National Consumer Protection Week

Protecting the interests of our member community and helping you thwart against fraud is our top priority every single day. As National Consumer Protection Week approaches from March 1 through March 7, 2026, it is the perfect time to explore the tools and knowledge needed to stay safe in an ever-changing digital world.

Being part of a credit union means belonging to a community that looks out for one another. To keep your finances and assets secure, it is vital to remain vigilant and aware of the scams that take place across the consumer marketplace. Fraud is increasingly prevalent on the popular devices and communication channels we use most, from smartphones to social media platforms. By staying informed about these evolving threats, you can effectively shield your identity and navigate the modern financial landscape with confidence.

1. Verify Unexpected Calls with a Family Code Word

When and where this happens: These calls often occur late at night or early in the morning when you are likely to be startled. Scammers typically target individuals at home using personal details gathered from public social media profiles.

The Bottom Line: Establish a unique code word for your family. If a caller cannot provide it, hang up immediately and call your relative back on a trusted number to verify their safety.

2. Look Closely at Website Addresses Before You Click

When and where this happens: This is common during holiday shopping seasons or seasonal transitions like summer vacation planning. You might encounter these malicious links in social media feeds or as sponsored results at the top of search engine pages.

The Bottom Line: Always inspect the URL for typos or unusual endings. The safest way to shop is to skip the link and type the official website address directly into your browser.

3. Be Wary of Urgent Text Alerts

When and where this happens: These texts often arrive while you are running errands or during a busy workday. Scammers hope you will click the link quickly to resolve a problem while you are distracted at a checkout line or a gas station.

The Bottom Line: Mirastar will never ask for your password or a one-time passcode through a text link. If you receive an alert, close the message and log in through our official mobile app instead.

4. Monitor Your Credit for Synthetic Identity Fraud

When and where this happens: This fraud occurs behind the scenes in digital markets. Most people only discover the damage at high-stakes moments such as applying for a car loan or a home mortgage.

The Bottom Line: Review your credit report every three months for unfamiliar names or inquiries. Use the monitoring tools available through your Mirastar membership to catch suspicious activity early.

5. Spot Hidden Fees and Unfair Subscription Practices

When and where this happens: This frequently happens on mobile apps and streaming sites through limited time offer popups. Consumers often notice the unauthorized charges while reviewing their bank statements at the beginning of the month.

The Bottom Line: Review your terms carefully before signing up for trials. If a company makes it difficult to cancel, document your experience and report the business to the Federal Trade Commission.

6. Protect Your Circle from Elder Financial Abuse

When and where this happens: These interactions often begin as random social media friend requests or fake computer virus popups. Scammers spend weeks building a relationship with individuals while they are home alone during the day.

The Bottom Line: Discuss modern threats with your parents and grandparents. Suggest setting up read-only account access for a trusted family member to help them monitor for unusual activity safely.

Learn more about National Consumer Protection Week

National Consumer Protection Week (March 1-7, 2026) is a vital time to discuss frauds, scams, and your rights as a consumer. We encourage you to help spread the word within our community to ensure everyone stays protected. You can join the conversation and partner with the FTC to learn more about how to avoid, report, and recover from fraud.

There are many ways to participate in NCPW 2026. You can share helpful safety tips on social media, talk to a neighbor about a recent consumer alert, or even plan your own event to celebrate the week. During this year’s observance, the focus remains on three key pillars:

• Avoid Scams: Stay informed to stop fraud before it starts.
• Report Scams: Share your experience to help officials track and stop criminals.
• Recover from Scams: Access resources to help you get back on track if you are targeted.

You can also explore specific topics such as identity theft, cybersecurity for small businesses, or job scams to further strengthen your defenses.

Take action and report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Help us Slam the Scam this March

Don’t let a scammer ruin your March. Stay vigilant, stay skeptical, and keep your personal info private. If you see something suspicious, do not hesitate to reach out. Contact our support team immediately.

• Freeze your card instantly using the Mirastar Mobile App.
• Contact Member Support directly at (800) 282-6212 or (408) 282-0700.
• Report the fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov) to help protect the rest of our community.