Scams

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. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips from the VA Online shopping offers convenience, but it also gives scammers a steady stream of opportunities. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals pop up constantly, and even careful shoppers can be caught off guard. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently published guidance on this topic, and their advice is worth reviewing whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or just someone who buys things online. ...

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. ...

How to spot online shopping scams and shop safely online Online shopping is convenient, but scammers know that too. Fake websites, phony deals, and payment fraud are common, and they can cost you money and personal information. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently published guidance specifically for veterans and their families, but the advice applies to anyone who shops online. Here’s what you need to know to avoid getting tricked. ...

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Holiday Season: Advice from the FTC The holiday shopping season is a busy time for consumers—and for scammers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, and many of those losses happen during the final months of the year. Fake websites, phishing emails, and deals that look too good to be true are especially common as people rush to buy gifts. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere — Here’s How to Protect Yourself Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who know how to make fraudulent offers look legitimate. Government agencies like the VA and the FDIC have issued repeated warnings: fake websites, phishing emails, and payment scams are on the rise. The good news is that most of these scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can spot them before losing money or personal data. ...