Scam Alerts

Beyond Satisfaction: What the 2025 Banking Survey Really Means for Your Security A recent survey commissioned by the American Bankers Association (ABA) found something noteworthy: a strong majority of U.S. consumers report being satisfied with their bank’s efforts to prevent fraud. This data, collected by Morning Consult in the fall of 2025, indicates a significant level of trust in the financial industry’s security measures. While this is encouraging news, it’s not a reason for complacency. The fight against fraud is a partnership. Understanding what banks are doing—and what you must do alongside them—is the key to truly protecting your money and identity. ...

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 dedicated time to arm the public with knowledge against fraud. For 2026, the message remains urgent: scams are not only persistent but are constantly evolving. The digital landscape offers incredible convenience, but it also presents new opportunities for criminals. This year’s focus is on translating awareness into action, providing clear steps you can take to protect your money and personal information. ...

What to Know as National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Begins Each March, consumer protection agencies, advocacy groups, and community organizations unite for a week dedicated to an essential goal: helping you keep your money and information safe. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), runs from March 1-7. It’s more than a calendar event; it’s a focused opportunity to arm yourself with knowledge against the latest scams and privacy threats. ...

Why Reporting Fraud is Your First Line of Defense In an increasingly digital world, scams have evolved from simple cons to sophisticated schemes that can target anyone. While the instinct after encountering a fraud attempt might be embarrassment or a desire to forget it happened, the most powerful action you can take is to report it. Recent alerts from organizations like AARP Virginia highlight a continuous stream of threats, from IRS impostors to fake travel deals, underscoring that fraud is not a rare event but an ongoing risk. Reporting isn’t just about your own loss—it’s a critical tool for community safety and disrupting criminal operations. ...

Don’t Just Be a Consumer, Be a Protected One: A Guide to NCPW 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) rolls around every March, and while it might not have the fanfare of a major holiday, it’s arguably more important for your wallet and peace of mind. This coordinated campaign, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alongside other government agencies and consumer groups, is a dedicated time to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to navigate today’s marketplace safely. ...

A Timely Warning on Gift Card Scams: What You Need to Know In recent weeks, Attorney General Brian Schwalb of the District of Columbia issued a public alert, specifically warning residents about a sharp rise in scams involving gift cards. While this warning originates from D.C., the tactics described are a nationwide problem, putting consumers everywhere at risk. This alert serves as a critical reminder that gift cards are not just convenient gifts—they have become a primary tool for fraudsters due to their relative anonymity and the difficulty of tracing or reversing transactions. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth: scams and fraud are constantly evolving, but your ability to protect yourself can evolve faster. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 serves as a focused reminder and a resource hub, offering fresh insights and practical tools for navigating an increasingly digital marketplace. ...

Gift Cards as Cash: Why Scammers Love Them and How You Can Stay Safe If someone calls, texts, or emails you demanding payment via a gift card, it is a scam. Full stop. This blunt warning is at the heart of a recent consumer alert from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, echoing concerns from law enforcement nationwide. While gift cards are a convenient gift, they have become the preferred, untraceable currency for fraudsters. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best line of defense. ...

That Urgent Call for Gift Cards Is a Scam: Here’s How to Protect Yourself Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller ID shows a local number, or perhaps it even spoofs the name of a government agency like the IRS or Social Security Administration. The person on the other end sounds official, even intimidating. They tell you there’s a serious problem—a warrant for your arrest, a frozen bank account, a family member in jail, or a virus on your computer. The solution, they insist, is simple and immediate: go to a store, buy gift cards, and read the card numbers over the phone to resolve the issue. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: Practical Advice from Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back, and for 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is focusing on arming you with the knowledge to fight back against increasingly sophisticated scams. This annual event, running the first full week of March, is more than just a reminder—it’s a toolkit for modern life. With fraudsters constantly updating their playbooks, the FTC’s guidance provides a critical update on what to watch for and how to protect what’s yours. ...