Online Shopping Safety

Prom Dress Scams Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Avoid Getting Duped Prom season is a high-stakes mix of excitement and pressure. Between finding the perfect dress, coordinating with friends, and staying within budget, the last thing you need is to lose money to a fake website. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what scammers are counting on. With the Better Business Bureau issuing a regional alert earlier this month, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the pattern and protect yourself. ...

Don’t Let a Mother’s Day Scam Spoil Your Gift — How to Shop Safely Amid Record Spending Mother’s Day is just days away, and if you haven’t bought a gift yet, you’re part of a large, last-minute crowd. The National Retail Federation is projecting record spending this year — something that fraudsters are already betting on. Scammers know that shoppers under time pressure are more likely to click first and think later. Before you hit “buy” on that perfect bouquet or the discounted electronics deal your mom has been eyeing, take a moment to understand the most common traps. ...

BBB Warns of Fake Prom Dress Websites: How to Avoid Getting Scammed Prom season is here, and along with the rush for the perfect dress comes a wave of fraudulent websites designed to take your money and disappear. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert for shoppers in the Hudson Valley, but this kind of scam happens everywhere. If you or your teen are shopping for formal wear online, knowing the warning signs can save you frustration and financial loss. ...

How to Avoid Mother’s Day Shopping Scams This Year Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending occasions of the year, and 2026 is expected to be no exception. According to recent reports, total spending could top $35 billion. That kind of money attracts scammers as much as it attracts shoppers. If you’re buying gifts online this week, a few minutes of caution could save you from losing both your money and your peace of mind. ...

How to Spot Mother’s Day Shopping Scams: A BBB Alert Guide Scammers are out in full force ahead of Mother’s Day. With shoppers hunting for gifts, con artists are deploying fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent social media ads designed to steal money and personal information. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued an alert on May 7, 2026, detailing the most common schemes and how to avoid them. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely this year. ...

Mother’s Day Shopping Alert: How to Spot and Avoid Scams This Season Mother’s Day is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and this season is expected to see record online spending. Where money flows, scammers follow. Local news outlets such as WREX have already reported on the heightened risk of fraud, warning consumers to stay alert. The good news is that most scams follow predictable patterns. Knowing a few red flags and simple precautions can keep your gift from turning into a headache. ...

Mother’s Day Scams Are Rising: How to Shop Safely and Avoid Getting Tricked Mother’s Day is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning that con artists are actively targeting people looking for gifts for their mothers and mother figures. Based on complaints logged in the BBB Scam Tracker, the agency says fraudulent activity—fake websites, phishing messages, and gift card swindles—spikes every year around this holiday. Knowing what to look for can save you money and frustration. ...

Mother’s Day Shopping Scams Are on the Rise: How to Shop Safely This Year Introduction Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending occasions of the year, and scammers know it. With record amounts expected to flow into online gift purchases, fraudsters are rolling out fake deals, phishing emails, and gift card tricks aimed at parting shoppers from their money. This article explains what’s happening, why it should matter to you, and most importantly, what you can do to shop safely. ...

Watch Out for These Mother’s Day Shopping Scams, Warns BBB Mother’s Day is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued an alert on May 7, 2026, warning that con artists are actively targeting shoppers with fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent delivery offers. If you’re buying gifts this week, a few minutes of caution can save you money and frustration. ...

AI Shopping and Privacy: What You Need to Know to Shop Safely Online shopping has become increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence. From product recommendations and chatbots to virtual try-ons and price tracking, AI tools promise speed and convenience. But a recent survey from eMarketer confirms what many shoppers already feel: data privacy is their biggest fear when using these features—by a wide margin. If you’re concerned about your personal information while taking advantage of AI shopping aids, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can take practical steps to protect yourself without giving up the conveniences you value. ...