Phishing

How AI Threatens Banking and Privacy: What You Can Do Now Artificial intelligence is reshaping banking and online privacy, but not always for the better. The same technology that powers fraud detection and personal assistants is now enabling sophisticated scams that are harder to spot than ever. Depending on whom you ask, this is either a familiar arms race or a genuine game-changer. Either way, it’s worth understanding what’s happening and how to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips for Safe Buying Online shopping has become a regular part of life for most of us. But as e‑commerce grows, so do the number of scams designed to steal your money and personal information. In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost more than $1.2 billion to online shopping fraud – a figure that has risen every year. The good news is that most scams share tell‑tale signs, and a little awareness goes a long way. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Steal Your Money Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but the convenience comes with a growing risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued repeated warnings. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or someone who only shops occasionally, understanding the common signs of a scam can save you money and stress. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips from VA and Other Experts Online shopping has become routine for most of us. But scammers are just as routine. Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics to steal money and personal information from shoppers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published several reminders on this topic, as have the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and other government agencies. Their advice is straightforward and worth revisiting—especially since many scams succeed simply because people are not aware of the latest tricks. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: A Practical Guide to Safe Buying Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies have been issuing warnings as fraudsters keep refining their tactics. In January 2026, VA News published a reminder to “watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” echoing earlier alerts from the FDIC and news outlets about fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Red Flags and Safety Tips Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who try to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), regularly issue warnings about these threats. This article compiles their advice into a practical guide for anyone who shops online, especially those who may be less familiar with digital safety practices. ...

How to Outsmart Online Shopping Scams: A Practical Guide Online shopping has become a daily habit for many of us. But as convenience grows, so do the risks. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently published an article on its official news site reminding consumers to watch out for scams while shopping online. The advice applies to anyone buying goods or services over the internet, not just veterans. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do to stay safe. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Online shopping has never been easier or more convenient, but it has also never been riskier. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and no one is immune — not even those who consider themselves tech-savvy. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have both issued warnings in recent months about the growing sophistication of online shopping fraud. This article distills their guidance into practical steps you can take today. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Yourself Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued warnings about evolving tactics. For example, a January 2026 VA News alert reminded veterans to watch out for scams while shopping online, and an FDIC consumer article from August 2024 described fake banks that appear legitimate but are merely fronts for fraud. ...

Watch Out for Online Shopping Scams: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who set up fake websites, send phishing emails, and trick buyers into handing over payment details or personal information. Recent alerts from government agencies—including the VA, FDIC, and FTC—confirm that these threats remain common. While no guide can guarantee complete safety, understanding how these scams work and following a few practical steps can reduce your risk significantly. ...