FTC highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about it. ...

How to Spot a Fake Utility Bill Collector Calling Your Phone If your phone rings with an urgent demand to pay a utility bill immediately or face disconnection, take a deep breath before you act. That call is almost certainly a scam. Utility payment scams are a persistent and effective form of fraud, and recent alerts from official bodies like the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) remind us that the threat is ongoing. These scams prey on fear and urgency to trick people into handing over money and personal information. Understanding how they work is your best defense. ...

Staying Safe This Consumer Protection Week: Your Guide to Avoiding Scams Every day, scams become more sophisticated. They arrive as urgent text messages about a missed package, convincing phone calls from a “government agency,” or emotional pleas from a “family member” in trouble. During National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) amplifies its mission to empower people with the knowledge to spot and stop these threats. While the specific events and themes for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the core advice remains timeless and critically important. This isn’t just about a single week of awareness; it’s about building habits that protect your finances and personal information year-round. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Early Guide to Staying Safe The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially announced National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) for 2026. This annual event serves as a critical reminder and resource hub, uniting government agencies and consumer advocacy groups to educate the public on avoiding scams, protecting privacy, and exercising their rights. While the full slate of events and materials for 2026 is still being developed, now is the perfect time to get informed and build your defenses. Proactive awareness is your best tool against fraud. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on helping people understand their rights and avoid scams. While the specific events and partner materials for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the core mission remains constant: to arm consumers with practical knowledge. Based on the FTC’s longstanding priorities and recent alerts, here’s a distillation of the essential, actionable advice you can expect to be central to the conversation next year. ...

That Urgent Call About Your Electric Bill? It Could Be a Scam You’re going about your day when the phone rings. The caller says they’re from a state utility commission, like the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). They claim your power bill is overdue, and if you don’t pay immediately using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer, your service will be shut off within the hour. The demand is urgent, the pressure is high, and the threat feels very real. ...

A Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 As March approaches, you might start seeing reminders for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. This annual event, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), isn’t just a ceremonial calendar note. It’s a concentrated, nationwide effort to arm people with the knowledge and tools they need to defend their wallets and personal information. For anyone who shops online, pays bills, or simply uses digital services, this week serves as a critical checkpoint for your financial health. ...