Identity Theft

Your 2026 Guide to Smarter Consumer Protection and Fraud Prevention Every year in March, consumer advocates, government agencies, and communities come together for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). As we look ahead to 2026, this dedicated week serves as a crucial reminder and a valuable resource hub. It’s an ideal time to reset your personal safety protocols, learn about emerging scams, and understand the tools at your disposal. This article breaks down how you can use NCPW 2026 as a springboard for year-round vigilance. ...

That Utility Bill Call Is Probably a Scam: Here’s What to Do You’re at home when the phone rings. The caller ID might even show the name of your local electric or gas company. The person on the line says your payment is overdue, service will be shut off within the hour, and you must pay immediately. They sound official, even urgent. Before you react, you should know this is almost certainly a scam. This exact scenario is happening right now, prompting official warnings to protect consumers. ...

A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself from Common Scams As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ramps up for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, it’s a timely reminder that scams aren’t just a headline—they’re a daily reality. Every year, this dedicated week aims to spotlight the tools and knowledge consumers need to defend themselves. The goal isn’t to incite fear, but to build confidence through practical, actionable steps you can use right now. ...

Beyond the Headlines: What the FTC’s Latest Scam Alert Really Means for You The digital world offers convenience, but it also provides new avenues for scammers. Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses National Consumer Protection Week to spotlight the most pressing fraud threats. In a recent webinar, the agency distilled millions of consumer reports into a clear picture of the scams you’re most likely to encounter right now. This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about practical awareness. Knowing the playbook is the first step to not becoming a victim. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026. This annual initiative, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just a calendar event—it’s a focused opportunity for consumers to arm themselves against fraud, enhance their privacy, and learn to navigate the marketplace safely. For the next seven days, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups will flood the zone with free resources, live events, and practical advice. The core message is simple: knowledge is your first and best line of defense. ...

Don’t Fall for the “Shut-Off” Scam: How to Spot a Fake Utility Call You’re at home when the phone rings. The caller ID might even show the name of your local electric company or the state utility commission. The person on the line is urgent and authoritative: your payment is overdue, your service will be disconnected within the hour, and you must pay immediately via a prepaid debit card, wire transfer, or a peer-to-peer payment app to avoid the shutoff. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated campaign to arm the public with knowledge against fraud. The lead-up to NCPW 2026 is no different, with the agency publishing straightforward advice to help you navigate an increasingly complex digital marketplace. While specific 2026 announcements are still emerging, the FTC’s guidance consistently zeroes in on timeless yet evolving threats, emphasizing vigilance and practical action. ...

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. ...