Ahoy, savvy internet sailors! It’s National Consumer Protection Week 2026, marking the 28th glorious year of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) teaming up with fellow crime-fighting sidekicks to protect us from the dastardly deeds of scammers. This week, the FTC is rolling out the red carpet for a series of events and resources designed to protect our wallets and our wits. So, strap in, grab your detective hats, and let’s dive into scam-busting like never before!

1. Spot the Scammer – Know the Playbook!

Scammers are like bad magicians: they rely on distraction and deception. But fear not! By learning the telltale signs of scams, you can dodge their tricks like a pro. Here’s the plan: gather your favorite humans (family, friends, neighbors, or that one cool barista you know), and work through the “How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan”. It’s like a buddy system for your bank account! And don’t forget to join the #NCPW2026 online chat to share tips and tricks – because nothing beats a scammer like community wisdom.

2. Hear No Evil? Report the Scam!

If you sniff out a scam, don’t just mutter about it to your cat. Report it! Head over to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and let the FTC know what’s up. Your report could help them crack down on fraudsters and warn others before they get caught in the same trap. Think of it like being a superhero, but with less spandex and more clicking.

3. Oops, I Did It Again – Recovering from Scams

Even the best of us can fall for a scam. If you’ve sent money off to a suspicious character, don’t panic! Your first step? Contact the company you used to send the money and see if you can reverse the transaction. It’s like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube, but hey, sometimes it works! Swift action can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major headache.

Events and More

For the full lineup of events and tools to boost your scam-fighting prowess, check out ftc.gov/ncpw. Whether you’re attending in-person or virtually, there’s something for everyone to become a scam-savvy superhero.

So, there you have it, your guide to navigating National Consumer Protection Week like a pro. Remember, knowledge is your best defense, and together, we can make scammers wish they’d picked a different career path!

For more information, read the original article here: ftc.gov/ncpw

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/welcome-ncpw-2026