Gift Card Scams Are Surging: Here’s How to Protect Yourself You get a call, an email, or a text. It’s urgent: a family member is in trouble, the IRS says you owe back taxes, or tech support claims your computer is infected. The solution? They insist you pay immediately using gift cards. It sounds bizarre, but this scenario is playing out countless times every day, defrauding consumers of millions. ...
Don’t Get Tricked: Key Scam Trends to Watch in 2026 If you feel like scam attempts are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, you’re not imagining it. Each year, fraudsters refine their tactics, using new technologies and psychological tricks to catch people off guard. To help consumers fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, detailing the latest scam trends they’re tracking. ...
Your Practical Guide to Scam Prevention for 2026 Every March, consumer protection agencies, advocacy groups, and law enforcement unite for a critical initiative: National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again leading the charge, providing updated, practical advice to help everyday people guard their money and personal information. ...
Your Guide to Scam Prevention: Timeless Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to raise awareness and arm people with the tools to fight fraud. While the official week for 2026 is scheduled for early March, the advice it highlights is crucial year-round. Scammers don’t take a break, and neither should your vigilance. ...
Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week: How to Spot and Stop Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations observe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated effort to arm people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money safely. While the specific themes evolve, the core goal remains the same: to turn awareness into action. ...
The Current Scam Landscape: Insights from a Recent FTC Webinar Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week provided a timely update on the schemes that are tricking people right now. While the specifics evolve, the core principles of defense remain steady: skepticism, verification, and knowing where to turn for help. ...
A Practical Guide to Consumer Safety During NCPW 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 kicks off, it serves as a crucial, annual reminder to review your defenses against fraud. While this week of awareness, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), runs from March 2nd, its lessons are meant to last all year. The FTC uses this time to highlight resources and educate the public, but the real work begins with each consumer taking proactive steps. Here’s how you can use this week to build stronger habits for recognizing scams, protecting your information, and knowing where to turn for help. ...
What the FTC Wants You to Know About Scams This Year Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a dedicated time to spotlight the tools and knowledge you need to guard against fraud. While the 2026 event is a focal point, the advice it promotes is critical year-round. The landscape of scams is always shifting, with fraudsters refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and current events. The core message, however, remains timeless: a bit of knowledge and skepticism is your best defense. ...
Your 2026 Defense Plan: Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week It’s that time of year again. As March rolls around, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) kicks off National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated period to arm the public with knowledge against scams and fraud. For 2026, the theme remains critical: equipping you with actionable steps to protect your money and identity. While the official events offer valuable insights, the core advice is timeless and urgent. Here’s what you need to know and do, drawn from the proactive spirit of NCPW. ...
What NCPW 2026 Teaches Us About Today’s Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) coordinates National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud. For 2026, the focus remains sharply on the digital threats that have become commonplace in our inboxes, text messages, and online marketplaces. While the official events and materials provide a wealth of information, the core advice boils down to recognizing persistent patterns and taking simple, defensive actions. ...