Privacy

That Unknown Call or Text Could Cost You More Than Time If your iPhone rings or buzzes with a call or message from an unknown number, your instinct might be to answer—out of curiosity, politeness, or a fear of missing something important. Recent warnings, however, urge you to resist that impulse. Security alerts from sources including Apple and law enforcement agencies highlight a persistent wave of sophisticated scams specifically designed to exploit that moment of hesitation. While the tactics may be new, the goal is timeless: to steal your money, your personal information, or both. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe Online During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a time dedicated to arming people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and avoid scams. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026 (typically held in March), it’s a perfect moment to reassess your digital safety habits. The online threats we face are constantly evolving, but a few core practices can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

The Scammer’s Playbook Has Changed. Here’s Your New Defense Plan. Remember when spotting a scam was about checking for poor grammar or a suspicious email address? That playbook is outdated. Today’s fraudsters wield sophisticated tools, including artificial intelligence, to create incredibly convincing cons. Recent security briefings, like those from Investopedia in April 2026, highlight a clear shift: the threats are more personalized, more emotionally manipulative, and harder to detect than ever before. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 As we approach early March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is gearing up for its annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Slated for 2026, this week-long campaign is a cornerstone effort to arm the public with knowledge and tools against fraud. For the average person navigating daily online transactions, digital communications, and an array of services, the guidance highlighted during this week provides a crucial, timely checklist for personal security. ...

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. ...