Consumer Protection

Don’t Get Duped While Shopping Online: Simple Ways to Spot a Scam Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraudsters who set up fake websites, send phishing emails, and advertise deals that don’t exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost more than $300 million to online shopping scams in 2023 alone. A recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” – echoes what many security experts have been saying: scammers are getting better at looking legitimate. ...

AI Is Changing Cyber Risks: Here’s How to Keep Your Data Safe Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work, shop, and communicate. But the same technology that powers helpful chatbots and smart assistants also introduces new threats to your privacy and security. The World Economic Forum recently published a report on cutting cyber risk in the AI era, and its findings matter for everyone who uses digital tools. Here’s a plain‑language look at what’s changing and what you can do about it. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Intro Every year, millions of people buy something online without a second thought. Most transactions go smoothly. But scammers have gotten better at making fake stores, phishing messages, and fraudulent payment requests look real. The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report noted that Americans lost over $10 billion to cybercrime, and online shopping scams accounted for a large share of those losses. The good news: most of these scams follow predictable patterns, and you can learn to spot them before you hand over your money. ...

6 Common Online Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take your money or personal information. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issue alerts about ongoing scams. In 2022, the FTC recorded over $8.8 billion in consumer fraud losses, with online shopping scams near the top of the list. Whether you’re a frequent buyer or someone who only shops online occasionally, knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and stress. ...

How to Protect Your Privacy from AI-Powered Cyber Risks If you’ve used a chatbot, image generator, or AI writing assistant lately, you’ve probably noticed how capable these tools have become. But the same technology that makes them useful also introduces new ways for your data to be exposed—and new avenues for scammers to exploit. As more companies adopt AI, understanding how to guard your personal information is no longer optional. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe This Season Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but the convenience comes with risks that change every year. Scammers are getting better at impersonating trusted retailers, banks, and even government agencies. Recent warnings from the VA, FTC, and FBI show that shopping fraud is not limited to the holidays — it happens year-round, and it targets everyone, including veterans and military families. ...

How to Outsmart Online Shopping Scams – Tips You Can Use Today Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraud. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans lost billions of dollars to online shopping scams last year. These scams are especially active around major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, but they happen all year. The good news is that most scams can be avoided with a few simple checks. Here’s what you need to know. ...

AI Is Changing Cyber Risks: How to Protect Your Privacy Now A few years ago, the biggest online privacy concern might have been a leaked password or a phishing email that was fairly easy to spot. That’s no longer the case. As artificial intelligence tools become part of everyday life—from chatbots and voice assistants to image generators and personalized shopping recommendations—the cyber threats targeting your personal data have grown more sophisticated and harder to detect. ...

How Rising Costs Make You More Vulnerable to Scams — and What to Do About It Higher prices are leaving many households with thinner margins, less savings, and more stress. That same financial pressure is being exploited by scammers, according to a recent survey covered by Fox 59. The report highlights a troubling pattern: as living costs climb, scam attempts increase and more people fall for them. Understanding why this happens—and what you can do about it—is essential for protecting your money. ...

Higher Costs Make You a Bigger Scam Target: What to Watch For Now When money gets tight, it’s natural to look for ways to save, earn extra cash, or delay payments. Unfortunately, scammers know this and adjust their tactics accordingly. A recent survey reported by Fox 59 suggests that rising living costs are directly linked to an increase in scam attempts. While the exact methodology of that survey should be verified, the pattern itself is well documented by consumer protection agencies. Here’s what’s happening and how you can protect yourself without adding to your stress. ...