Scams

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams Last month, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a timely webinar to outline the most pressing fraud threats facing consumers right now. These events are critical because scam tactics don’t stay static; they evolve to exploit new technologies and current events. The FTC’s latest briefing serves as a crucial update, moving beyond the well-known schemes to highlight how fraud is adapting. For anyone who shops online, manages finances, or simply uses email and text messaging, understanding these trends is the first step toward effective defense. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Practical Guide to Modern Scams It’s not your imagination—scams are getting more frequent and sophisticated. Recent data shows identity theft alone surged by 50% over the past two tax seasons. Meanwhile, new tools like AI are making fraud harder to spot, with cloned voices and deepfake videos entering the criminal toolkit. Protecting yourself isn’t just about being skeptical; it’s about understanding the new rules of the game. This guide breaks down how to recognize today’s threats, build practical defenses, and know exactly what to do if you’re targeted. ...

How to Spot and Stop Scams: A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Money It’s not your imagination—scams are getting more sophisticated and more frequent. Recent reports note a troubling 50% increase in identity theft over the past two tax seasons, while AI-generated scam calls and deepfakes are moving from sci-fi concepts into our daily lives. The goal of a scammer is simple: to create a compelling illusion that triggers a quick, emotional reaction, bypassing your logical defenses. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spot Scams and Protect Yourself Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to cut through the noise and give people straightforward tools to fight back against fraud. While the official events for NCPW 2026 are still being planned, the core mission remains urgent: equipping you with knowledge is your first line of defense. ...

A Proactive Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026 As we head toward March 2026, consumer protection agencies are preparing for the annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this week serves as a crucial, coordinated reminder to review our habits and reinforce our defenses against scams that constantly evolve to exploit new technologies and anxieties. The core message remains timeless: informed consumers are the first line of defense. This year’s focus underscores practical steps anyone can take to protect their finances, personal information, and peace of mind. ...

A Practical Guide to Spotting, Stopping, and Recovering from Scams Scams aren’t just annoying—they’re increasingly sophisticated and costly. Recent data shows a troubling 50% surge in identity theft over the past two tax seasons, a spike that underscores how fraudsters relentlessly refine their tactics. From AI-generated voices mimicking loved ones to deepfake videos and urgent “official” messages, modern scams are designed to bypass our natural skepticism. The good news is that with a clear understanding of how these schemes work and a solid plan of action, you can significantly reduce your risk and minimize damage if you are targeted. ...

Don’t Get Played: A Practical Guide to Modern Scams We’re living in a golden age for scammers. The tools are more sophisticated, the schemes more convincing, and the stakes are rising. Reports indicate identity theft cases jumped by 50% over the last two tax seasons alone. What used to be a poorly worded email from a “prince” has evolved into AI-generated voice clones of loved ones in distress and deepfake videos that can seemingly show anyone saying anything. The game has changed, and our defenses need to evolve with it. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Handle Modern Scams Scams aren’t what they used to be. The days of easily spotted fake checks and poorly written “Nigerian prince” emails are fading, replaced by sophisticated schemes that leverage artificial intelligence, personal data, and psychological manipulation. Recent data, including a Yahoo report indicating a 50% surge in identity theft over the last two tax seasons, underscores that these threats are not only evolving but escalating. This guide provides a clear, three-part strategy to navigate this landscape: recognizing the new threats, building strong defenses, and knowing exactly what to do if you become a target. ...

Your Consumer Protection Toolkit for NCPW 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) returns in March 2026, marking a yearly reminder to assess our digital safety habits. Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this week is less about a single event and more about providing a focused opportunity to reinforce the defenses we should maintain year-round. With fraud and scam reports consistently numbering in the millions annually, the guidance offered during NCPW serves as a crucial, timely update for anyone navigating today’s marketplace. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: A Practical Guide to Outsmarting Scams Every year, as March approaches, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and hundreds of partner organizations gear up for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, the focus remains sharply on empowering you with the knowledge to defend against increasingly sophisticated fraud. This isn’t just a promotional event; it’s a concentrated source of timely, practical advice. With fraud tactics constantly evolving, this annual reminder is the perfect moment to audit your own habits and update your defenses. ...