Scam Prevention

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Alert Gift cards are convenient gifts, but they have also become a favorite tool for scammers. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about a surge in gift card scams targeting consumers across Washington, D.C. His office joined a growing chorus of law enforcement agencies urging people to recognize the warning signs before they lose money. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Avoid Scams Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — a campaign that brings together government agencies, consumer groups, and businesses to spread practical advice on preventing fraud and safeguarding personal information. The 2026 edition offered a clear set of recommendations that are worth revisiting long after the week ends. If you missed the campaign, or simply want a refresher, here is a concise summary of what the FTC highlighted and how you can apply those lessons year-round. ...

How to Spot a Gift Card Scam: Advice from D.C.’s Attorney General Gift card scams are one of the most common ways fraudsters steal money from consumers. In December 2025, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about these schemes, which continue to evolve in sophistication. Whether you live in Washington, D.C., or elsewhere, understanding how these scams work and what to do if you’re targeted can save you from losing hundreds or thousands of dollars. ...

Your Guide to Avoiding Scams: Lessons from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year in early March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) runs National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to remind people how to spot fraud and safeguard their money and identity. This year was no different. But the advice the FTC publishes during that week is not meant to be forgotten once the campaign wraps up. Scams evolve, but the patterns that make them work stay the same. If you missed NCPW 2026 — or just want a refresher you can come back to all year — this guide covers the scams that were hitting hardest in 2026 and the steps you can take right now to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: Warning Signs and What to Do Scammers have a simple, effective playbook: they ask you to pay with gift cards. It works because gift cards are nearly impossible to trace, and once you hand over the code on the back, the money is gone. In December 2025, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about a surge in these scams. The alert is a good reminder for all of us: gift cards are for gifts, not for paying bills, taxes, or fines. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted Introduction In mid-December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning residents about a surge in gift card scams. The alert underscores a simple but critical fact: no legitimate business, government agency, or utility company will ever demand payment in the form of gift cards. Yet these scams continue to cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year, with older adults frequently among the hardest hit. Understanding how they work—and knowing exactly what to do if you or someone you know is targeted—can prevent financial harm. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: FTC’s Top Tips to Stay Safe Every year, the Federal Trade Commission runs National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to help people recognize scams and protect their money and personal information. This year marks the 26th annual event, and the FTC has published its usual round of free resources at ftc.gov/ncpw. Whether you have already been targeted by a scam or just want to be more prepared, the advice is straightforward and worth reviewing. ...

Don’t Let Scammers Win: FTC’s Best Consumer Advice From NCPW 2026 (Use It Any Time) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 took place in early March, as it does every year. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) used the occasion to release fresh consumer alerts, updated scam warnings, and practical guidance. Even if you missed the event, the advice remains just as relevant today—scammers and identity thieves do not take holidays, and the tactics that worked in March often keep working through the rest of the year. ...

Gift Card Scams Are on the Rise: How to Recognize and Avoid Them In December 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning residents about a surge in gift card scams. The alert describes fraudsters who call, email, or show up in person pretending to be from government agencies, utility companies, or well-known businesses. They insist you pay an overdue bill, a fine, or a supposed debt by purchasing gift cards and reading them the numbers on the back. Once you do, the money is gone—and it is almost impossible to recover. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot Them and What to Do If someone you don’t know demands payment with a gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. Gift cards are meant for giving, not for paying taxes, bail, utility bills, or tech support. Yet scammers continue to rely on them because once the card number and PIN are shared, the money is gone and nearly impossible to recover. ...