Online Safety

Stop Telling Your AI Chatbot These 5 Things – Your Bank Account Will Thank You AI chatbots have become everyday tools for quick answers, writing help, and even financial advice. But as their use grows, so does the risk of oversharing sensitive details that can be turned against you. A recent Washington Post column highlighted five categories of information you should never disclose to a chatbot—advice that’s worth taking seriously. ...

Is That Chrome Extension Safe? How ‘Productivity Tools’ Are Hiding Backdoors Browser extensions are small software programs that add features to Chrome—ad blockers, password managers, note-taking tools, grammar checkers. Millions use them daily without a second thought. But a recent investigation has revealed a darker side: attackers are packaging backdoors into extensions that look like legitimate productivity aids. The result is a growing threat that targets not just individuals but entire companies. ...

5 ways AI is quietly eroding your privacy (and how to fight back) Every time you ask a chatbot a question, upload a photo to a face‑tagging app, or let an AI assistant scan your inbox, you’re handing over a piece of your private life. The trade‑off feels invisible—convenience in exchange for data you never see again. But as AI tools become embedded in everyday software, the privacy cost is getting harder to ignore. ...

Your Chrome Extensions Could Be Spying on You – Here’s How to Check If you use Chrome for work or personal browsing, you probably have at least a few extensions installed. Maybe a note‑taker, a screenshot tool, or a password manager. They seem harmless enough. But a recent, well‑orchestrated attack turned several popular productivity extensions into data‑stealing backdoors—and the people behind it targeted enterprise credentials and personal data. ...

Top Consumer Protection Tips from the FTC’s 2026 National Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dedicates the first full week of March to helping people avoid scams, protect their personal information, and know their rights as consumers. National Consumer Protection Week 2026 ran from March 1 to 7, and the FTC published a series of practical articles aimed at everyday consumers. If you missed the campaign or just want a quick recap, here are the most actionable takeaways from this year’s advice. ...

How to Spot a Gift Card Scam: Advice from D.C.’s Attorney General Gift card scams are one of the most common ways fraudsters steal money from consumers. In December 2025, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about these schemes, which continue to evolve in sophistication. Whether you live in Washington, D.C., or elsewhere, understanding how these scams work and what to do if you’re targeted can save you from losing hundreds or thousands of dollars. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Recognizing Scams and Taking Action National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026 ran from March 1 through March 7, and the Federal Trade Commission used the occasion to release updated guidance on how to spot and avoid common scams. While the official week has passed, the advice remains as relevant as ever—scammers don’t take breaks. Whether you’re an experienced online shopper or helping a family member navigate digital life, understanding the tactics used today can save you money and stress. ...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Key Tips to Avoid Scams Each year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its partners dedicate the first week of March to National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For 2026, NCPW ran from March 1 through March 7, serving as a focused reminder that scams and identity theft don’t take a holiday—and neither should your awareness. While the official week has passed, the advice issued by the FTC remains just as relevant today as it was during the campaign. ...

Pig Butchering Scams: A Step-by-Step Guide to Spotting These Devastating Crypto Frauds In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning about a sharp rise in “pig butchering” scams. These schemes combine romance fraud with fake cryptocurrency investments to drain victims’ savings—often over weeks or months of careful grooming. According to the alert, losses have reached millions of dollars, and the transactions are almost impossible to reverse. ...

Account Takeover Attacks Are Surging: How to Protect Your Online Accounts Now On August 14, 2025, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued a consumer fraud alert warning of a sharp rise in account takeover incidents. These attacks, where a criminal gains access to one of your online accounts and locks you out, can lead to direct financial loss and long-term identity theft. The alert covers common attack methods and practical ways to prevent them. ...