How to Spot Fake Shopping Websites That Are Tricking AI Chatbots Like ChatGPT

How to Spot Fake Shopping Websites That Are Tricking AI Chatbots Like ChatGPT If you’ve asked ChatGPT for product recommendations lately, you’re not alone. More people are using AI chatbots as shopping assistants—typing in queries like “best wireless earbuds under $100” or “where to buy a reliable camping tent.” The results can feel convenient and human-like. But a growing number of scammers are taking advantage of that trust. ...

June 10, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

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

1 in 3 Americans Have Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: What to Watch For If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal on social media, entered your card details on a site that looked slightly off, or paid a “seller” through Venmo for something that never arrived—you’re far from alone. ...

June 7, 2026 · 6 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Shopping Online: What You Can Do

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Shopping Online: What You Can Do If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a product that turned out to be a counterfeit, you are far from alone. According to a new study from the Pew Research Center published in November 2025, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That figure cuts across age groups, though younger adults and people who use payment apps like Venmo or Cash App report even higher rates of victimization. ...

June 4, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here's How to Stay Safe

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Stay Safe If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true ad, entered your card info on a lookalike site, or paid a “seller” via a payment app for something that never arrived, you’re not alone. New research from the Pew Research Center shows that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one in three online shoppers who have lost money, had their identity stolen, or dealt with a fraudulent transaction. ...

June 4, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Online Shopping Scams Hit 1 in 3 Americans – Here’s How to Avoid Them

Online Shopping Scams Hit 1 in 3 Americans – Here’s How to Avoid Them If you’ve ever clicked “buy now” on a deal that seemed too good, only to receive nothing or a cheap counterfeit, you’re not alone. A new report from the Pew Research Center found that about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s millions of people, and the numbers are likely underreported because many victims never realize they were scammed until it’s too late. ...

May 20, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Protect Yourself New Pew Research Center data shows the problem is widespread. Knowing what to look for can save you money and frustration. ...

May 16, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Don't Get Scammed: How to Shop Safely Online This Year

Don’t Get Scammed: How to Shop Safely Online This Year Online shopping has never been more convenient, but that convenience comes with risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and during peak shopping seasons—like holidays, back-to-school, or major sales events—the number of fraudulent offers spikes. Recent alerts from the VA, the Federal Trade Commission, and the FDIC confirm that phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true deals are still among the top threats. Here’s a practical, up-to-date guide to recognizing and avoiding these scams, whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or just getting started. ...

May 15, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams: 1 in 3 Americans Are Victims

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams: 1 in 3 Americans Are Victims Intro One in three Americans has experienced an online shopping scam, according to a November 2025 study from the Pew Research Center. The risk is especially high as holiday shopping ramps up, but the patterns are consistent year-round. Most scams follow a few recognizable templates, and knowing them can save you money and frustration. ...

May 15, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid Being Next

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid Being Next Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. A new study from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, puts a number on that risk: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s not a small fringe problem—it’s a widespread issue affecting millions of consumers. ...

May 15, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites and Avoid Being Scammed

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites Before They Empty Your Wallet Prom season is a high-stakes time for parents and teens alike. Between the dress, the tickets, the dinner, and the photos, costs add up fast. That’s why a website offering a designer gown for 70% off can look like a lifesaver. Unfortunately, it may be the opposite. ...

May 13, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk