Privacy

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Advice Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud and privacy threats. The guidance for NCPW 2026 is now available, offering a timely update on the tactics scammers are using and the essential steps you can take to defend yourself. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical awareness. By understanding the current landscape, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. ...

The Rockstar Games Data Breach: What It Means for You and How to Respond News broke recently that Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, was targeted in a significant cyberattack. The hacker group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating they accessed a vast trove of data and set a ransom deadline of April 14, 2026. While Rockstar has officially confirmed only a “limited amount of non-material company information” was accessed via a third-party breach, the incident highlights a recurring risk for anyone with online accounts. ...

Practical Consumer Safety for a Digital World: What to Know in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it serves as a timely reminder that vigilance is a year-round job. Each March, this initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money, data, and identity. With our lives increasingly moving online, the core principles of consumer protection are now deeply intertwined with digital privacy and cybersecurity. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Tactics the FTC Wants You to Spot Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted an important webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the latest tricks scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. While scam tactics constantly evolve, the core principles of protection remain the same: knowledge and caution. The session underscored that understanding these emerging trends is the first, most crucial step in defending yourself. ...

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. ...