It’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. Welcome! Today kicks off the 28th year of the FTC joining with partner organizations to amplify the importance of consumer protection. This week, the FTC is focused on delivering messages and hosting events on how to avoid scams, how to report scams, and what to do to help recover from scams. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to find those in-person and virtual events, as well as free tools to promote NCPW.
Here are some other ways to participate in NCPW 2026.
Learn to Avoid Scams
Scammers have a playbook. Learn the signs of a scam to protect your wallet and personal information. Then talk about how you’ll avoid them with a family member, friend, or neighbor. Maybe invite them to complete How I'll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan with you. Encourage them to spread the word about avoiding scams. Also consider sharing advice and joining the online conversation with the #NCPW2026 hashtag.
Report Scams
If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses reports to investigate fraud and bring law enforcement cases. Reports also help the FTC know what scams to alert people about, so they can protect themselves, their friends, and their family.
Recover from Scams
Scammers can be very convincing and good at what they do. If you paid or sent money to someone you think is a scammer, it’s always worth asking the company you used to send the money if there’s a way to get it back. Try to cancel or reverse the transaction as soon as you can.
Check out ftc.gov/ncpw for more.
