How AI Threatens Banking and Privacy: What You Can Do Now

How AI Threatens Banking and Privacy: What You Can Do Now Artificial intelligence is reshaping banking and online privacy, but not always for the better. The same technology that powers fraud detection and personal assistants is now enabling sophisticated scams that are harder to spot than ever. Depending on whom you ask, this is either a familiar arms race or a genuine game-changer. Either way, it’s worth understanding what’s happening and how to protect yourself. ...

May 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How AI Could Threaten Your Banking and Online Privacy – And What to Do About It

How AI Could Threaten Your Banking and Online Privacy – And What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than most of us can track. For consumers, that means smarter tools and more convenience—but also new kinds of risk that weren’t on the radar a year or two ago. A recent article in Kiplinger highlighted an unsettling trend: AI is being used to undermine the security of online banking and chip away at personal privacy in ways that feel almost like science fiction. But the reality is here, and it’s worth understanding. ...

May 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips for Safe Buying

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips for Safe Buying Online shopping has become a regular part of life for most of us. But as e‑commerce grows, so do the number of scams designed to steal your money and personal information. In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost more than $1.2 billion to online shopping fraud – a figure that has risen every year. The good news is that most scams share tell‑tale signs, and a little awareness goes a long way. ...

May 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How AI Puts Your Banking and Privacy at Risk — and What to Do About It

How AI Puts Your Banking and Privacy at Risk — and What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is transforming banking and online services, making them faster and more convenient. But the same technology is also arming scammers with powerful new tools. Deepfake voice calls, AI-generated phishing emails, and automated account takeover attempts are no longer theoretical — they’re happening now. If you use online banking, store personal data digitally, or simply browse the web, it’s worth understanding how these threats work and what you can do to stay ahead. ...

May 17, 2026 · 6 min · BriefArc Desk

Online shopping scams hit 1 in 3 Americans: Here’s how to spot and avoid them

Online shopping scams hit 1 in 3 Americans: Here’s how to spot and avoid them If you’ve bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link that led to a fake checkout page, you are far from alone. According to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number is a reminder that fraudulent listings, phony storefronts, and payment app tricks are no longer rare — they’ve become a standard risk of digital commerce. ...

May 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself This Season

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself This Season If you shop online, you are not alone in worrying about getting cheated. According to a November 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number jumps during the holiday season, when fake deals and fraudulent storefronts multiply. The good news is that most of these scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can avoid them. ...

May 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Practical Tips from Government Experts

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Practical Advice from Government Experts Online shopping scams aren’t going away, and they’re getting harder to spot. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals cost consumers millions each year. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, regularly issue warnings about these threats. This guide brings together their advice to help you shop more safely. ...

May 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Steal Your Money

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Steal Your Money Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but the convenience comes with a growing risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued repeated warnings. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or someone who only shops occasionally, understanding the common signs of a scam can save you money and stress. ...

May 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips from VA and Other Experts

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips from VA and Other Experts Online shopping has become routine for most of us. But scammers are just as routine. Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics to steal money and personal information from shoppers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published several reminders on this topic, as have the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and other government agencies. Their advice is straightforward and worth revisiting—especially since many scams succeed simply because people are not aware of the latest tricks. ...

May 16, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Your Wallet

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Your Wallet A new report from the Pew Research Center confirms what many of us have likely suspected: online shopping scams are remarkably common. According to the study published November 19, 2025, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 85 million people — and younger adults (18–29) are especially likely to report being targeted. ...

May 16, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk