Identity Theft

Your Practical Guide to the 2026 National Consumer Protection Week Every year, a coordinated effort led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brings together consumer protection organizations to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to defend yourself. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is that event. While the exact dates for the 2026 observance haven’t been formally announced—it typically occurs in early March—the FTC has already begun releasing planning materials and announcements to get the public ready. ...

How to Spot and Avoid the Newest Scams: Essential Safety Tips Scammers don’t take vacations, and their tactics are constantly being refined. During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the latest patterns in fraud, noting how criminals are adapting to technology and current events. For the average person, this evolution means yesterday’s red flags might not catch today’s sophisticated cons. ...

How to Spot and Stop an Account Takeover Before It Happens You get a text about a login from an unfamiliar device. An email receipt arrives for something you didn’t buy. Your usual password suddenly doesn’t work. These are the unsettling signs of an account takeover—a form of fraud that’s becoming alarmingly common. Recently, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued an alert about a significant rise in these incidents, urging consumers to take immediate steps to protect their digital lives. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last week, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a critical webinar. The goal was straightforward: to arm the public with the latest intelligence on how scammers are trying to steal money and personal information. In an era where fraud tactics evolve rapidly, these official updates are a vital tool for staying safe. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams This Year Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a dedicated time to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to guard against fraud. While the 2026 event is a focal point, the advice it promotes is critical year-round. The landscape of scams is always shifting, with fraudsters refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and current events. The core message, however, remains timeless: a bit of knowledge and skepticism is your best defense. ...

The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Fight Back With scams becoming more sophisticated each year, staying informed isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessary part of protecting your finances and personal information. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to shed light on the newest tactics fraudsters are using. The session provided a clear snapshot of the current threat landscape, highlighting where consumer vigilance is most needed. Understanding these trends is the first step in building an effective defense. ...

The Scams You Need to Watch For This Year, According to the FTC Staying ahead of scammers can feel like a full-time job. Their tactics shift constantly, adapting to new technology and current events to catch us off guard. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, is so valuable. It serves as a direct briefing on what fraud looks like right now, giving you the information needed to build a better defense. ...

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. ...