Privacy

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. ...

A Sudden Call to Pay Your Utility Bill? Here’s Why You Should Hang Up Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller claims to be from your local utility commission or power company. They say your payment is overdue, your service will be disconnected within the hour, and you must pay immediately—usually via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Their tone is urgent, even threatening. ...

Your Guide to Staying Ahead of Scams: Practical Tips from Consumer Protection Week As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 kicks off, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again sounding the alarm on the latest scams targeting everyday people. The annual event isn’t just about awareness; it’s a call to action, providing updated, practical tools to help you guard your money and personal information. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Smarter Consumer Protection and Fraud Prevention Every year in March, consumer advocates, government agencies, and communities come together for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). As we look ahead to 2026, this dedicated week serves as a crucial reminder and a valuable resource hub. It’s an ideal time to reset your personal safety protocols, learn about emerging scams, and understand the tools at your disposal. This article breaks down how you can use NCPW 2026 as a springboard for year-round vigilance. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026. This annual initiative, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is more than just a calendar event—it’s a focused opportunity for consumers to arm themselves against fraud, enhance their privacy, and learn to navigate the marketplace safely. For the next seven days, a coalition of government agencies and consumer advocacy groups will flood the zone with free resources, live events, and practical advice. The core message is simple: knowledge is your first and best line of defense. ...

FTC Alert: The Latest Scams and How to Protect Yourself The first week of March is designated as National Consumer Protection Week, a time when agencies and advocates focus on educating the public. In line with this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar highlighting the current scam landscape. Their findings reveal that while classic fraud schemes persist, criminals are constantly refining their methods, making it crucial for consumers to stay informed. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Early Guide to Staying Safe The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially announced National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) for 2026. This annual event serves as a critical reminder and resource hub, uniting government agencies and consumer advocacy groups to educate the public on avoiding scams, protecting privacy, and exercising their rights. While the full slate of events and materials for 2026 is still being developed, now is the perfect time to get informed and build your defenses. Proactive awareness is your best tool against fraud. ...