Consumer Protection

1 in 3 Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: How to Avoid Being Next Not long ago, a friend of mine found what seemed like a fantastic deal on a popular brand of winter boots — half the usual price, on a site that looked almost identical to the official store. She entered her credit card details, got a confirmation email, and then … nothing. The boots never arrived, the site vanished, and the email bounced. She’d been scammed, and she wasn’t alone. ...

AI Tools Are Outpacing Your Privacy Protections: What the Latest Survey Reveals If you use tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini, you’ve probably noticed how quickly they’ve become part of daily work and life. What’s less visible is how well companies are protecting the data you feed into those systems. A new global survey from TrustArc, a privacy management firm, suggests the answer is: not well enough. ...

AI Is Outpacing Privacy Protections, New Survey Shows – Here’s How to Protect Yourself A new global survey from TrustArc, a firm that specializes in privacy compliance, suggests that many companies are rushing to adopt artificial intelligence while leaving their privacy safeguards behind. The report, published on May 6, 2026, warns that privacy capability is struggling to keep pace with AI adoption — a gap that has direct consequences for anyone who uses tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams Online shopping is a routine part of modern life. The convenience of ordering with a few clicks, however, also attracts fraudsters who constantly refine their tactics. Official guidance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA News) regularly highlights the risks and offers practical advice that applies to anyone shopping online. This article covers the most common scams, why they matter, and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe Online shopping offers convenience, but it also draws fraudsters looking to separate you from your money. Every year, especially during major sales events, reports of fake websites, phishing emails, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true deals surge. Government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issue alerts to help consumers protect themselves. While these notices often target veterans, the advice applies to anyone who shops online. Below, we break down what’s happening, why it matters, and—most importantly—what you can do to avoid becoming a victim. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Advice With online shopping now a daily habit for millions of people, scammers have become more aggressive and creative. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have issued repeated warnings about the growing threat. A recent VA News article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” reminds consumers that fraud doesn’t take a holiday—and that taking a few minutes to verify a deal can save you from losing money or having your identity stolen. ...

Staying Safe While Shopping Online: Practical Tips to Avoid Scams Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take your money or personal information. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scams targeting shoppers—especially veterans and their families—are becoming more sophisticated. The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few simple habits can make a big difference. ...

AI Shopping and Privacy: What You Need to Know to Shop Safely Online shopping has become increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence. From product recommendations and chatbots to virtual try-ons and price tracking, AI tools promise speed and convenience. But a recent survey from eMarketer confirms what many shoppers already feel: data privacy is their biggest fear when using these features—by a wide margin. If you’re concerned about your personal information while taking advantage of AI shopping aids, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can take practical steps to protect yourself without giving up the conveniences you value. ...

AI Shopping Assistants Are Convenient—But Your Privacy Is at Risk. Here’s What to Do The convenience of AI shopping tools is hard to ignore. From personalized product recommendations to one-click checkout, these assistants promise to save time and money. Yet a growing number of shoppers are worried about the price they’re paying with their personal data. According to a recent survey by eMarketer, data privacy has become consumers’ single biggest fear when it comes to using AI for shopping. This concern is not unfounded, and knowing how to navigate it is essential for anyone who wants to keep their information safe while enjoying the benefits of AI. ...

Shoppers’ Biggest Fear About AI? Data Privacy—Here’s How to Protect Yourself If you’ve used an AI shopping assistant lately—a tool that suggests products, compares prices, or helps you find the best deal—you’ve likely noticed how smoothly it works. But you may also have wondered: what does this tool know about me? ...