National Consumer Protection Week

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) runs from March 1–7, 2026. This initiative of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights fraud, scams, and deceptive business practices, and how people can recover from them. The Federated Employees Credit union is raising awareness and joining the #NCPW2026 conversation on social media so members can protect themselves and their finances.

National Consumer Protection Week Topics:

1. Stay Informed. Being ready to spot and report scams, fraud, and imposters can make a big difference. Read our Fraud and Scam FAQ page so you are better prepared.
2. Stop Unwanted Calls. Tired of getting unexpected calls? Go to the National Do Not Call Registry to stop unwanted sales calls. There is no cost to register with your home or mobile phone number.
3. Stay Safe Online. Your information is valuable so pause and think before you click or post something online. Secure your device by managing your privacy settings, using secure passwords, and installing updates to protect your device’s security. It’s also important to talk to your kids and vulnerable adults about staying safe online, and how to make good decisions.
4. Monitor Your Credit Report. Request your Annual Credit Report for free each year from AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. Verify your address is correct and look for unfamiliar accounts, loans, or credit inquiries. Report any that you did not authorize. Even if the report looks correct you can still request a credit freeze to prevent new inquiries and accounts from being opened in your name.

National #SlamTheScam Day  

As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Thursday, March 5, 2026, is designated, “Slam the Scam Day” by the Social Security Administration and other federal agencies. The day is part of a broader effort to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the United States.

• Don't Trust Caller ID. Scammers can fake caller ID so always hang up and call back using a phone number you know is real.
• Stop! It’s A Scam. Government agencies and legitimate organizations will never threaten or pressure you to take immediate action, ask for your SSN, or tell you to pay with gift cards or crypto.
• Get A Free Credit Freeze. Identity theft can happen to anyone so protect yourself by freezing your credit.

Help Stop Fraud

If you suspect you or your loved one fell victim to identity theft or fraud, acting quickly is essential. You should contact the FECU immediately and closely monitor your credit report, bank accounts, bills, and statements. File a report and get a personalized recovery plan for identity theft by visiting IdentityTheft.gov. Report unfair business practices, scams, or fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.  

Note: The National Do Not Call Registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission. All FTC education materials are in the public domain. This article is intended to highlight common questions and issues and provide general information only. This is not a complete list and there are many ways you can prevent fraud or report what happened, recover, and reduce the impact. The information herein should not be considered legal or tax advice regarding your specific facts or circumstances. Consult a qualified professional with questions regarding the topics herein. Neither Federated Employees Credit Union (FECU) nor its employees provide legal, financial, investments, tax, or employment advice.  

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