Venmo Finally Fixes Its Privacy Settings—Here’s What Changed

Venmo Finally Fixes Its Privacy Settings—Here’s What Changed For years, sending money through Venmo meant your transactions could be seen by anyone who happened to browse the app’s public feed. That default was flagged as an “alarming” privacy risk as early as 2018, but it took eight years for the company to change course. Now, Venmo is finally making transactions private by default. Here’s what you need to know and how to check your own settings. ...

May 12, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Social media scams are costing Americans billions — here's how to avoid them

Social media scams are costing Americans billions — here’s how to avoid them If you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X, you’ve probably seen an ad for a cheap designer jacket, a message from an old friend with a link, or a profile of someone who seems too perfect. Some of these are harmless. Others are setups designed to take your money or your personal information. ...

May 3, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Social media scams are exploding: How to spot them before you lose money

Social media scams are exploding: How to spot them before you lose money If you use social media, you’ve probably seen a too-good-to-be-true ad or a direct message from someone you don’t know. These aren’t just annoyances—they’re part of a wave of fraud that cost older Americans alone an estimated $2.4 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. And as criminals adopt AI tools, the scams are getting harder to catch. ...

May 3, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Social media scams are exploding: How to protect yourself from online fraud

Social Media Scams Are Costing Americans Billions: What You Need to Know Intro If you use Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, you’ve probably seen a post for a can’t-miss deal on designer goods, a too-perfect investment opportunity, or a friendly message from a stranger who seems unusually interested in your life. These are often the opening moves of a social media scam. Fraud has shifted aggressively onto these platforms, and the dollar figures are staggering. ...

May 1, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

This New Google Scam Looks Totally Legit—How to Spot It and Stay Safe

This New Google Scam Looks Totally Legit—How to Spot It and Stay Safe A phishing campaign impersonating Google has been circulating widely, and it’s unusually convincing. Recent reports (including one from Reader’s Digest on April 30, 2026) describe emails that appear to come from Google, complete with realistic branding, logos, and urgent language claiming that your account will be suspended unless you verify your login credentials. The scam doesn’t stop at the email—the landing page it directs you to mimics Google’s login screen almost perfectly. ...

May 1, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid the Latest Google Scam That Looks Authentic

How to Spot and Avoid the Latest Google Scam That Looks Authentic A new round of Google-branded phishing emails is making the rounds, and they’re harder to dismiss than the usual poorly spelled junk. These messages mimic real Google security alerts, account recovery notifications, or login prompts so closely that even careful users can be fooled. If you use Gmail, Google Drive, or any Google service, it’s worth knowing what to look for and what to do if you click something you shouldn’t. ...

May 1, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What Customers Need to Do Now

Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What Customers Need to Do Now Fraudsters are constantly updating their tactics, and UK banks regularly issue alerts to help customers stay ahead. On April 24, 2026, Lloyds Bank released a fresh warning about specific scams currently targeting its customers. If you hold an account with Lloyds – or with any other UK bank – here is what you need to know and the practical steps you should take. ...

April 25, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What UK Customers Need to Know

Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Scam Alert: What UK Customers Need to Know A new warning from Lloyds Bank — here’s how to respond without getting caught out. What happened On 24 April 2026, a report on capitolskyline.com indicated that Lloyds Bank had issued a customer alert warning of a fresh wave of scams targeting its UK account holders. The alert, according to the report, urges customers to be wary of unsolicited contact that appears to come from the bank — often via phone call, text message, or email — and to avoid sharing personal or financial information. ...

April 25, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Lloyds Bank Warns Customers of New Scam Wave: What to Do Now

Lloyds Bank Warns Customers of New Scam Wave: What to Do Now Lloyds Bank has issued an updated customer alert warning of a rise in fraud attempts targeting its account holders. The alert, published on 24 April 2026, outlines specific tactics fraudsters are using to impersonate the bank and trick customers into handing over sensitive information. ...

April 25, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

UK Bank Scam Warning: How to Spot and Stop Fraudulent Account Alerts

UK Bank Scam Warning: How to Spot and Stop Fraudulent Account Alerts If you received a text or email this week claiming to be from Lloyds Bank about suspicious activity on your account, you are not alone. The bank recently issued a customer alert about an ongoing wave of scams designed to trick people into handing over login details, one-time passcodes, or approving fraudulent payments. Similar warnings have been issued by other UK banks and cybersecurity experts, and the timing is especially critical because some payment methods now carry reduced protection. ...

April 25, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk