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wpsdlocal6.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, over 859,000 Americans filed complaints with the FBI about internet scams, resulting in $16.6 billion in losses—a 33% increase from the previous year. Investment scams caused the largest losses at $6.5 billion, while seniors aged 60+ were disproportionately targeted, losing $2.5 billion to various schemes including tech support scams ($1 billion among seniors alone), business email compromise ($2.7 billion), call center scams ($1.9 billion), and grandparent scams. The FBI advises vigilance against suspicious links, unsolicited remote access requests, and urgent money transfer requests, recomm
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of an ongoing discount medical insurance scam that targets people seeking affordable healthcare through unsolicited contact via calls, texts, or emails, promising discounted rates and coverage that fails to materialize when victims need medical services. Scammers use pressure tactics like time-limited offers and misrepresent coverage while refusing refunds, with Washington state issuing a cease-and-desist against one company operating under multiple names after receiving over 100 complaints. Victims reported unpaid medical bills ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, as well as difficulty canceling policies and receiving promised refunds.
al.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting Americans seeking affordable health insurance through unsolicited calls, texts, and emails offering discounted plans under names of legitimate providers, but these fraudulent schemes fail to deliver actual coverage and cost consumers millions annually. Victims report being unable to access coverage when needed, receiving no refunds, and facing difficulty canceling accounts. The FBI advises verifying insurers through state insurance commissioners or the Better Business Bureau, requesting policy documents before payment, avoiding upfront fees, and being wary of pressure tactics or offers that seem too good to be true.
businessday.ng
· 2025-12-08
Nigerians lost N911.45 billion to Ponzi and related fraud schemes over 23 years, with recent victims falling prey to illegal schemes like Crypto Bridge Exchange that promised 100% returns in 30 days. The Securities and Exchange Commission released a 30-point scam advisory warning of red flags including pressure to act quickly, promises of guaranteed profits with no risk, and requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, emphasizing that investors should verify company registration and never yield to high-pressure tactics.
ranker.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not a traditional scam news story but rather a collection of Reddit posts discussing controversial situations involving scam-adjacent behavior. The pieces highlight disputes where individuals either refused to participate in fraud (a roommate's government rental assistance scheme) or were accused of unfair dealing (an inheritance disagreement), illustrating how scam-related ethical dilemmas divide public opinion online.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a nationwide alert about fraudulent "discount" medical insurance schemes targeting seniors and other Americans, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. Scammers impersonate legitimate insurance companies through unsolicited calls, texts, and emails, using high-pressure tactics to pressure victims into enrolling in fake plans that provide no actual coverage when medical services are needed. Documented cases include victims in Washington, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Maryland who were denied coverage claims, subjected to unauthorized charges, and refused refunds after discovering the plans were fraudulent.
herald-dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers commonly target adults 55+ with investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase fraud, romance scams, and home improvement schemes. The article outlines key warning signs including unsolicited calls from those claiming to be government officials or bank employees, requests for unusual payment methods, pressure to act quickly, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Recommended protections include registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, hanging up on unsolicited callers, researching investments thoroughly, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying unexpected claims by contacting official sources directly.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Chase Bank held an educational seminar in Chicago to help senior citizens protect themselves against fraud, which cost U.S. consumers over $12 billion in the previous year with a 25% increase from 2023. The seminar covered five common scams targeting seniors: impersonation, romance scams, family emergency schemes, computer virus scams, and prize/inheritance claims, with Chase advising consumers to verify suspicious communications before sharing information and recognize pressure tactics used by scammers. Attendees learned the "four Ps" framework for identifying scams—imposters pretending to be trusted sources, fake problems, pressure to act quickly, and requests for payment—and were encouraged to report any fraud to authorities.
wbir.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents of Tennessee received fraudulent text messages claiming they had unpaid toll balances requiring immediate payment to avoid fines, registration suspension, or collections action. The Tennessee Attorney General's Office confirmed the texts are scams designed to steal personal information and money, advising recipients to delete them and report suspicious messages that come from unknown numbers and direct to non-government websites. According to the FBI, scams of this type cost Tennesseans over $190 million in 2024, with seniors accounting for one-third of those losses.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting trusted platforms like Google Forms and legitimate company domains (Google, PayPal) to conduct phishing scams that steal personal and financial information from victims. Recent sophisticated campaigns targeted university students, faculty, and staff at 15 U.S. institutions by mimicking school communications with authentic branding and requesting credentials under the pretense of account maintenance or financial aid distribution, particularly around high-stress academic calendar dates. To protect against these attacks, users should never submit sensitive information via Google Forms, scrutinize unsolicited form requests for spelling/design errors, verify requests directly with organizations, and immediately change credentials and monitor accounts if information has already been compromised.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides consumer awareness about emerging tariff-related scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The main scam types include: fake government emails impersonating U.S. Customs demanding direct tariff payments (identifiable by non-.gov domains and recent registration dates), fraudulent shipping company messages claiming packages are held for tariff fees, and counterfeit factory shopping schemes promoted on social media. Consumers should remember that tariffs are passed through higher prices, not paid directly, and should verify any suspicious communications through official company websites and customer service.
sweethomenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending phishing text messages impersonating Oregon's DMV and ODOT, claiming recipients have unpaid toll balances and threatening license suspension or fines to pressure immediate payment. The fake messages contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information; consumers should delete such texts, never click links, and verify toll status directly with ODOT at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or report the scam to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that AI-powered scam calls—in which fraudsters use deepfake technology to imitate loved ones' voices and appearances to extort money—are increasing in frequency and effectiveness. Experts recommend establishing a secret codeword or passphrase with family members to verify identity during unexpected calls, while additional protections include scrutinizing voice/appearance inconsistencies, limiting public social media content, and registering with the Telephone Preference Service to identify unsolicited callers as potential scammers.
sjcda.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating fake JOANN Fabric & Craft websites advertising bogus clearance sales with 80-90% discounts, capitalizing on the company's actual store closures and in-person-only sales. Victims who purchase from these fraudulent sites pay money but receive no products, with charges appearing from entities other than JOANN on their bank statements. To protect themselves, consumers should verify sales directly through official company websites, be skeptical of unusually deep discounts, and pay with credit cards for greater fraud protection.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The City of Aurora is hosting a free educational workshop on May 15 to help seniors, families, and caregivers identify and prevent scams, featuring presentations from local officials including Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser. According to the city, fraud targeting seniors is increasing, with older adults in Illinois losing nearly $76 million to fraud in 2023 alone.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans aged 60+ reported approximately 147,000 cybercrimes totaling $4.885 billion in losses, averaging $83,000 per victim—representing 40% of all cybercrime losses despite being a portion of complainants. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to phishing, tech support scams, investment fraud, and romance scams due to declining digital literacy and social isolation, with investment scams causing the largest financial losses for this age group.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans over 60 lost approximately $4.885 billion to cybercrimes in 2024—about 40% of all reported cybercrime losses—averaging $83,000 per victim, representing a 46% increase in complaints from the prior year. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to declining digital literacy and financial awareness, with investment scams, tech support scams, and romance scams causing the largest losses, often involving cryptocurrency. The most common cyberattacks targeting this demographic include phishing, spoofing, extortion, sextortion, and personal data breaches, with criminals exploiting loneliness and trust
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors in Henderson, Nevada are being targeted by scammers using calls, emails, and AI-generated voices to steal money, with one woman's mother losing a quarter of her net worth over nearly two years before intervention stopped the fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable to employment offers, loan scams, tech support fraud, and AI impersonation calls. Former FBI agent Thomas Quilty recommends seniors establish secret code words with family, limit WiFi connections, use strong passwords, and report fraud without shame to help combat the growing problem.
washingtontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts warn that digital REAL ID scams are targeting immigrants, seniors, and time-pressed individuals as the TSA enforced stricter identification requirements for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025. Scammers use fake websites, phishing emails, and text messages impersonating government agencies to steal personal information and financial data, with losses from government imposter scams surging from $171 million in 2023 to $789 million in 2024. Experts emphasize that REAL ID can only be obtained in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office with original government-issued documents, and legitimate government agencies never request personal information electronically.
katc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is alerting residents to a text message scam in which fraudsters impersonate the OMV and claim recipients owe toll penalty fees, with the goal of stealing personal information and charging unauthorized fees. The OMV does not collect toll violations via text or email and recommends residents delete suspicious messages, report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov, and avoid clicking links or sharing personal information with unverified sources. Residents are advised to use only the official OMV website (expresslane.org) for online vehicle services to avoid unofficial sites that may collect personal data and charge excessive fees.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers targeted Chicago residents rushing to meet the REAL ID deadline by sending fraudulent texts and emails impersonating government agencies, with messages offering to expedite the process for payment, claiming fines were due, or directing people to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information. Security researchers warned that the Department of Homeland Security and DMV never request personal details via email or text, and that victims should report suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission and expect these scams to continue even after the deadline passes.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment and payment scams exploit current events and economic anxieties through fraudulent schemes promising quick returns on cryptocurrency, real estate, or other assets, often contacted via email, social media, or calls. Common tactics include fake investment coaching groups, advance payment schemes on resale platforms, and overpayment-refund fraud where scammers reverse legitimate payments after receiving refunds. Protection strategies include verifying investment advisers through FINRA BrokerCheck or SEC tools, recognizing warning signs of suspicious accounts, and using platform safety features like payment warnings and facial recognition verification.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Jury duty scams involve fraudsters impersonating government officials or court workers who contact victims by phone, email, or text claiming they missed jury service and must pay a fine immediately or face arrest. Scammers use threatening language, phishing tactics, requests for personal information (like Social Security numbers), and demand payment via untraceable methods such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps. Legitimate courts never request payment over the phone for missed jury service, and actual summonses and notices are only sent via USPS mail with fines issued only after repeated ignored notices.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
As the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches, fraudsters are exploiting consumer urgency through fake DMV websites, phishing texts, and social media scams designed to steal personal and financial data by posing as expedited processing services. Scammers use pressure tactics, unofficial payment requests, and official-looking communications to deceive applicants unfamiliar with the process. Consumers should only use official state DMV websites, verify https security, avoid third-party payment methods, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or their state DMV.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta removed over 23,000 Facebook pages and accounts operating scam networks targeting users in India and Brazil, which used deepfakes of celebrities and financial influencers to promote fake investment apps and gambling websites. Victims were redirected to messaging apps or fake Google Play Store pages where scammers posed as investment advisors and collected payments before disappearing or reversing transactions. Meta implemented anti-fraud measures including facial recognition technology for identity verification, advance-payment warnings, and suspicious activity detection, while partnering with Indian government agencies to conduct cybersecurity awareness training.
san.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated accounts impersonating people with disabilities on social media to build followings and solicit donations, with at least 30 such accounts identified that often fail to disclose their artificial nature. This fraud trend is part of a broader epidemic in which Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with elder fraud complaints rising 14% that year and resulting in $3.4 billion in losses. Experts recommend triple-checking charity legitimacy before donating, staying informed about evolving cyber threats, and securing personal information, while lawmakers push for stronger protections including the Protecting Consumers from Payment Scams Act.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were arrested in Douglas County, Nevada in connection with extortion schemes using fraudulent emails impersonating Microsoft or offering unsolicited services, with threats escalating if payment was not made. Junyan Wu (22) and Lirui Diao (21) were arrested on May 2 in Genoa after arriving to collect money from a homeowner, while Quan Fu Ma (45) was arrested on May 7 in Gardnerville under similar circumstances; all three faced charges including extortion, exploitation of the elderly, and conspiracy. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office partnered with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies on the joint investigation and is offering a free Senior
chicagocrusader.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 75 seniors and family members attended a Fraud and Scam Prevention Seminar in Chicago on May 6, presented by JPMorgan Chase, the Chicago Police Department, and Chicago Commons, to learn protective strategies against financial fraud targeting older Americans. Illinois residents lost over $324 million to scams in the previous year, with seniors remaining highly vulnerable, and the event educated participants on common tactics including romance fraud, fake IRS calls, tech support scams, and impersonation schemes using the "Four Ps" framework (Pretend, Problem/Prize, Payment, Pressure). Attendees received practical guidance on fraud prevention, including setting up account alerts, using unique passwords, enabling
sierradailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were arrested in Douglas County for extortion schemes targeting local residents through fraudulent emails impersonating companies like Microsoft, with two suspects apprehended in Genoa on May 2 (Junyan Wu, 22, and Lirui Diao, 21) and a third arrested in Gardnerville Ranchos on May 7 (Quan Fu Ma, 45). All three face charges including extortion, exploitation of the elderly, and conspiracy, with bail ranging from $52,509 to $100,000. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the FBI and other agencies, hosted a free Senior Scam Seminar to educate residents on
aikenstandard.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial crime specialists from SRP Federal Credit Union presented information to the Aiken Senior Men's Club about recognizing and reporting online scams targeting seniors. The presentation covered major scam types including investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams, noting that reported consumer losses from scams totaled $12.54 billion in 2024, and identified red flags such as unsolicited contact, urgent pressure, requests for personal information, and unconventional payment methods.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from consumers in 2024, with text message scams alone accounting for $470 million in losses and phone scams averaging $1,500 per victim. Michigan Legacy Credit Union partnered with Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology to train employees in fraud prevention, enabling staff to identify and stop scams through careful questioning—such as one incident where a teller prevented a woman from withdrawing $20,000 after confirming her daughter was not actually in jail. The initiative focuses on educating consumers and front-line workers to recognize common impersonation schemes involving government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and local
klaq.com
· 2025-12-08
The "wrong number" text scam is surging in Texas, where scammers initiate contact with seemingly innocent messages like "Is this Kevin?" to verify active phone numbers, then build rapport over days or weeks before soliciting money or sensitive information through romance scams or investment schemes. Texans are advised not to respond to unknown numbers, to block and report suspicious texts to their carrier (7726), and to avoid clicking links or switching to other messaging apps, while warning vulnerable relatives of this social engineering threat.
12onyourside.com
· 2025-12-08
An FBI report reveals that scams targeting adults 60 and older are increasing rapidly, with over 100,000 complaints filed in 2023 resulting in $3.4 billion in losses nationwide, with Virginia ranking 9th at over $90,000 in fraud losses. Romance scams, cryptocurrency scams, and impostor scams (such as fake bank agent calls) are the most common tactics exploiting older adults who have more time and financial resources. Experts recommend authenticating all communications, not trusting caller ID alone, and educating seniors about fraud prevention strategies.
wesh.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of discount medical insurance scams targeting individuals seeking affordable healthcare, with victims losing millions of dollars annually through fraudulent plans offered via calls, texts, and emails. Scammers used high-pressure tactics and false promises of reduced rates to pressure victims into prepaying for fake policies that failed to cover medical services, resulting in thousands of dollars in unexpected bills. The FBI recommends verifying insurance offers with state insurance commissioners and the Better Business Bureau, confirming provider acceptance, and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics and upfront payment requests.
kcci.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of growing discount medical insurance scams where fraudsters contact victims via phone, text, and email offering fake insurance plans at reduced rates with high-pressure tactics and upfront payment requirements. Victims have lost millions of dollars annually, including a Pennsylvania couple who discovered their policy didn't cover emergency care and a Maryland man who faced a $7,000 medical bill after his fake insurance was rejected by providers. To protect themselves, consumers should verify insurance offers through their state's insurance commissioner and Better Business Bureau, confirm provider acceptance, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scammers impersonating FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims via email, phone, social media, and online forums. The scammers typically claim to have recovered lost funds or offer recovery assistance, then request upfront "recovery fees," sensitive personal and financial information (including Social Security numbers, bank account details, and cryptocurrency credentials), or payment for fake "extraction software." Victims can protect themselves by recognizing red flags such as spoofed email addresses, urgent language, unsolicited requests for sensitive data, and suspicious attachments or links, and by reporting fraudulent
blog.google
· 2025-12-08
Google is deploying advanced AI systems across its platforms to detect and block scams at scale, including blocking hundreds of millions of fraudulent search results daily and reducing airline impersonation scams by over 80%. The company is expanding protections through on-device AI models in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode, Android's Google Messages and Phone app, and new warnings against malicious notifications—all designed to combat evolving threats like phishing, remote tech support scams, and sophisticated call/text message fraud.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated phishing scam impersonating law enforcement is targeting Gmail users by exploiting vulnerabilities in Google's infrastructure, particularly through Google Sites subdomains that appear legitimate. The fraudulent emails claim a subpoena has been issued and direct users to a fake support portal where they enter credentials, allowing cybercriminals to hijack accounts. Google acknowledged the attack and recommends users enable two-factor authentication and passkeys for protection, while researchers call for the company to disable scripts and embeds in Google Sites to prevent future credential harvesting schemes.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Three suspects were arrested and booked into Douglas County Jail for conducting elder fraud and extortion schemes in which they collected money from victims using scam-based tactics. The article does not specify the number of elder victims affected, dollar amounts stolen, or detailed charges against the suspects.
nwitimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency investment fraud accounted for nearly $4 billion in losses in 2023 (71% of all crypto-related losses), a 53% increase from 2022, with victims often lured through "pig butchering" scams that build trust via dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Criminals exploit cryptocurrency's decentralized nature, irreversible transactions, and AI-enhanced deception tactics—including voice cloning and fake videos—to operate sophisticated call center operations that mimic legitimate businesses. While people aged 30-49 filed the most complaints, victims over 60 suffered the highest losses at over $1.24 billion.
whiznews.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio's Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are raising awareness about the growing number of scams targeting seniors, noting that scammers exploit older adults due to perceived vulnerability and financial stability, while victims often avoid reporting due to shame and fear. Key fraud threats include voice-cloning scams using AI technology, romance scams that exploit emotional connections to steal tens of thousands of dollars, and unsolicited contact attempts. The state recommends seniors avoid responding to unknown contacts, verify identities before sharing information, resist high-pressure tactics, and utilize available resources from the Department of Aging to protect themselves.
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, having pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit structuring. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under false identities to deposit and withdraw over $500,000 in romance scam proceeds in amounts below federal reporting thresholds to avoid detection. Surveillance footage captured him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks, and he continued the illegal activity even after confirming the funds came from romance sc
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, pleading guilty to structuring charges. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under multiple aliases to withdraw over $500,000 in small amounts below federal reporting thresholds, deliberately concealing and distributing funds stolen from romance scam victims. Surveillance footage documented him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks even after confirming the money originated from romance scams.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this article because the content provided does not contain details about the phishing scams warning from Superior Credit Union. The text only shows website navigation elements, article headlines, and general site information, but does not include the actual article body with information about the phishing scam alert, what customers were targeted, what to watch for, or any specific warnings issued by the credit union.
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wjla.com
· 2025-12-08
A Rockville, Maryland resident lost $400,000 after scammers used phishing tactics—posing as a trustworthy Canadian business via email, text, or phone—to convince the victim to send multiple checks. Police arrested a suspect in Ontario, Canada in March after tracking the funds to Canadian bank accounts and coordinating with banks to shut down the fraudulent accounts, with the investigation ongoing. Montgomery County officials are warning residents that phishing scams are increasingly sophisticated and urging people to be wary of urgent or threatening communications requesting money or personal information.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Google has integrated AI-powered scam detection tools across its products, including Gemini Nano in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode to detect tech support scams and fake websites, along with AI-powered alerts in Chrome on Android and scam detection features in Google Messages and Phone. The company reports that its AI now blocks 20 times more scam websites than three years ago and reduced impersonation scams of official sites by over 70% in 2024, with all processing occurring on-device to protect user privacy.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns consumers about gift card scams that surge around holidays like Mother's Day. Scammers use urgent tactics—impersonating government agencies or family members—to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes, exploiting the holiday shopping season. The article identifies key red flags including demands for gift card payments, specific brand recommendations, artificial urgency, and requests for secrecy.
seroundtable.com
· 2025-12-08
Google announced significant improvements to its scam-detection capabilities, now catching 20 times more fraudulent pages and reducing scams in Search results by over 80% through AI-powered systems. The improvements specifically targeted impersonation scams, such as fake airline customer service pages, which Google has reduced by more than 80% in Search results. Google also deployed new AI-powered scam detection features across Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google to protect users from fraud and data theft.
klarna.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide from Klarna outlines common fraud and scam types affecting consumers, including phishing, impersonation, fake investment schemes, robocalls, online shopping fraud, job scams, and scams targeting elderly individuals. The article advises protecting personal information by never sharing credentials unsolicited, recognizing red flags such as unexpected urgent requests, untrustworthy websites, and promises that seem too good to be true, and verifying merchant legitimacy through store reviews, return policies, and contact information before making purchases.