That “Perfect” Online Match Could Be a Financial Trap You meet someone new online. The conversation flows easily. They’re attentive, successful, and share your interests. Over weeks or months, a genuine connection seems to blossom. Then, they mention an exclusive investment opportunity, a “sure thing.” You make a small, successful trade. Encouraged, you invest more. And then, the person—and your money—disappear. ...
Practical Consumer Safety for a Digital World: What to Know in 2026 As National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 approaches, it serves as a timely reminder that vigilance is a year-round job. Each March, this initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spotlights the tools and knowledge you need to protect your money, data, and identity. With our lives increasingly moving online, the core principles of consumer protection are now deeply intertwined with digital privacy and cybersecurity. ...
What the FTC Wants You to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spearheads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign focused on arming people with the knowledge to avoid fraud and protect their data. The 2026 iteration is no different, serving as a critical yearly checkpoint to refocus on the most pressing threats to your wallet and privacy. While the full slate of events and resources for NCPW 2026 will be detailed on the FTC’s website as the week approaches, the core mission remains constant: providing practical, actionable advice. Here’s a breakdown of the essential themes and strategies you can expect, based on the FTC’s ongoing priorities and past warnings. ...
Don’t Get Hooked: Key Scam Tactics the FTC Wants You to Spot Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted an important webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, shining a light on the latest tricks scammers are using to part people from their money and personal information. While scam tactics constantly evolve, the core principles of protection remain the same: knowledge and caution. The session underscored that understanding these emerging trends is the first, most crucial step in defending yourself. ...
Your Action Plan for a Safer Year: National Consumer Protection Week 2026 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) arrives each spring, serving as a timely reminder to review our digital habits. While it’s a coordinated effort led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with partners, its real value lies in the practical steps it prompts us to take. This year, the focus is squarely on navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape. Rather than just a week of awareness, think of it as your annual check-up for personal data security. ...
Practical Ways to Stop Scammers: Lessons from FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW): the best defense against fraud is a well-informed public. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core message remains urgent. Scammers are endlessly adaptable, but the foundational principles for protecting yourself don’t have to be complex. ...
Spotting the Scams the FTC Says Are Circulating Now Every March, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a crucial reminder to review our digital defenses. This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to spotlight the latest scam tactics actively targeting people. The core message is clear: while the themes of fraud remain consistent—pressure, deception, and urgency—the delivery methods are constantly evolving. Staying informed isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessary part of protecting your money and personal information. ...
What the FTC Wants You to Know About the Latest Scam Tactics Last month, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public webinar to shine a light on the scam trends that are currently tricking people out of their money and personal information. While the specific tactics evolve, the core goal of fraudsters remains the same: to create a sense of urgency, trust, or fear that overrides our better judgment. ...
The Latest Scams and How to Spot Them: Key Takeaways from the FTC Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, making it harder than ever to distinguish a legitimate offer from a sophisticated fraud. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted the evolving landscape of consumer scams, emphasizing that awareness is the first line of defense. While the details of every emerging scheme shift, the core principles of protection remain grounded in vigilance and skepticism. ...
What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Top Scams During a recent webinar for National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shed light on the scam tactics that are currently separating Americans from their money. Their key message? While the platforms and specific stories change, the psychological tricks scammers use remain constant. They rely on creating a sense of urgency, exploiting trust, and pressuring you to act before you think. Understanding the most prevalent trends is your first line of defense. ...