National Consumer Protection Week: Empowering Consumers Through Awareness and Action
Print
EmailFree tools, local programs, and practical tips to help you spot scams and safeguard your finances.
Learn how to protect your money and personal information during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). This initiative, celebrated annually the first full week of March, helps individuals understand their consumer rights, prevent fraud, and provides resources to help people spot, report and recover from scams. Coordinated each year by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), NCPW brings together government agencies, nonprofits, and consumer advocates to share free resources and educational programs focused on identity theft, credit card security, and avoiding scams.
In today’s digital world, scams are becoming more sophisticated. From phishing emails and fake online stores to identity theft and imposter scams, consumers of all ages are being targeted. National Consumer Protection Week serves as a reminder that knowledge is one of the strongest defenses against fraud. By learning how to recognize red flags—such as requests for urgent payment, demands for gift cards or wire transfers, and suspicious links—consumers can better protect themselves and their families.
Fraud affects every generation differently. Youth and older adults are particularly important audiences for consumer education. Young people navigating online shopping, gaming platforms, and peer-to-peer payment apps need practical tools to safeguard their personal and financial information. Likewise, older adults are frequently targeted by tech support scams and government imposter schemes. Open conversations across generations help build a stronger defense against fraud for everyone.
Throughout the week, organizations host workshops, webinars, and social media campaigns to promote smart consumer habits. The FTC also highlights its reporting platform, encouraging consumers to report suspicious activity to help law enforcement track patterns and stop fraudulent actors.
Michigan State University Extension offers consumer financial programs year round for both adults and youth throughout the year. Adulting 101: Fraud Fighters - How to Stay Scam Free is a recorded workshop that breaks down the latest tricks and shows you how to guard your information Avoiding Money Mishaps is a free online class that covers similar in a fun interactive way. Plus, live classes on Protecting Your Identity are typically offered monthly through MI Money Health.
National Consumer Protection Week is more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. By staying informed, asking questions, and verifying identities before you trust, you can help create safer marketplaces and stronger communities. Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or business owner, NCPW is an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and commit to being a smarter, safer consumer.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
