How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips for Safer Buying

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips for Safer Buying Online shopping has become a routine part of everyday life for most people. But along with the convenience comes a steady stream of scams designed to separate you from your money or personal information. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans lost more than $300 million to online shopping fraud in 2023 alone. That number has been rising year after year, and the methods scammers use keep evolving. Whether you are a seasoned online buyer or someone who shops only occasionally, understanding the warning signs and taking a few preventive steps can make a real difference. ...

June 17, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Don’t Get Scammed Buying a Prom Dress Online: How to Spot Fake Websites

Don’t Get Scammed Buying a Prom Dress Online: How to Spot Fake Websites Prom season is a busy time for high school students and parents. It’s also a busy time for scammers. The Better Business Bureau recently sent out an alert — including one covered by 101.5 WPDH — warning shoppers in the Hudson Valley about fake prom dress websites that take your money and deliver nothing, or a cheap knock‑off that looks nothing like the photo. ...

May 9, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk