Privacy

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Scams aren’t what they used to be. The classic “Nigerian prince” email feels almost quaint compared to the sophisticated, personalized frauds circulating now. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted how these deceptive schemes have evolved, targeting us through the digital channels we use every day. Understanding these latest trends isn’t about spreading fear; it’s the first, most practical step in building a solid defense for your finances and personal information. ...

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. ...

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. ...

A Practical Guide to Staying Safe for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 As we move into 2026, protecting your personal information and money from scams is more crucial than ever. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is an annual campaign dedicated to arming the public with the knowledge to fight back against fraud. This year’s focus is on proactive defense. With scammers constantly evolving their tactics, understanding the current landscape and having a concrete plan is your best shield. ...

The Scams That Are Working Right Now: What the FTC Wants You to Know Every year, scams get a little more sophisticated. The vague, poorly written email from a “foreign prince” has largely been replaced by convincing messages that mimic your bank, a government agency, or even a family member in distress. Staying ahead of these threats means understanding the current playbook fraudsters are using. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on arming people with the knowledge to avoid scams and fraud. The theme for NCPW 2026 continues this critical mission, emphasizing practical, up-to-date defenses against the most prevalent consumer threats. ...

Consumer Protection in 2026: How to Act on the FTC’s Latest Advice As we look toward National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is already gearing up its annual campaign to educate the public. While the official event is a concentrated effort, the advice it highlights is relevant year-round. Based on the FTC’s consistent guidance and the trajectory of recent scams, here are practical steps you can take now to protect your finances and personal information in the coming year. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams Right Now During this year’s National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar to shed light on the most pressing scam tactics currently targeting consumers. The session served as a timely alert, emphasizing that while the digital landscape evolves, the core goal of fraudsters remains the same: to trick you out of your money and personal information. By understanding their latest methods, you can build a stronger defense. ...

Your Practical Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially kicked off its campaign for early March 2026. This annual event is a coordinated effort between government agencies and consumer advocacy groups, all with one clear goal: to help you protect your money, your privacy, and your identity. While the official week is a focal point, the advice and resources shared are designed to be useful year-round. Let’s break down what this means for you and how you can put these protections into practice. ...

A Familiar Tactic, A Persistent Threat: What to Know About Gift Card Scams Gift cards are a staple of modern giving and spending. Unfortunately, they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers. The convenience and relative anonymity of gift cards make them an ideal vehicle for fraud, a fact underscored by repeated warnings from consumer protection authorities. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert specifically warning District of Columbia residents about the ongoing prevalence of these schemes. This official notice serves as a critical reminder for everyone to stay vigilant. ...