Scams

How Malware Hides in Signed Apps: What the TamperedChef Campaign Means for Your Downloads You’ve probably heard the advice: only install apps from official sources and check that they are digitally signed. That’s still good guidance, but it’s not foolproof. A recent malware campaign called TamperedChef shows that even signed productivity apps can be weaponized to deliver stealers and remote access trojans (RATs). Understanding how this works and what you can do about it can help you avoid becoming a victim. ...

Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams — and How to Stay Safe Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most of us. It’s fast, convenient, and often the best way to find deals. But that same convenience also attracts scammers who are constantly looking for new ways to trick shoppers out of their money and personal information. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or just starting out, knowing how to spot a scam can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Tips from Government Sources Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who constantly invent new ways to steal money and personal data. Government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Federal Trade Commission regularly issue alerts about recent scams. Understanding what these scams look like and how to react can save you from financial loss and identity theft. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Essential Tips for Safe Buying Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most people, but scammers are increasingly using fake stores, phishing emails, and social media ads to trick buyers. Recent alerts from government agencies, including a January 2026 advisory from VA News, highlight that these threats are not going away. Here’s what you need to know to shop with confidence and protect your money and personal information. ...

How AI Is Threatening Your Bank Accounts and Privacy—and What You Can Do Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries from healthcare to finance, and its benefits for consumers are real. But the same technology that powers helpful chatbots and fraud detection is also being turned against us. Earlier this month, Kiplinger published an analysis highlighting how AI is supercharging scams and privacy invasions in ways that directly threaten your bank accounts and personal information. Here’s what you need to know—and how to protect yourself. ...

How AI Threats Could Disrupt Your Banking and Privacy — and What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is being used by both financial institutions and cybercriminals. For consumers, that means a new set of risks to money and personal data. A recent article from Kiplinger raised concerns about AI derailing everything from banking security to online privacy. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and the steps you can take right now to protect yourself. ...

How AI Puts Your Banking and Privacy at Risk—and What You Can Do If you bank online or manage finances through apps, you’ve probably noticed features like voice authentication or chat-based customer service. Those conveniences rely on artificial intelligence—and the same technology is now being turned against consumers. Over the past year, reports of AI-driven fraud have increased, with scammers using voice cloning, automated phishing, and data scraping to drain accounts or steal personal information. A recent article in Kiplinger highlights how these threats could “derail everything from banking to online privacy,” and the warning is worth taking seriously. ...

How AI Could Threaten Your Banking and Online Privacy – And What to Do About It Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than most of us can track. For consumers, that means smarter tools and more convenience—but also new kinds of risk that weren’t on the radar a year or two ago. A recent article in Kiplinger highlighted an unsettling trend: AI is being used to undermine the security of online banking and chip away at personal privacy in ways that feel almost like science fiction. But the reality is here, and it’s worth understanding. ...

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: 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. ...