Online Shopping Fraud

Online Shopping Scams Are Surging: How to Protect Yourself A recent report from Belarus recorded 400 scam attempts in a single day, a striking example of how online shopping fraud continues to grow worldwide. While that figure comes from one country, it reflects a pattern that consumers everywhere are facing. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, losses from online shopping fraud exceeded $5 billion in 2025. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and peak shopping seasons only increase the risk. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely. ...

Prom Dress Scams Are on the Rise: How to Avoid Fake Websites This Season Prom season is here, and scammers are setting up fake online dress retailers to take advantage of shoppers hunting for deals. The Better Business Bureau recently issued an alert to consumers in New York’s Hudson Valley region after detecting a wave of fraudulent sites targeting prom shoppers. While the warning was localized, the problem is national. If you or your teenager are planning to buy a prom dress online this spring, knowing the warning signs can save you money and frustration. ...

400 Scam Attempts in One Day? Here’s How to Outsmart Online Shopping Fraud If you shop online with any regularity, you’ve probably seen the usual warnings about sketchy sellers and phishing emails. But a recent report from Belarus puts the scale of the threat into sharp focus: on a single day in May 2026, over 400 shopping-related scam attempts were reported. That is not a slow month or a regional curiosity—it is a snapshot of how aggressive and well-organized online fraud has become. ...

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites (and Avoid Getting Scammed) Prom season is here, and with it comes a familiar wave of scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert for shoppers in the Hudson Valley, warning about fake prom dress websites that are popping up to steal money and personal information. While the alert is regional, the pattern is national. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself or your teen. ...

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites Before You Lose Money Prom season is a stressful time for families, with pressure to find the perfect dress at a reasonable price. Scammers know this, and they have been setting up fake prom dress websites that look legitimate but are designed only to take your money. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert for shoppers in the Hudson Valley, but the threat is widespread. Understanding how these scams work and what to look for can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of frustration. ...

Fake Prom Dress Websites Are Everywhere — Here’s How to Avoid Them Prom season is here, and across the country, high school students and their families are searching for the perfect dress online. Unfortunately, scammers know this too. Every spring, a wave of fake e-commerce sites springs up, offering stunning gowns at suspiciously low prices. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued alerts about these fraudulent stores in multiple regions, including a recent warning for shoppers in the Hudson Valley area of New York. ...

Prom Dress Scams Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Avoid Them Prom season is in full swing, and if you’re hunting for the perfect dress online, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, scammers are counting on it. The Better Business Bureau recently issued an alert for the Hudson Valley region warning shoppers about fraudulent websites that take your money and never deliver. While the alert originated locally, the problem is nationwide, and it pays to know the warning signs before you click “buy.” ...

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites: BBB Warning and Shopping Tips Prom season is a busy time for shoppers, especially in the Hudson Valley where the Better Business Bureau recently issued an alert about fake websites that target teens and parents looking for prom dresses. These scam sites look legitimate at first glance, but they are designed to take your money and deliver nothing in return. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself. ...

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. ...

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. ...