Your Browser Is Watching You: 5 Privacy Settings to Change Right Now

Your Browser Is Watching You: 5 Privacy Settings to Change Right Now Most browsers collect data about your browsing habits by default—what you search for, which sites you visit, even where you are. A recent article from PCWorld, published June 11, 2026, highlights just how “nosy” browsers have become and offers a straightforward guide to reclaiming your privacy. The good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert to lock things down. Here’s what you need to know and the five changes you can make today. ...

June 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans has fallen for an online shopping scam: Here’s how to protect yourself

One in Three Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online – Here’s How to Avoid It If you’ve ever clicked a too‑good‑to‑be‑true deal, only to receive nothing or a counterfeit, you’re far from alone. New research from Pew Research Center, released in November 2025, found that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That works out to roughly 33% of U.S. adults – a number that has grown as e‑commerce and social media shopping have become routine. Understanding how these scams work and how to spot them is the best defense, especially as holiday shopping ramps up. ...

June 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Your browser is tracking you. Change these 5 settings now to stop it

Your browser is tracking you. Change these 5 settings now to stop it Every time you open a browser, a handful of companies are quietly collecting data about where you go, what you click, how long you linger on a page, and even the unique configuration of your device. This isn’t a secret—browsers have become advertising platforms, and their default settings are designed to share generously. The good news: you don’t need to be a privacy expert to dial it back. Most of the lever-pulling takes less than a minute each. ...

June 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Stop Your Browser from Spying on You: 5 Simple Settings to Change Now

Your Browser Is Too Nosy: 5 Settings to Change Now Your browser collects more data about you than you probably realize. Every site you visit, every search you run, and even how you move your mouse can be logged and shared with advertisers, analytics companies, and sometimes data brokers. While browsers have added privacy features over the years, most of them are turned off by default. The good news is that you can make a few simple changes to limit what your browser reveals—without needing technical skills. ...

June 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

One in Three Americans Report Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself

One in Three Americans Report Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself According to a new Pew Research Center survey released in November 2025, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a striking figure, one that cuts across age, income, and tech comfort levels. If you shop online—and most of us do—it’s worth understanding what these scams look like and how to keep your money and personal information safe. ...

June 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

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

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips for Safer Buying Online shopping has become a routine part of everyday life for most people. But along with the convenience comes a steady stream of scams designed to separate you from your money or personal information. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans lost more than $300 million to online shopping fraud in 2023 alone. That number has been rising year after year, and the methods scammers use keep evolving. Whether you are a seasoned online buyer or someone who shops only occasionally, understanding the warning signs and taking a few preventive steps can make a real difference. ...

June 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: What to Watch For

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: What to Watch For If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link in an email that looked like it came from a store you trust, you’re not alone. A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That figure, published in November 2025, puts the problem on a scale that most of us would rather ignore, especially as holiday shopping ramps up. ...

June 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Spot Them and Stay Safe

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Spot Them and Stay Safe If you’ve shopped online in the past year, you’ve probably seen deals that seem too good to be true. A stainless steel cookware set for $12. A designer jacket for 90% off. A “veterans discount” link shared in a Facebook group. ...

June 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Online Shopping Scams: What to Watch For and How to Stay Safe

Online Shopping Scams: What to Watch For and How to Stay Safe Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door to scams. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report noted that online shopping fraud remains one of the most common complaints, with losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issue alerts to help consumers recognize and avoid these threats. ...

June 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Every shopping season brings deals, but it also brings scammers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report recorded billions of dollars lost to online shopping fraud, and government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to warn consumers about new tactics. Whether you’re buying gifts, household items, or electronics, it pays to know what to look for. Here’s a plain‑language guide to recognizing common scams and protecting your money. ...

June 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk