Scams

What to Expect from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a coordinated campaign to help people understand their rights and spot scams. While the official events for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the FTC has begun its outreach, signaling the key themes and resources consumers can expect. This early planning phase highlights the ongoing and evolving threats in the digital marketplace. ...

D.C. Attorney General Warns: Gift Card Scams Are a Growing Threat In a recent official alert, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb warned residents about a persistent and damaging form of fraud: gift card payment scams. These schemes are not new, but they continue to evolve and trap even savvy individuals, often resulting in significant, irreversible financial loss. The alert underscores that scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using pressure and impersonation to trick people into purchasing and handing over gift card details. Understanding how these scams work is your first and most important line of defense. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Modern Scams It’s not your imagination—scams are getting more sophisticated. What used to be a poorly written email from a stranded prince has evolved into elaborate, psychologically manipulative schemes that can drain bank accounts, wreck credit, and steal identities. Recent reporting, including a series of articles from Investopedia, highlights that fraudsters are continually refining their tactics, making vigilance more critical than ever. The good news is that by understanding how these scams work, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...

How to Spot, Stop, and Recover from Modern Scams Scammers have moved far past the poorly spelled “Nigerian prince” emails of old. Today’s fraud is sophisticated, personalized, and emotionally manipulative. Whether it’s a fake text from your “bank,” a convincing investment pitch from a new online friend, or a fraudulent charge on your account, the goal is the same: to steal your money, identity, or both. ...

FTC’s Consumer Protection Week 2026: Your Guide to Spotting Scams and Staying Safe Every year, the landscape of scams shifts. New schemes emerge, old ones get a digital facelift, and the barrage of deceptive emails, texts, and calls can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), running in early March, is a critical time to pause and reassess your defenses. For 2026, the FTC is once again focusing on arming consumers with practical, up-to-date advice to navigate these threats. ...

Don’t Just Observe National Consumer Protection Week—Use It Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a dedicated time for agencies, advocates, and businesses to share resources that help people guard against scams, fraud, and unfair practices. For the average person, however, it can feel like just another awareness week that comes and goes. ...

Your Action Plan from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is here again. While it’s an annual event spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and partners, the core message for 2026 remains critically practical: your daily habits are your first and best defense against fraud. Instead of just raising awareness, this year’s guidance zeroes in on the specific actions you can take to secure your money and identity. Let’s break down what this means for you. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety Every March, a coordinated campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shines a spotlight on the skills and tools we all need to navigate the marketplace safely. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 is no different. While the official events and materials for 2026 are still being finalized, the core mission remains timeless: to arm you with practical knowledge to avoid scams, protect your identity, and secure your hard-earned money. ...

Your 2026 Guide to Staying Safe from Scams Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designates a National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a focused effort to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud, protect their data, and navigate the marketplace safely. For 2026, the theme continues to center on practical, actionable advice. This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about equipping yourself with a few key habits that can save you significant stress and financial loss. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to spot and avoid scams and unfair business practices. For NCPW 2026, the message remains critically urgent: fraud is evolving, but your defenses can too. This week serves as an annual checkpoint—a reminder to review your habits and leverage free resources to protect your money and identity. ...