Identity Theft

Don’t Just Be Aware, Be Prepared: Your Guide to Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the first full week of March marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2026, this week (expected to run from March 1-7) serves as a critical reminder and resource hub for anyone navigating an increasingly complex digital marketplace. It’s less about a single event and more about an annual checkpoint—a time to refresh your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and leverage free government tools designed to shield you from fraud. ...

Your Practical Guide to Outsmarting Scammers National Consumer Protection Week serves as a timely reminder that our personal information and finances face constant threats. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which spearheads this annual campaign, consistently reports that scams are becoming more sophisticated, often starting with a simple, believable message. The goal isn’t to spread fear, but to equip you with clear, actionable defenses against the most common schemes. ...

Your Guide to Spotting Impersonation Scams for National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a government announcement—it’s an annual reminder to pause and check your digital defenses. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is continuing to sound the alarm on a particularly pervasive threat: impersonation scams. These scams, where fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust, have cost consumers billions in recent years and show no sign of slowing down. This NCPW, let’s turn awareness into action by learning how to spot, stop, and report these deceptive schemes. ...

What You Need to Know About Today’s Most Common Scams During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the latest tactics scammers are using. As fraud techniques evolve, staying informed is your first and best defense. This guide distills the key trends from that session into clear, actionable advice to help you protect your money and personal information. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams This Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here, and for 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is doubling down on a critical message: staying informed is your first line of defense. While the week is an annual event promoting consumer education, its principles are a year-round necessity. Scammers don’t take a holiday, and their tactics are constantly evolving. This guide focuses on practical steps you can take right now, inspired by the FTC’s ongoing alerts, to protect your finances and personal information. ...

What to Know Ahead of National Consumer Protection Week 2026 It’s easy to feel a bit of scam fatigue. New schemes pop up constantly, and warnings can start to blend together. But there’s one annual event designed to cut through the noise with clear, authoritative guidance: the Federal Trade Commission’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). ...

FTC Consumer Experts Warn: These Scam Tactics Are Surging Every year, scammers refine their playbook, exploiting new technologies and current events to separate people from their money. Staying ahead of these schemes is a constant challenge, which is why the Federal Trade Commission’s recent webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, is such a valuable resource. The session highlighted the evolving threats that are currently most prevalent and offered clear guidance on how to defend against them. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to spotlight practical ways you can defend yourself against fraud. The 2026 campaign is no different, coming at a crucial time when scammers are refining their tactics. It’s a dedicated period to pause, reassess your digital habits, and arm yourself with the latest knowledge from the nation’s top consumer watchdog. ...

When a Call About Your Utility Bill Isn’t What It Seems If your phone rings with someone claiming to be from the utilities commission, demanding immediate payment to avoid your power being shut off, you’re not talking to a government official. You’re talking to a scammer. ...

Practical Advice from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth: the best defense against fraud is an informed consumer. As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the agency’s message is timely and clear. This annual event serves as a focused reminder to review your habits, understand the latest threats, and take simple, effective steps to safeguard your money and identity. ...