Identity Theft

How AI Could Threaten Your Finances and Privacy — and What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concern for tech experts alone. In a recent report, Kiplinger warned that AI could derail everything from global financial systems to individual online privacy, and the question for everyday consumers is no longer if an attack will happen but when. While the warning sounds dire, there are practical steps you can take now to reduce your exposure. ...

How AI Attacks Could Steal Your Money and Identity — and What to Do AI-powered scams are no longer a theoretical risk. Over the past year, security researchers and personal finance outlets like Kiplinger have documented a sharp increase in attacks that use artificial intelligence to impersonate people, bypass security systems, and drain bank accounts. The same technology that powers voice assistants and photo editors is now being weaponized against ordinary consumers. ...

How AI Threats Could Disrupt Your Banking and Privacy — and What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is being used by both financial institutions and cybercriminals. For consumers, that means a new set of risks to money and personal data. A recent article from Kiplinger raised concerns about AI derailing everything from banking security to online privacy. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and the steps you can take right now to protect yourself. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online: How to Stay Safe A new survey from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, puts a number on something many of us have suspected: online shopping scams are remarkably common. According to the data, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 33 percent of U.S. adults—a figure high enough to warrant a closer look at how these scams work and what you can do to avoid becoming the next victim. ...

How AI Puts Your Banking and Privacy at Risk — and What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is transforming banking and online services, making them faster and more convenient. But the same technology is also arming scammers with powerful new tools. Deepfake voice calls, AI-generated phishing emails, and automated account takeover attempts are no longer theoretical — they’re happening now. If you use online banking, store personal data digitally, or simply browse the web, it’s worth understanding how these threats work and what you can do to stay ahead. ...

Online shopping scams hit 1 in 3 Americans: Here’s how to spot and avoid them If you’ve bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link that led to a fake checkout page, you are far from alone. According to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number is a reminder that fraudulent listings, phony storefronts, and payment app tricks are no longer rare — they’ve become a standard risk of digital commerce. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Steal Your Money Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but the convenience comes with a growing risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued repeated warnings. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or someone who only shops occasionally, understanding the common signs of a scam can save you money and stress. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips from VA and Other Experts Online shopping has become routine for most of us. But scammers are just as routine. Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics to steal money and personal information from shoppers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published several reminders on this topic, as have the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and other government agencies. Their advice is straightforward and worth revisiting—especially since many scams succeed simply because people are not aware of the latest tricks. ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Your Wallet A new report from the Pew Research Center confirms what many of us have likely suspected: online shopping scams are remarkably common. According to the study published November 19, 2025, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 85 million people — and younger adults (18–29) are especially likely to report being targeted. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe Online shopping scams are not new, but they become more frequent and sophisticated during seasonal sales and holidays. Government agencies, including the VA News and the FDIC, have issued repeated warnings in recent years. In January 2026, VA News published an alert titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” reinforcing a message that remains relevant year-round. Consumers lose billions of dollars annually to fraudulent websites, phishing offers, and payment scams. Understanding the common tactics and knowing how to verify a seller can make the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. ...