Don't Let a Scam Ruin Mother's Day: How to Spot Fake Deals and Shop Safely

Don’t Let a Scam Ruin Mother’s Day: How to Spot Fake Deals and Shop Safely Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending weekends of the year, and this year is shaping up to be no exception. According to recent news reports, consumers are expected to spend record amounts on gifts, flowers, brunch reservations, and experiences. That flood of money has also drawn the attention of scammers who know shoppers are in a hurry and looking for a deal. ...

May 7, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams: Expert Tips to Stay Safe

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Advice from VA News Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraudsters looking to steal your money or personal information. Scams can appear in many forms—fake websites, phishing emails, or too-good-to-be-true social media ads. Government sources like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly publish warnings and guidance to help consumers protect themselves, especially during high-traffic shopping periods. This article distills key tips from recent VA News articles so you can shop with more confidence. ...

May 7, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online. Here’s How to Avoid It.

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online. Here’s How to Avoid It. Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget how quickly a good deal can turn into a loss. According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s not a fringe problem—it’s a widespread threat that touches people across age groups, income levels, and shopping platforms. ...

May 7, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Expert Tips from the VA

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Expert Tips from the VA Online shopping offers convenience and often better prices, but it also opens the door to scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Each year, fraudsters refine their tactics, making it harder to distinguish a legitimate deal from a trap. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published several articles on this topic, offering practical, government-backed advice for consumers — especially veterans and their families, who may be targeted for their benefits. This guide distills that advice into clear steps you can use right now. ...

May 7, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Your Chrome Productivity Extensions Could Be a Security Risk — Here’s What to Do

Your Chrome Productivity Extensions Could Be a Security Risk — Here’s What to Do Browser extensions are one of those conveniences that slide into daily work without much thought. A grammar checker here, a tab manager there, a password tool—each one seems harmless enough. But over the past year, security researchers have documented a rising number of cases where popular productivity extensions turned into backdoors for attackers. The problem isn’t just consumer devices; it’s increasingly hitting enterprise networks. ...

May 7, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Is Your Chrome Extension Spying on You? How to Spot and Remove Malicious Add-ons

Is Your Chrome Extension Spying on You? How to Spot and Remove Malicious Add-ons You probably have a handful of Chrome extensions installed—an ad blocker, a password manager, maybe a note-taking tool. They’re convenient, often free, and harmless enough. But in recent months, security researchers have documented a steady increase in malicious extensions that pose as legitimate productivity tools. These add-ons can monitor your browsing, steal login credentials, and even serve as entry points for broader attacks. ...

May 7, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Think That Productivity Extension Is Safe? Here’s How to Check for Hidden Backdoors

Think That Productivity Extension Is Safe? Here’s How to Check for Hidden Backdoors Browser extensions make life easier—they block ads, manage passwords, check grammar, and save tabs. But the same power that lets them improve your browsing also lets them steal it. A March 2026 report from Security Boulevard detailed how attackers are hiding backdoors inside seemingly trustworthy productivity extensions. Once installed, these tools can exfiltrate credentials, inject phishing pages, and send sensitive data to remote servers—often without triggering any alarms. ...

May 6, 2026 · 6 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from VA News

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams Online shopping is a routine part of modern life. The convenience of ordering with a few clicks, however, also attracts fraudsters who constantly refine their tactics. Official guidance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA News) regularly highlights the risks and offers practical advice that applies to anyone shopping online. This article covers the most common scams, why they matter, and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

May 6, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe Online shopping offers convenience, but it also draws fraudsters looking to separate you from your money. Every year, especially during major sales events, reports of fake websites, phishing emails, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true deals surge. Government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issue alerts to help consumers protect themselves. While these notices often target veterans, the advice applies to anyone who shops online. Below, we break down what’s happening, why it matters, and—most importantly—what you can do to avoid becoming a victim. ...

May 6, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

5 Ways to Spot an Online Shopping Scam Before You Lose Money

Staying Safe While Shopping Online: Practical Tips to Avoid Scams Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take your money or personal information. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scams targeting shoppers—especially veterans and their families—are becoming more sophisticated. The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few simple habits can make a big difference. ...

May 6, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk