Scam Prevention

Gift Card Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot and Stop Them If someone demands payment with a gift card, it’s almost certainly a scam. That’s the straightforward warning from District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued an alert to residents about this persistent and costly fraud. Despite being a well-known tactic, gift card scams continue to trick people out of hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Smarter Consumer Protection National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again, running March 1-7, 2026. Organized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this week isn’t just about official announcements—it’s a concentrated push to arm you with the knowledge you need to spot scams, secure your identity, and shop with confidence. The digital landscape changes quickly, and so do the tricks used by fraudsters. The core lesson from this year’s initiative is clear: proactive defense is your best tool. ...

Your 2026 Scam Prevention Checklist: What to Watch For and How to Fight Back National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) arrives every March as a crucial reminder to review our defenses. While the official 2026 events from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offer great resources, the most important work happens at home, on your devices, and in your daily habits. This week is less about a single event and more about building a lasting routine of vigilance. Let’s break down the current scam landscape and what you can practically do about it. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: The FTC’s Guide to Shielding Yourself Online With National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 upon us, there’s no better time to take stock of your digital defenses. This annual event, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), isn’t just a government announcement—it’s a concentrated push to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to fight fraud. The landscape of scams is constantly shifting, but the core principles of protection remain steadfast. Let’s break down the FTC’s guidance into practical steps you can use today. ...

Don’t Get Played: How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams If someone pressures you to pay them with a gift card, you’re almost certainly talking to a scammer. That’s the blunt warning from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who recently issued a consumer fraud alert to residents. Despite being a well-documented trick, gift card scams continue to drain millions from unsuspecting victims every year. The scam’s simplicity is its greatest weapon, but with the right knowledge, you can easily defuse it. ...

That Unexpected Request for Gift Cards? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam If someone urgently insists you pay them with gift cards, stop immediately. You are almost certainly being targeted by a scam. This isn’t just speculation; it’s the core message from a recent consumer alert issued by Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. The warning underscores that despite being a well-known tactic, gift card scams continue to trap people, fueled by convincing lies and high-pressure tactics. ...

Your Playbook for Navigating a World of Scams Every year, as March rolls around, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights a crucial topic: your safety as a consumer. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different. This isn’t just a government awareness campaign; it’s a concentrated burst of practical tools and advice designed to help you guard your wallet, your identity, and your peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams The digital world offers incredible convenience, but it also creates new opportunities for fraudsters. To help the public fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a key webinar during National Consumer Protection Week. The session focused on arming consumers with knowledge about the latest scam trends that are costing people time, money, and peace of mind. Understanding these tactics is the first, most critical step in building your personal defense. ...

What to Do When Someone Pretends to Be Your Bank, the Government, or a Loved One Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other consumer protection agencies mark National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated push to share advice that helps people recognize and avoid scams. While the week itself is a useful prompt, the guidance is designed for year-round use. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Staying Ahead of Scammers National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns in March 2026, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This annual event is more than a reminder—it’s a coordinated effort to arm the public with knowledge against ever-evolving fraud. As scammers refine their tactics, the guidance from the FTC becomes increasingly critical for everyday financial and digital safety. ...