Seasonal Scams

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites (and Avoid Getting Scammed) Prom season is here, and with it comes a familiar wave of scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert for shoppers in the Hudson Valley, warning about fake prom dress websites that are popping up to steal money and personal information. While the alert is regional, the pattern is national. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself or your teen. ...

Prom Dress Scams Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Avoid Getting Duped Prom season is a high-stakes mix of excitement and pressure. Between finding the perfect dress, coordinating with friends, and staying within budget, the last thing you need is to lose money to a fake website. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what scammers are counting on. With the Better Business Bureau issuing a regional alert earlier this month, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the pattern and protect yourself. ...

BBB Warns of Fake Prom Dress Websites: How to Avoid Getting Scammed Prom season is here, and along with the rush for the perfect dress comes a wave of fraudulent websites designed to take your money and disappear. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert for shoppers in the Hudson Valley, but this kind of scam happens everywhere. If you or your teen are shopping for formal wear online, knowing the warning signs can save you frustration and financial loss. ...

BBB Warns: Don’t Get Tricked by These Mother’s Day Shopping Scams Mother’s Day is just days away, and if you’re still looking for a gift, you’re not alone. Scammers know that too, and they’re actively setting up fake storefronts, sending phishing emails, and placing fraudulent ads on social media to take advantage of last-minute shoppers. ...

Online Shopping Scams Affect 1 in 3 Americans — Here’s How to Avoid Them Buying things online is convenient, but it comes with risks that are easy to overlook. A November 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center found that about 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam. The number is a reminder that fraudulent sellers, phishing emails, and fake deals are not rare events. With major shopping occasions like Mother’s Day and Black Friday approaching, the risk typically increases as scammers try to take advantage of people looking for gifts or bargains. ...