Scams

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself from Modern Scams: Insights from Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud. While the official NCPW 2026 events are scheduled for early March, the advice shared is timeless and critically important. Scammers continuously refine their tactics, but the core principles of protection remain constant: skepticism, secure practices, and knowing how to report problems. ...

How to Spot and Stop Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Guide Based on recent alerts about gift card scams, this article provides clear, practical advice to help consumers recognize warning signs, protect themselves from fraud, and know what to do if targeted. ...

When Your iPhone Rings, Should You Answer? You’ve felt that buzz in your pocket. You glance at the screen to see an urgent alert from your “bank,” a call from a local number about a “suspended” account, or a message claiming you’ve won a prize. Your instinct might be to tap or answer immediately, especially if the caller ID looks familiar. But that instinct is exactly what scammers are banking on. ...

Your Guide to the FTC’s 2026 Consumer Protection Advice Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a campaign dedicated to arming the public with knowledge against fraud and privacy threats. The guidance for NCPW 2026 is now available, offering a timely update on the tactics scammers are using and the essential steps you can take to defend yourself. This isn’t about fear; it’s about practical awareness. By understanding the current landscape, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spotting Scams and Staying Safe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is back for 2026, running from March 2nd through March 8th. As announced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this annual campaign is a focused reminder to review your defenses against fraud. While consumer threats evolve, the core advice from protection agencies remains a vital toolkit for everyone. ...

New Scam Alerts: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For Staying ahead of scammers is a constant challenge. Their tactics evolve quickly, and what worked to protect yourself last year might not be enough today. That’s why the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, was so valuable. It provided a direct line to the latest data and trends straight from the agency on the front lines. If you missed it, here’s a breakdown of the key scams they highlighted and, more importantly, what you can do about them. ...

Your Guide to National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Spot Scams and Secure Your Data Every year, scam artists refine their tactics, and every year, consumers need to sharpen their defenses. That’s the core idea behind National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), an annual campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the focus remains steadfast on equipping you with practical knowledge to navigate an increasingly digital marketplace safely. This isn’t about fear; it’s about building simple, effective habits that protect your money, your identity, and your privacy. ...

Scam Alert: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosts a series of events for National Consumer Protection Week. This year, one of the cornerstone events was a public webinar focused on the latest scam trends. While we weren’t in the virtual room ourselves, the key takeaway from their discussion is clear: scammers are constantly refining their tactics, but the core principles of defense remain steady. ...

What National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Means for Your Safety National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) happens every March, and the 2026 campaign from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is focused on a critical mission: arming you with the knowledge to spot, avoid, and report scams. While the official materials highlight the week’s events and partnerships, the core consumer advice remains timeless and urgently practical. The digital landscape is constantly shifting, with scammers refining their tactics to exploit new technologies and anxieties. This year’s focus reinforces that the best defense is a proactive, informed consumer. ...

Latest Scam Trends: What the FTC Wants You to Know Now A recent webinar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during National Consumer Protection Week served as a crucial reminder: scammers never take a break, but their tactics do evolve. In collaboration with partners like ACA International, the FTC highlighted the specific frauds that are currently putting consumers at the greatest risk. Understanding these trends isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about building practical awareness. By knowing what to look for, you can significantly strengthen your defenses. ...