Scams

Your Guide to Staying Safe: What to Know for Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a dedicated time to empower people with the knowledge they need to avoid fraud and manage their money wisely. With NCPW 2026 on the horizon, it’s an ideal moment to refresh your defenses. Scammers don’t take a break, and their tactics keep evolving. This week serves as a crucial reminder and a resource hub, focusing on practical steps you can take to protect your finances and personal information. ...

What We Can Learn from National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, a concerted effort takes place across the United States to empower people against fraud. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a time when government agencies, consumer advocates, and businesses come together to share vital information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a lead organizer, uses this week to highlight the most pressing scams and provide the public with clear, actionable defense strategies. While NCPW 2026 is a future event, the guidance it promotes is grounded in enduring threats that are relevant right now. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safer: Practical Advice from National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a calendar event. Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) each March, it’s a focused reminder that safeguarding your money and identity requires year-round attention. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core principles of defense remain consistent: being able to spot scams, securing your personal information, and knowing where to turn for help. This week serves as an excellent prompt to review your habits and adopt some practical, proactive steps. ...

Don’t Just Be Aware, Be Prepared: Your Guide to Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the first full week of March marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2026, this week (expected to run from March 1-7) serves as a critical reminder and resource hub for anyone navigating an increasingly complex digital marketplace. It’s less about a single event and more about an annual checkpoint—a time to refresh your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and leverage free government tools designed to shield you from fraud. ...

Protect Yourself from the Scams the FTC Is Warning About Right Now It’s become a daily routine for many: a text about a missed delivery, a call about a suspicious bank transfer, or a social media ad for a deal that seems too good to be true. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re often the opening moves in sophisticated scams. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar highlighting the latest trends in consumer fraud. Their clear message is that while the themes of scams are familiar—greed, fear, and urgency—the tactics are constantly evolving to exploit new technologies and current events. Staying informed isn’t just about awareness; it’s a necessary part of protecting your finances and personal information. ...

What You Need to Know About Today’s Most Common Scams During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shed light on the latest tactics scammers are using. As fraud techniques evolve, staying informed is your first and best defense. This guide distills the key trends from that session into clear, actionable advice to help you protect your money and personal information. ...

FTC Consumer Experts Warn: These Scam Tactics Are Surging Every year, scammers refine their playbook, exploiting new technologies and current events to separate people from their money. Staying ahead of these schemes is a constant challenge, which is why the Federal Trade Commission’s recent webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, is such a valuable resource. The session highlighted the evolving threats that are currently most prevalent and offered clear guidance on how to defend against them. ...

Gift Cards Are for Gifts, Not for Scammers A recent consumer alert underscores why these popular presents are a fraudster’s favorite tool—and what you can do to protect yourself. Gift cards are a staple of modern gifting and personal spending. They’re convenient, flexible, and often a perfect last-minute solution. Unfortunately, their very features—ease of use and availability—also make them a prime target for criminals. In a recent official alert, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb warned residents about a persistent wave of gift card scams, urging heightened public awareness. This isn’t an isolated issue; it’s a widespread tactic that continues to trap thousands of consumers each year. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to spotlight practical ways you can defend yourself against fraud. The 2026 campaign is no different, coming at a crucial time when scammers are refining their tactics. It’s a dedicated period to pause, reassess your digital habits, and arm yourself with the latest knowledge from the nation’s top consumer watchdog. ...

Practical Advice from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth: the best defense against fraud is an informed consumer. As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the agency’s message is timely and clear. This annual event serves as a focused reminder to review your habits, understand the latest threats, and take simple, effective steps to safeguard your money and identity. ...