How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam (and Keep Your Money Safe)

How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam (and Keep Your Money Safe) Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. Government agencies, including the VA News and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), have issued alerts in recent months about rising threats ranging from fake websites to fraudulent banks. While the basics of scam avoidance haven’t changed much, scammers are refining their tactics. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. ...

May 18, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Shop Safely

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Shop Safely Online shopping is convenient, but it also comes with risks. Scammers constantly look for ways to trick shoppers into handing over money or personal information, often by setting up fake websites, sending fraudulent emails, or posing as legitimate businesses. During peak shopping seasons—like holidays or big sales events—these attempts tend to spike. The good news is that most scams follow predictable patterns. Learning to spot them can save you time, money, and stress. ...

May 18, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to spot and avoid online shopping scams this season

How to spot and avoid online shopping scams this season Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraudsters. Scams that target shoppers are becoming more common, especially during major sales events and the holiday season. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission, have issued warnings about the most frequent tactics. The good news is that most scams follow predictable patterns, and a few simple precautions can keep you safe. ...

May 18, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam Before You Lose Money

How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam Before You Lose Money Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. Fraud reports filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consistently show that online shopping scams are among the top categories of consumer fraud, with losses reaching billions of dollars annually. As scammers adopt AI-generated listings, fake websites, and convincing phishing emails, the need for practical, up-to-date advice is greater than ever. ...

May 18, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

5 Common Online Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them

How to Watch Out for Scams and Stay Safe While Online Shopping Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most people. But as e‑commerce grows, so do the number of scams designed to separate you from your money or steal your personal information. Recent alerts from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA News) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) highlight the need for shoppers to stay alert year‑round, not just during the holidays. ...

May 18, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans have been scammed while shopping online. Are you next?

1 in 3 Americans have been scammed while shopping online. Are you next? If you’ve ever bought something online and never received it, or clicked a link in a text about a package delivery and later saw strange charges on your card, you are not alone. New data from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, shows that roughly one in three American adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That number is high enough that it’s worth understanding what these scams look like and how to avoid becoming part of the statistic. ...

May 18, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How AI Puts Your Banking and Privacy at Risk—and What to Do

How AI Puts Your Banking and Privacy at Risk—and What to Do Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for productivity or entertainment. It is also being used to commit fraud, steal identities, and bypass security systems that most consumers rely on. A recent report by Kiplinger warns that AI could derail everything from banking to online privacy, putting everyday people at risk. This article explains what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do to protect your money and personal information. ...

May 18, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How AI Is Hijacking Your Banking and Privacy—and What to Do About It

How AI Is Hijacking Your Banking and Privacy—and What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and not always for the better. While businesses rush to deploy AI tools for convenience and efficiency, attackers are using the same technology to break into bank accounts, impersonate loved ones, and erode what’s left of online privacy. Recent reporting from outlets like Kiplinger highlights a growing concern: AI-powered scams and privacy invasions are no longer theoretical. They are happening now, and everyday consumers are the primary targets. ...

May 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

AI Is Fueling a New Wave of Banking and Privacy Attacks — Here’s How to Stay Safe

AI Is Fueling a New Wave of Banking and Privacy Attacks — Here’s How to Stay Safe The same artificial intelligence that powers virtual assistants and recommendation engines is now being weaponized against consumers. Over the past year, security researchers have documented a sharp increase in attacks that use AI to bypass the defenses banks, retailers, and social media platforms rely on. The results range from drained bank accounts to stolen identities, and the techniques are getting harder to spot. ...

May 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How AI Could Put Your Bank Accounts and Privacy at Risk—and What to Do About It

How AI Could Put Your Bank Accounts and Privacy at Risk—and What to Do About It Intro Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for productivity or entertainment. It has become a weapon for scammers—one that targets your bank account and your personal privacy with alarming precision. Recent reporting from Kiplinger highlights how AI is being used to bypass traditional security measures, making it harder than ever to tell a legitimate message from a fraud. Understanding these new threats is the first step to protecting yourself. ...

May 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk