Privacy

Your Annual Check-Up for Digital Self-Defense As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) approaches each March, it serves as a timely, government-sponsored reminder to audit our digital health. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continues its crucial mission of arming the public with knowledge. While the official theme for NCPW 2026 will be announced, the core advice remains steadfast: proactive awareness is your strongest shield against fraud. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Practical Guide to Today’s Scams and How to Beat Them Scams aren’t what they used to be. The days of poorly written emails from a “deposed prince” are fading, replaced by sophisticated, personalized attacks that can feel alarmingly real. With the rise of artificial intelligence, fraudsters have powerful new tools to mimic voices, create fake videos, and craft convincing messages. This isn’t about spreading fear—it’s about building awareness. Understanding how modern scams work is the first, and most crucial, step in protecting yourself, your money, and your identity. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: Practical Advice from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designates a week to focus on a topic vital to our daily lives: protecting ourselves from fraud and misuse of our personal information. While the exact dates for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 haven’t been formally announced, it typically occurs in early March. This consistent spotlight serves as a crucial reminder that the threat from scammers isn’t slowing down—but neither are the tools and knowledge available to fight back. ...

A Consumer’s Playbook for 2026: Staying Safe with Lessons from the FTC Another year, another wave of sophisticated scams. As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the annual campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) serves as a critical reminder. It’s not just a promotional event; it’s a coordinated push to equip people with the knowledge to defend their wallets and personal information. ...

A Practical Guide to Spotting and Stopping iPhone Scams It seems like every few months, a new warning circulates: don’t answer that call, don’t reply to that text. Recently, outlets like AL.com have issued specific alerts about calls and texts targeting iPhone users, echoing broader advisories from agencies like the FBI. These aren’t just nuisances; they are sophisticated attempts to steal your money, data, and peace of mind. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Staying Safe in a Digital World Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations spotlight a critical mission: empowering you to spot scams, protect your data, and fight fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different. This dedicated week serves as a crucial reminder and a resource hub, offering clear advice to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, scams and fraud cost consumers billions of dollars and untold stress. That’s why the annual event known as National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) exists. It’s a dedicated time, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in partnership with other agencies, to highlight the most pressing threats to your wallet and privacy and to provide you with the tools to fight back. ...

Your Guide to a Safer Digital Life: Insights from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)—a focused campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud and scams. As we approach NCPW 2026, it’s the perfect moment to move beyond awareness and into action. This week serves as an annual checkpoint, a catalyst to review and fortify your digital defenses for the year ahead. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams As the holiday season fades, a more persistent threat remains. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a direct alert to District of Columbia residents, warning of the ongoing and evolving danger of gift card scams. These aren’t just clumsy emails; they’re sophisticated schemes designed to pressure people into handing over their hard-earned money in a form that’s nearly impossible to trace or recover. This official warning underscores a critical point: if anyone demands payment via gift card, it’s almost certainly a scam. ...

What to Expect from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a coordinated campaign to help people understand their rights and spot scams. While the official events for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the FTC has begun its outreach, signaling the key themes and resources consumers can expect. This early planning phase highlights the ongoing and evolving threats in the digital marketplace. ...