National Consumer Protection Week banner urging people to report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Spot a scam? Report it!
For #NCPW2026, learn to identify, prevent, and report fraud. Watch for imposter scams, phishing texts, investment fraud, romance scams, and payment redirection.
Report: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
More: dfi.wa.gov/10b/en
Visit the FTC website to how to avoid a scam: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how...
Learn how to identify a scam on our website: dfi.wa.gov/10b/identify
A graphic with a blue background. At the top is a ribbon that says National Consumer Protection Week - March 1-7 - #NCPW2026. Under the ribbon is a paragraph that says, "Did you get an unexpected call or text asking for money or personal information? Stop. It could be a scam. Talk to someone you trust." At the bottom of the graphic is a link: ftc.gov/ncpw.
Today, we’re focusing on how to identify a scam, like getting an unknown call or text asking you for money.
The first step in protecting yourself from scams is learning how to identify it. There are many ways a scammer can draw you in and take your money. Don’t fall for it!
#NCPW2026
More resources-
Our Financial Education Blog shares some ways you can avoid financial fraud: dfi.wa.gov/financial-education/blog
Use our scam tracker to see which scams are being reported in Washington State: dfi.wa.gov/scam-tracker
Learn how to report fraud on our website: dfi.wa.gov/10b/report
A graphic with a teal background. On the left side is a circle that says We're celebrating. On the right side is the title that says, "National Consumer Protection Week. March 1-7, 2026. ftc.gov/ncpw #NCPW2026"
It’s National Consumer Protection Week! We're celebrating by sharing resources from the Federal Trade Commission, DFI and other partners to highlight information on how to avoid, report, and recover from scams.
About National Consumer Protection Week: consumer.ftc.gov/features/nat...
#NCPW2026
Quick check-in for Washington workers.
🟢 Saving for retirement
🟡 Want to, but not sure how
🔴 Not on your radar yet
No judgment. Just curious.
Washington Saves launches in 2027 to help make saving easier.
A graphic with pink and red stripe background. At the top is the Dating or Defrauding logo. Under the logo is a chat box from someone saying, "New investment opportunity! Don't wait! Reply now to get insider info on the current earnings." The reply says, "I'm in! What do I need to do?" They reply back, "Visit our website to get started! www.investscamming!62.com"
A graphic with pink and red stripe background. At the top is the dating or defrauding logo. Under the logo is text boxes that say, "research investment opportunities thoroughly and ask questions. Protect info relating to your personal finances and identity. Ignore messages from senders you don't know. Delete, block, and report their messages. Don' take investment advice from anyone who contacts you unexpectedly online or by text."
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Beware of investment scams—real opportunities don’t come from random chats. Learn more and take the SEC’s quiz: Investor.gov.
#DatingOrDefrauding
1.2 million Washington workers don't have access to workplace retirement savings.
Not because they don't want to save. Because their employer—often a small business—can't afford the complexity of a 401(k).
We're changing that. 🧵 1/3
A graphic with pink and red stripe background. In the center of the graphic is a phone with text messages on it. An unknown number messages saying, “Hi! Is this Pam?” The next reply says, “No. Can I help you?” The reply says, “How are you doing? I’m David.” Under the phone is the Dating or Defrauding logo.
A graphic with pink and red stripe background. At the top of the graphic it says, “text message scams.” Under the title are text bubbles that say, “Don’t text them back! Now, they might not stop.” The other says, “Don’t share your personal information.” Under the texts is the Dating or Defrauding logo.
Getting texts from unknown numbers? It could be a scammer trying to connect. 💬
Don’t reply—block and report the number. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report to the FTC.
Learn more about romance scams: https://ow.ly/hHHH50YcsgY
#DatingOrDefrauding
A graphic with pink and red stripe background. In the center of the graphic is a message request from a Scammer202627. The message reads, “Hi! How r you? I love your profile picture! You seeem really nice. Can we talk offline? Whats your phone number?” Under the message is an accept or decline button. At the bottom of the graphic is the Dating or Defrauding logo.
A graphic with pink and red stripe background. In the center of the graphic is a message with the title SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS. Under the title are bullet points of what to look out for: they want to move off the dating app for messaging, they have an investment opportunity, and they love bomb you. Under the bullets it says decline. At the bottom of the graphic is the Dating or Defrauding logo.
Got a DM asking for your phone number? 💔
Fake profiles and AI scams are everywhere—don’t fall for it! Learn how to spot romance scams: dfi.wa.gov/consumers/dating-or-defrauding-avoid-romance-scams
#DatingOrDefrauding
A graphic with a pink and red stripe in the background. At the top center of the graphic is the Dating Or Defrauding logo. Under the logo is a phone with two dating profiles on it. One person messages, "I love you so much but I can't meet up because I need money for a plane ticket..." The other profile responses, "Don't worry about it, I'll send you money!"
A graphic with pink and red stripe background. At the top center of the graphic is the Dating or Defrauding logo. Under the title is the title Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scam. Under the title are text bubbles that say, "verify their identity, watch out for love bombs, and lookout for money requests!"
Catfishing is getting easier with AI, especially on dating apps. Don’t send money or share personal info with someone you haven’t met in real life. Do a reverse image search to spot scammers. Learn more about romance scams on our website: https://ow.ly/g90Z50YcppG
#DatingOrDefrauding
A graphic with a stripped red and pink background. In the center is a love letter for Valentines Day. It is from a secret crush and to "my valentine." on the right is a note that says, "Today and every day you make my heart happy. You're the only one I trust. I can't wait until I can meet you in person. Can you send me money for a plane ticket? XOXO, Secret Crush."
A graphic with red and pink stripped background. In the center is a love letter for Valentine's Day. It says, "this is a scam! Romance scammers may send you letters through the mail to request money or valuables."
Received a “love letter” from a new online friend or Valentine? Be cautious! Scammers often send mail asking for money, gift cards, or crypto to seem more genuine. If you suspect a scam, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
#DatingOrDefrauding
DFI recommends the following steps to safeguard your investments:
- Verify registration
- Check for warnings
- Understand the technology
- Report suspicious activity
A graphic with tech in the background. In the center of the graphic is a white box with the title PRESS RELEASE. The DFI logo in blue is in the middle. Under the logo is a sentence that says, "DFI Urges Investors to Beware of AI-Powered Investment Scams."
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more sophisticated, DFI joins the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) in urging investors to stay vigilant against a growing wave of AI-powered investment scams.
Read the full press release: dfi.wa.gov/news/press/w...
A blue background with the title #5 Watch out for Skimming Scams. Under the title is a paragraph that says, criminals install small devices (skimmers) on card readers at ATMs, gas pumps, or stores to steal card numbers from the magnetic stripe and often use hidden cameras or fake keypads to capture PINs.
Card skimming scams are on the rise! Always check card readers for anything unusual, cover your PIN, and use well-lit ATMs. Protect your cards with RFID sleeves.
Learn more about ID theft at: consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft-awareness-week
#IDTheft #IDTheftWeek
A white background with the title #4 secure your mail. Under the title is a paragraph that says make sure your mailbox is locked or secure somehow so that it makes it harder for others to get it.
Mail theft is still a common way thieves steal your identity. Lock your mailbox and consider signing up for USPS Informed Delivery to track your mail. Stay alert and protect your info! 📫
Learn more: consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft-awareness-week
#IDTheft #IDTheftWeek
It’s a good thing to know that you should regularly review your account statements and credit reports (at annualcreditreport.com). Also, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report or freeze your credit.
28.01.2026 23:27 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
A dark blue background. The title says #3 Regularly review your account and credit reports. Under the title is a paragraph that says: See something that seems off? If you notice anything wrong on your account or credit reports, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report or freeze your credit.
It can be an unsettling feeling when you notice something seems wrong on one of your accounts. There are things YOU can do to fix any errors and that can help keep your finances safe!
#IDTheft #IDTheftWeek
For ID Theft resources and more, visit the Federal Trade Commission website: consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft-awareness-week
27.01.2026 23:57 — 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
A white graphic with the title #2 Be aware when online. Don't answer phone calls, texts, social media messages, or emails from unknown numbers or people you don't know. Most importantly - don't share your information with them!
To protect your personal information and accounts, don’t be an open book!
Don’t share your personal or financial information online or over the phone with anyone you don’t trust, even if it looks like it’s from your financial institution or someone you know.
#IDTheft
A dark grey background. A title in white in the center that says Identity Theft Awareness Week. Under the title is a paragraph in blue that says It can happen to anyone, but you can take steps to protect yourself.
A white background with a number in the center: 12,198. Under the number it says total identity theft reports in Washington in 2025! Stats are from the FTC.
A dark blue background with the title #1 Strong Passwords. Under the title and to the left is a paragraph that says Passwords are your first line of defense! Add two-factor authentication for a second layer to protect your information.
Identity Theft Awareness Week starts TODAY!
Research indicates only about 15% of people who are victimized file reports. To kick off the week, we are focusing on the importance of strong passwords!
Visit ftc.gov/IDTheftWeek for details on free events and resources.
#IDTheftWeek #IDTheft
Graphic of a fake text message urging the customer to pay an outstanding traffic ticket. The message is marked "scam." We never send messages like these. The customer should delete them and mark as "spam."
Don't be fooled by the latest text scam threatening fines, license suspension, and legal action if you don't pay a fake traffic ticket. 🙄
We NEVER send messages likes this.
Please don't respond to such texts or click any links. Do not pay. Simply mark as spam and delete.
A graphic with a photo of someone on a computer in the background. The title says, "WA DFI Reminds investors to learn how to identify, prevent, and report investment fraud."
DFI and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) are warning investors that bad actors are using a new generation of sophisticated schemes in this New Year.
Read the press release: dfi.wa.gov/news/press/n...
The @atg.wa.gov warns to watch out for gift card fraud this holiday season!
youtu.be/ozmjIJg4_oQ
Don’t get scammed, protect yourself. Swipe for flood recovery tips.
Don’t get scammed! Talk to your insurance adjuster or insurance company before signing any agreement or contract with cleaning, remediation, or maintenance.
DON'T GET SCAMMED! Make sure your contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured and ask to see proof. Get estimates in writing. Don't let a contractor or repair person pressure you! Loic wWW. INSURANCE.WA.GOV
Facing #flood damage is overwhelming. Here’s some quick tips to protect yourself from fraudsters:
• Talk with your insurance adjuster or insurance company before signing any agreement or contract with a cleaning, remediation, or maintenance contractor. (See for more tips)
El gobernador Ferguson ha declarado una emergencia en todo el estado en respuesta a las graves inundaciones. Si usted o alguien que conoce se ha visto afectado por las inundaciones, visite nuestro sitio web para obtener recursos financieros y ayuda para la recuperación.
dfi.wa.gov/section-main...
A blue graphic with a photo of a flood in a neighborhood in the center. The title says Washington Flood Emergency: financial resources and recovery. Under the title is a paragraph that says: Statewide Emergency Declared: Governor Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency in response to major flooding. This declaration allows the state to seek federal funds for recovery.
Governor Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency in response to major flooding. If you are someone you know has been affected by flooding, visit our website for financial resources and recovery.
dfi.wa.gov/flood-resour...
A light blue graphic with the title Giving Tuesday. Under the title is a short sentence that says: Make sure you're giving smart by following these helpful tips to avoid fraud. Under that is bullet points that reads: confirm the charity is legit, consider how you pay, don't feel rushed, ask someone you trust before donating, and double-check links.
Make sure scammers don’t take advantage of your generosity this Giving Tuesday by taking some advice from the Washington State Attorney General and WA Secretary of State - “Pause. Check the Cause.”
Verify the entity you are donating to is a registered charity: www.sos.wa.gov/corporations...
1/2 Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 10th annual International Charity Fraud Awareness Week, during which the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and the Office of the Secretary of State are sharing information to help Washingtonians avoid fraudulent charity solicitations.
01.12.2025 00:14 — 👍 17 🔁 7 💬 1 📌 1
A graphic with a pale blush background with wine red leaves and vines on the outside corners. In the center is the title that says: This Thanksgiving, give thanks and not your savings. In the bottom center of the graphic is a piggy bank.
A graphic with a white background. The title says Scammers are serving up fraud this thanksgiving! Under the title is a dinner table with a turkey in the middle. Around the table on the plates are scams and fraud.
A graphic with a light blue background. On the corners of the graphic are orange and yellow fall leaves. In the center of the graphic is the title that says: Don't let scammers feast on your finances this thanksgiving!
Show off your financial knowledge this Thanksgiving by having these reminders as your screensaver! Now, when mom, dad, aunt Betty, or Grandpa Joe look over at your phone, they’ll think about their finances too. 🦃
Visit our website for more information you can share: dfi.wa.gov/news/press/2...
