9 Ways to Avoid Shopping Scams on Prime Day Prime Day is a magnet for bargain hunters — and for scammers. The same spike in legitimate deals also brings a flood of phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true offers designed to steal your money or personal information. This year, even a single careless click can cost you. Here’s what’s happening and how to protect yourself. ...
Is Your Debt Relief Agency Putting Your Data at Risk? How to Protect Yourself If you’re working with a debt relief agency or a financial administrator, you’re likely sharing sensitive information like bank statements, tax returns, identification documents, and account numbers. A recent investigation by NL Times (June 2026) found that many of these administrators have poor email security, leaving that personal data exposed to interception, theft, or accidental leaks. The article specifically noted that people already struggling with money are especially vulnerable, as they often have little choice but to cooperate quickly. ...
How to Protect Your Finances When Your Bank or Debt Collector Uses Insecure Email If you’ve been contacted by a debt collector, a mortgage administrator, or even your own bank via email, you might assume the message is secure. Recent reporting suggests that’s not always a safe assumption. A June 2026 article in NL Times highlighted that many financial administrators handling sensitive cases—especially those involving people in debt or financial difficulty—are using email systems with weak security. That puts vulnerable individuals at greater risk of phishing, identity theft, and fraud. ...
Medical AI Privacy Risks: What Patients Need to Know to Protect Their Health Data Artificial intelligence is making its way into radiology departments across the country. AI tools can help radiologists spot tumors, fractures, or bleeding faster than the human eye alone. But as these systems become common, a less discussed side effect is emerging: new privacy risks for patients. Recent research and news reports show that your medical images—X-rays, CT scans, MRIs—may be used in ways you never expected, and in some cases could even be manipulated. ...
How to Shop Online Without Getting Scammed: A Practical Guide Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. According to a January 2026 article from VA News, fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals are becoming more common year-round. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and USA Today have also reported on fake bank schemes and text-message scams targeting consumers. This guide explains what is happening, why you should care, and what you can do to protect yourself. ...
One in Three Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam — Here’s How to Avoid It Intro With the holiday shopping season in full swing and online spending at record levels, a new survey from the Pew Research Center delivers a sobering statistic: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. The data, collected in July 2025, underscores how widespread these schemes have become and why it’s worth taking a few minutes to review your own shopping habits before clicking “buy.” ...
Chrome Extensions Hijacked: How to Spot a Dangerous Productivity Tool Before It’s Too Late Your browser extensions may be a bigger security risk than you think. Recent reports document a rising pattern: malicious actors compromise legitimate-looking productivity extensions, then use them to steal credentials, exfiltrate corporate data, or establish persistent access inside enterprise networks. The attack is subtle, because the extension usually delivers on its promised functionality — at least for a while. ...
Don’t Get Scammed Buying a Prom Dress Online: How to Spot Fake Websites Prom season is a busy time for high school students and parents. It’s also a busy time for scammers. The Better Business Bureau recently sent out an alert — including one covered by 101.5 WPDH — warning shoppers in the Hudson Valley about fake prom dress websites that take your money and deliver nothing, or a cheap knock‑off that looks nothing like the photo. ...
How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from Government Agencies Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies such as the VA and the FDIC regularly issue alerts to help consumers recognize the warning signs. This article distills their guidance into practical steps you can take right now. ...
Mother’s Day Shopping Scams: How to Spot Fake Deals and Stay Safe Mother’s Day spending has been climbing for years—recent estimates put the total at more than $30 billion nationally. As the holiday approaches, scammers are taking notice. Fake online stores, phishing emails disguised as gift guides, and counterfeit products are showing up earlier and more frequently than usual. If you’re planning to buy a gift online, it helps to know what to look for. ...