Identity Theft

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. ...

Getting Smart with Your Money and Your Data: Practical Takeaways from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of partners spotlight the critical importance of savvy consumerism during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s more than just an awareness campaign; it’s a yearly reset button for your personal security habits. With the theme for 2026 focusing on evolving digital threats, the FTC is doubling down on practical advice to help you recognize, resist, and report the most pervasive scams. ...

That Call About Your Overdue Utility Bill? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam. If your phone rings and the caller claims to be from your electric, gas, or water company demanding immediate payment, be very careful. It’s likely a criminal trying to steal your money. ...

Don’t Get Scammed: Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission and its partners are highlighting one of the most crucial aspects of modern life: how to spot, avoid, and report scams. It’s a yearly reminder that while technology brings convenience, it also opens new doors for fraudsters. This isn’t about fear; it’s about building simple, effective habits that protect your money and your personal information. ...

What to Know About Scams as Consumer Protection Week Begins As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 gets underway, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again focusing its efforts on arming the public against fraud. This annual campaign, which runs from March 1-7, is a coordinated push to highlight the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money and personal information. While the specific scam tactics may evolve, the core principles of defense remain powerful and accessible to everyone. ...