1 in 3 Americans have been hit by an online shopping scam. Here’s how to avoid it.

1 in 3 Americans Have Experienced an Online Shopping Scam — Here’s How to Spot One Before You Lose Money The numbers are hard to ignore. In November 2025, the Pew Research Center reported that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. For a country where nearly everyone buys something online at least a few times a year, that means millions of people have lost money, had their personal data stolen, or both. ...

May 10, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites: BBB Alert & Safety Tips

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites: BBB Alert & Safety Tips The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert warning shoppers in the Hudson Valley about fake prom dress websites. These sites appear legitimate at first glance but are designed to take your money and deliver nothing—or a cheap knockoff. While the alert focuses on the Hudson Valley, this type of scam is common across the country, especially as prom season picks up. ...

May 10, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk