NCPW2026 – CT.gov: National Consumer Protection Week 2026

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is reminding everyone to participate in scam education activities during National Consumer Protection Week, which takes place from March 2-6. This week serves as an opportunity for consumers and business owners to access free resources aimed at educating the public on identifying and avoiding common scams and fraudulent activities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosts webinars each year during this week to provide valuable insight into the world of scams.

DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli emphasized the importance of National Consumer Protection Week, stating that it underscores the ongoing efforts to create a fair marketplace for businesses and consumers. Cafferelli also highlighted the necessity of continuously educating oneself about emerging scams and learning how to safeguard personal information. With technological advancements enabling increasingly sophisticated scams, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant against deceptive tactics designed to exploit and compromise personal data.

To combat the rise in impersonation scams, Connecticut residents are encouraged to ensure they possess accurate and up-to-date contact information for their financial institutions and trusted organizations, such as banks, credit card companies, and utility providers. By having this information readily available, individuals can better navigate urgent or suspicious messages and verify the legitimacy of any issues by contacting the company directly through their established phone numbers.

According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, Connecticut witnessed 18,483 reports of fraud in the first nine months of 2025, resulting in a total loss of $96.3 million. Identity theft, imposter scams, and debt collection were among the most frequently reported categories of fraudulent activities in the state during that period. In response to these alarming statistics, this year’s National Consumer Protection Week events will focus on equipping participants with the knowledge to avoid, report, and recover from scams.

The schedule of virtual events scheduled for this year includes:

1. A webinar on March 3 at 1 p.m. aimed at helping communities recognize, avoid, and report prevalent scams, organized by the FTC, Consumer Action, and the Better Business Bureau.
2. A webinar on March 4 at 1 p.m. focusing on safeguarding small businesses from scammers and cybersecurity threats, presented by the FTC and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
3. A virtual roundtable discussion on March 5 at 2 p.m. addressing the top scams affecting older adults, hosted by the FTC, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

For further details on National Consumer Protection Week events, interested individuals can visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website. Must-have information on consumer advice and services available to Connecticut residents can be accessed via the DCP website. To stay informed about the latest scam trends, individuals are encouraged to follow @CTDCP on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.