Scam Prevention

Top scams to avoid right now: FTC’s 2026 consumer protection guide National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 2 to March 6, and the Federal Trade Commission used the occasion to update its advice on the most common scams affecting Americans. The timing is no accident: scams tend to spike during tax season and around major holidays, so having a clear, up-to-date picture of what fraud looks like can help you avoid losing money or personal information. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do (Official Alert) Introduction Gift card scams remain one of the most persistent frauds targeting consumers across the United States. In December 2025, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia issued a consumer alert about this exact threat. The alert, signed by Attorney General Brian Schwalb, warns District residents that scammers are increasingly demanding payment via gift cards and outlines steps to avoid becoming a victim. While the alert is specific to Washington, DC, the tactics described are used nationwide, and the advice applies to anyone who uses gift cards or digital payments. ...

Gift Card Scams: What the Latest DC Attorney General Alert Means for You Gift cards are a convenient way to give someone a present. But scammers have turned them into a favorite payment method for fraud. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning residents about the ongoing threat of gift card scams. The alert serves as a timely reminder that this type of fraud persists year after year, costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: What You Need to Know Gift card scams are one of the most persistent forms of consumer fraud. In December 2025, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia issued an alert warning residents about a surge in these schemes. While the alert focused on Washington, D.C., the tactics described are used nationwide and year-round. Understanding how these scams work—and what to do if you encounter one—can save you from losing money that is nearly impossible to recover. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next Introduction Gift cards are a convenient way to give someone a present, but scammers have turned them into one of the most popular payment methods for fraud. In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a new alert warning residents about the continued prevalence of gift card scams and urging consumers to stay vigilant. This article explains what happened, why it matters, and what you can do to protect yourself—or take action if you’ve already been targeted. ...

NCPW 2026: What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams This Year National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1 through March 7, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) once again used the occasion to highlight the most pressing consumer threats and the tools available to fight them. For anyone trying to stay ahead of fraud, the agency’s advice remains one of the most reliable starting points. ...

After National Consumer Protection Week: How to Keep Applying the FTC’s Advice All Year National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 took place in early March, hosted by the Federal Trade Commission alongside a broad coalition of federal, state, and local agencies. While the official week has passed, the guidance released during NCPW remains the most concise, actionable set of consumer protection tips available from the U.S. government. If you missed the announcements or simply want a refresher, the core advice is worth reviewing now—especially with tax season in full swing and scammers adjusting their tactics year-round. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: What You Need to Know (and Do) All Year National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ended on March 7, but the advice the FTC published for the event is still worth reading. If you missed it, or if you’ve already forgotten what you saw, here’s a quick refresher on the scams that keep coming back and how to shut them down. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams This National Consumer Protection Week Every March, the Federal Trade Commission kicks off National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) – a concentrated effort to help people spot fraud and avoid losing money. This year, the agency’s message is straightforward: scammers are getting more convincing, but the basics of protecting yourself haven’t changed. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Still Everywhere: What to Watch For and How to Protect Yourself Gift cards are meant to be presents for friends and family, not a way to pay the government, a utility company, or a tech support line. Yet scammers continue to pressure people into buying gift cards and handing over the codes. A recent alert from the D.C. Attorney General’s office highlights how common and costly this fraud remains. ...