Privacy

Practical Ways to Stop Scammers: Lessons from FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW): the best defense against fraud is a well-informed public. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core message remains urgent. Scammers are endlessly adaptable, but the foundational principles for protecting yourself don’t have to be complex. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Straight Advice from the FTC March marks the arrival of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), an annual event led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other federal and state agencies. For 2026, the campaign’s core message remains vital: equipping you with the knowledge to spot scams, protect your data, and make informed decisions. It’s a dedicated time to pause and review your personal safety habits in a digital world that grows more complex each year. ...

The Latest Scams and How to Spot Them: Key Takeaways from the FTC Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, making it harder than ever to distinguish a legitimate offer from a sophisticated fraud. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the evolving landscape of consumer scams, emphasizing that awareness is the first line of defense. While the details of every emerging scheme shift, the core principles of protection remain grounded in vigilance and skepticism. ...

How to Recognize and Avoid Gift Card Scams Gift cards are a convenient way to give a present or make a purchase, but their very convenience has made them a top tool for scammers. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning District of Columbia residents about the sharp rise in fraud involving gift cards. The core warning is universal: legitimate organizations and government agencies will never demand payment via gift card. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting yourself and your money. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shed light on the scam tactics that are currently separating Americans from their money. Their key message? While the platforms and specific stories change, the psychological tricks scammers use remain constant. They rely on creating a sense of urgency, exploiting trust, and pressuring you to act before you think. Understanding the most prevalent trends is your first line of defense. ...

A Guide to Today’s Scam Landscape: What the FTC Wants You to Know As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a webinar to shed light on the latest tactics fraudsters are using. While the specific presentation details are in the recording, the consistent message from the FTC is clear: scammers are endlessly adaptable, refining old cons and inventing new ones to exploit current events and our daily habits. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026. This annual campaign, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is a dedicated time for government agencies, consumer advocates, and organizations to highlight the importance of knowing your rights and guarding against modern scams. The official “Welcome to NCPW 2026” announcements signal a renewed push to equip the public with free, practical tools and knowledge. For the average person, it’s a timely reminder to review and strengthen your personal defenses against fraud. ...

Staying Ahead of Scammers: Practical Advice for Consumer Protection Week 2026 As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the annual campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is shifting into gear. This event, typically held in March, isn’t just a calendar marker—it’s a concentrated push to equip people with the knowledge to defend their wallets and personal information. The landscape of fraud is always changing, but the core principles of protection remain steady. This year’s initiative underscores a critical message: vigilance is a daily habit, not a one-week event. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams Gift cards are meant to be simple, convenient presents. But for scammers, they’ve become a favorite tool for stealing money quickly and anonymously. It’s a pervasive problem, prompting consumer protection agencies to issue regular warnings. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb alerted District of Columbia residents about a surge in these schemes, underscoring that this is a national issue anyone could encounter. ...

How to Spot the Scams That Are Targeting People Right Now The digital world offers incredible convenience, but it also creates fertile ground for fraud. Every year, scammers refine their tactics, creating new schemes or putting fresh twists on old ones. To help you stay ahead of these threats, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a crucial webinar during National Consumer Protection Week. The event wasn’t about vague warnings; it was a focused briefing on the specific tricks criminals are using right now to separate people from their money and personal information. ...