Each year, the first full week of March is recognized as National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), an initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission to help people understand their rights and avoid fraud.

At its core, Consumer Protection Week is about empowerment. When you know the warning signs of scams and understand where to turn for help, you’re better equipped to protect your money and personal information.

In today’s digital world, consumer awareness isn’t optional — it’s essential.

What Is Consumer Protection Week?

National Consumer Protection Week is a nationwide effort bringing together government agencies, advocacy groups, and financial institutions to educate consumers about fraud and scams, share tools to protect personal information, promote financial literacy, and provide guidance on reporting suspicious activity

The Biggest Risks Consumers Face Today

Scam tactics constantly evolve, but the goal is the same, access to your money or personal information. Common threats that many individuals have seen or fallen victim to are:

Imposter Scams – Fraudsters pose as government agencies, financial institutions, tech support, or even family members, often creating urgency.

Phishing & Smishing – Fake emails and text messages designed to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive data.

Identity Theft – Stolen personal information used to open accounts, file false tax returns, or make unauthorized purchases.

Online Shopping Scams – Fake websites or sellers offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Watch for these red flags –

• • Urgent or threatening language
  • Requests for gift cards or wire transfers
  • Unexpected requests for sensitive information
  • Misspellings or unusual sender addresses

How to Protect Yourself

Consumer Protection Week is a great time to strengthen your financial safeguards. There are several tips and tools to be aware of that help you stay protected.

Monitor accounts regularly – Review transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.

Use strong, unique passwords – Enable multi-factor authentication whenever available.

Pause before responding – Scammers rely on urgency, take time to verify.

Verify independently – Contact your financial institution using a trusted number if something feels off.

Review your credit report – Regular checks can help detect identity theft early.

For additional tips and updates, visit our Fraud Prevention Resource Center to stay informed about current scams and protection strategies.

Consumer Protection Is Financial Wellness

Understanding your rights and recognizing fraud risks are essential parts of financial health.

National Consumer Protection Week is a timely reminder to stay alert, informed, and proactive, not just this week, but year-round.

For more resources and guidance, or ways to report scams, explore our Fraud Prevention page and take steps today to protect what matters most.