Scams

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. ...

Social Media Scams Are Costing Americans Billions: How to Protect Yourself in 2026 Introduction If you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other social platform, you’ve probably seen ads for unbelievable deals, messages from strangers who seem too friendly, or posts promising easy money. Many of these are scams — and they’re costing Americans billions every year. ...

Social media scams are exploding: How to protect your money and identity What happened Social media scams are costing Americans billions as fraud continues to shift online. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data shows that older Americans alone lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024, and overall losses from social media–originated fraud run well into the billions. These aren’t isolated incidents — they represent a structural shift in how scammers operate. ...

That ‘Google’ Email Looks Real? It’s a Scam — Here’s How to Spot It If you use Gmail, Google Drive, or any Google service, you’ve probably seen a security alert in your inbox that looks official — a message about an unusual sign‑in, a password change request, or a warning that your account will be suspended. Scammers are now sending these fake notifications with such accuracy that even cautious users can be fooled. The email might use the right logos, include your name, and even link to a page that looks exactly like Google’s sign‑in screen. But make no mistake: it’s a phishing attempt designed to steal your login credentials and, eventually, your personal data. ...

How to Spot and Avoid the Latest Google Scam That Looks Real If you use Gmail, Google Drive, or any other Google service, a new phishing campaign reported by Reader’s Digest is worth knowing about. The scam involves emails and login pages that mimic Google’s official look so closely that even experienced users might fall for it. Here’s what’s happening, why it’s risky, and the concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Practical Tips to Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping is fast and convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your payment details, personal information, or even your identity. Reports from VA News (.gov) repeatedly warn consumers about schemes targeting everyone, especially veterans and older adults. Knowing the common tactics and taking a few simple precautions can make a real difference. ...

8.3 Billion Email Threats in Q1 2026: What Microsoft’s Report Means for Your Inbox If you’ve noticed more suspicious emails lately, you’re not imagining it. Microsoft’s latest threat intelligence report for the first quarter of 2026 reveals that the company detected 8.3 billion email-based phishing threats worldwide in just three months. That’s roughly 92 million phishing attempts per day. ...

Five Things You Should Never Tell an AI Chatbot – For Your Own Financial Safety Intro AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot have become everyday tools for answering questions, drafting emails, and even brainstorming ideas. But as these tools integrate deeper into our lives, a Washington Post column this week warned users about a less discussed risk: the sensitive personal data you might inadvertently hand over. According to the column and supporting research, sharing certain types of information with a chatbot can put your money and identity at risk. Here’s what to keep out of the chat window. ...

Don’t tell your AI chatbot these 5 things if you want to keep your money safe Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude have become go‑to tools for quick answers—including financial questions. But treating them like a private financial advisor can backfire. A Washington Post column recently highlighted specific types of information you should never share with an AI chatbot. Here’s what to avoid and why. ...

Never Share These 5 Personal Details With an AI Chatbot — Or Your Money Could Be at Risk AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude have become everyday tools for quick answers, drafting emails, and even managing personal tasks. But as adoption grows, so do warnings from security experts about a simple mistake: treating these platforms like private, confidential assistants. ...