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Texts demanding payment for tolls, tickets, etc., should be ignored. Go to the source to confirm.

• Investigators say scam toll and postal texts are part of a billion-dollar phishing operation run by criminal networks in China.

• Fraudsters use SIM farms, phishing sites and gig mules to load stolen card numbers into mobile wallets and buy gift cards, phones and other goods.

• Law enforcement warns the scheme is growing: one firm reported a single-day high of 330,000 toll-scam messages last month.

Criminal networks operating out of China have turned text-message phishing into a sophisticated, billion-dollar industry that preys on Americans momentary lapses of attention and then launders the proceeds through U.S.-based gig workers, investigators say.

The operation typically begins with a fake text: a past-due highway toll, a bogus U.S. Postal Service fee or an alleged unpaid traffic ticket from a city agency. Victims who click the link are taken to a phishing site that harvests names, credit-card numbers, and one-time passwords. Those credentials are then used to add stolen cards to mobile wallets in Asia a trick that, investigators say, eliminates the need for repeated authentication when the cards are used remotely.

Department of Homeland Security agents and cybersecurity researchers describe a multi-step supply chain behind the fraud. At the top are foreign servers and SIM farms rooms filled with networking devices and hundreds of SIM cards that allow a single operator to send the volume of texts normally generated by thousands of phones. The overseas gangs often manage those farms remotely, recruiting U.S.-based workers via apps such as WeChat to set up the hardware locally.

To monetize the stolen information, the gangs recruit hundreds of U.S.-based gig workers sometimes called mules who are paid tiny fees to buy gift cards or high-value goods and ship them overseas. Investigators say the workers typically earn roughly 12 cents for every $100 in gift cards they purchase for the fraudsters. On any given day, as many as 400 to 500 mules are active, according toestimates.

The fraud has real, measurable scale. Proofpoint, a mobile spam-filtering firm, recorded an all-time high of about 330,000 toll-scam messages in a single day last month and says the average monthly volume of those messages is roughly 3 times what it was in January 2024. Homeland Security officials say the criminal networks behind the toll and postage texts have siphoned off more than $1 billion over the past three years.

Experts warn the rise of mobile wallets has made the fraud particularly damaging. Having these cards put into digital wallets is so powerful because multi-factor authentication is never needed again, said a threat researcher. Once a card is trusted on a device, banks and merchants may not ask for additional verification when it is used.

Law enforcement officials say the response must be multi-pronged: take down phishing infrastructure, disrupt SIM-farm operations, and chase the payment chains into criminal marketplaces. They also urge tougher enforcement against the domestic networks that set up infrastructure and recruit local mules.

Prevention tips for readers

• Treat unexpected payment texts with suspicion dont click links.

• If you think a message might be legitimate, go directly to the services official website or app rather than following a text link.

• Never enter one-time passwords or full card details on a site reached from a suspicious message.

• Monitor your accounts and enable transaction alerts from your bank.

• Consider using a credit card rather than a debit card for online payments; review card protections with your issuer.

What to do if you think you were scammed

1. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately and report the fraud. Request a block and reissue of the card.

2. Change passwords for accounts that may have been compromised, and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

3. Check your mobile-wallet settings and remove any unfamiliar devices or cards.

4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and report the scam to local law enforcement.

5. If you purchased gift cards or shipped goods, keep receipts and tracking numbers for investigators.

The surge in scam texts has turned a century-old phishing technique into a cross-border industrial operation. Officials say curbing it will require cooperation among tech platforms, banks, law enforcement and the public and vigilance from anyone who receives an unexpected request to pay a bill by text.

Its not just out-of-control sports betting

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Millennials are leading sports spending, shelling out an average of $2,050 a year compared to Gen Zs $1,550, according to Ally Banks new report, The Cost of Fandom.

• For many Gen Zers, supporting their favorite teams means cutting back elsewhere from eating out less to saving less.

• Women are embracing social fandom, while men lean toward experiential fandom, highlighting gendered approaches to how fans spend.

Much has been written about the high cost of online sports betting, but thats not the only way sports fans lose money.

A new report from Ally Bank, The Cost of Fandom, finds that millennials lead all generations in annual spending on fan-related activities, averaging $2,050 per year. Gen Z trails behind at $1,550, but their commitment runs deep even if it means cutting back in other areas of life.

For many younger fans, supporting their favorite team isnt just about entertainment; its about identity and belonging. Nearly one in three millennials (33%) and Gen Zers (31%) say their sports spending makes them feel connected, underscoring how fandom functions as both community and culture.

Fandom transcends mere dollars and cents: its about identity, community, and being part of something bigger, said Lindsay Sacknoff, head of consumer banking at Ally. We believe theres no shame in spending even splurging on the things that bring you joy. At the same time, fandom should not come at the cost of your financial health.

How fans are overspending

According to Allys findings, the average sports fan spends around $1,600 annually to support their teams, while the most devoted fanatics spend closer to $2,200. The biggest budget-busters? Tickets (60%) and food and drink (54%), followed closely by team apparel (47%) and travel (36%).

Despite their enthusiasm, few fans have a firm sports budget. Nearly half of millennials (43%) admit they dont track how much they spend on fandom, and even Gen Z often seen as financially cautious isnt immune, with 37% saying they operate without a budget. Forty-three percent of Gen Zers say they overspend several months each year.

Different playbooks

Allys research also highlights a gender divide in how fans show their devotion. Women tend to favor social fandom, gathering at friends homes (52% vs. 46% of men) or hosting watch parties (31% vs. 26%). For them, the joy of fandom lies in connection and community.

Men, meanwhile, are more likely to travel long distances (31% vs. 25%) or splurge on VIP experiences. Their fandom leans experiential rooted in being there live, no matter the cost.

Momentum is building for womens sports, with nearly seven in ten fans saying their spending has increased or stayed steady in the past year. Only 24% of respondents said they hadnt spent any money on womens sports.

While the spending gap remains fans spend $950 on mens sports versus $500 on womens men are surprisingly leading the charge, outspending women on womens sports ($600 vs. $400 annually).

Younger fans are driving this change: 31% of Gen Z fans say being a womens sports supporter is important, and 40% see it as a way to promote equality and empowerment.

More and more fans are choosing to spend, save and give with intention, especially in support of womens sports where every dollar helps fuel representation and growth, said Jack Howard, Allys head of money wellness.

Spending with intention

At a time when many people are feeling squeezed financially, it may be prudent to look at spending on sports. Ally economists encouragefans to find balance between passion and practicality. Its Money Roots program offers free financial wellness workshops to help people align their money mindset with their values ensuring that the most stressful part of gameday is the score, not the bank balance.

Heres what market experts are saying

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Golds surge is driven by strong safe-haven demand, central bank buying, and expectations of easier monetary policy, as investors seek stability amid inflation, debt concerns, and geopolitical risks.

• Experts warn of growing risks at record highs, including overvaluation, possible policy tightening, and speculative excess that could trigger short-term pullbacks or corrections.

• Analysts remain divided while some forecast further gains, others caution that the rally may be overextended and advise investors to research carefully and seek professional guidance before buying at current levels.

In case you hadnt noticed, gold prices have been on a tear lately, closing this week above $4,200 an ounce. Silver prices have also spiked.

So, is it too late to hop on the bandwagon? The short answer is, probably. But opinions among financial market analysts are more nuanced.

First, lets look at whats driving the current rally:

1. Safe-haven demand & geopolitical risk
   The metals benefit from uncertainty: inflation, debt stress, trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, and global geopolitical risk are pushing more capital into perceived stores of value.

   • HSBC just raised its average gold forecasts for 2025 and 2026, citing stronger safe-haven demand.

   • Goldman Sachs says the gold rally is grounded more in fundamentals (central bank buying, investor demand) than pure speculation.

   • Ray Dalio has argued for favoring gold over U.S. Treasury notes in this environment.

2. Central bank accumulation & institutional flows
   One of the more durable supports for gold is that central banks continue to buy it, irrespective of short-term price moves.
   Large inflows into gold ETFs also reinforce momentum.

3. Potential for easier monetary policy & opportunity cost dynamics
   Gold (and to a lesser extent silver) becomes more attractive when real interest rates are low or falling. If central banks pivot toward easing, non-yielding assets may gain relative appeal.

4. Supply / industrial demand (especially for silver)
   Silver has a dual role its a commodity with industrial applications (electronics, solar panels, etc.) as well as a precious metal. Tightness in supply or strong industrial demand can amplify swings.

Here are the risks for gold

• Valuation stretch / mean reversion
  Gold has already moved strongly upward. There is a risk of a pullback or consolidation if expectations of monetary easing, inflation, or geopolitical stress dissipate.

• Policy shifts and central bank actions
  If the U.S. Fed or other central banks adopt more hawkish stances, real rates could rise and reduce the appeal of non-yield assets.

• Irrational exuberance / speculative froth
  Some may worry that part of the rally is driven by momentum chasing rather than fundamentals.

• Competition from other assets
  If equities recover or yields become more attractive, capital could rotate out of safe havens.

Silver risks (higher than gold):

• Higher volatility / lower liquidity
  Silvers market is smaller and more fragmented, meaning big flows or speculative moves can swing prices more violently.

• Less institutional / central bank support
  Silver is not held by central banks in any meaningful size, unlike gold. That makes it more dependent on industrial and investor demand. Goldman Sachs has explicitly warned that silver is riskier than gold.

• Cyclicality
  Because silvers industrial demand is more important, it can suffer more in economic slowdowns.

• Market anomalies and structural issues
  Recent reports of borrowing rates reaching 40%, LondonNew York price premiums, and backwardation in silver futures suggest stress in market structure.

Meanwhile, analysts are scrambling to update their forecasts that have been blown away over the last two weeks. For example, JPMorgan recently forecast gold could reach $3,675 by the end of 2025. The price today is over $4,300.

In short, the market is in uncharted waters. There are dozens of YouTube videos predicting a lot more upside for precious metals, but markets rarely go up in a straight line forever. Before making any investment at these levels, it is wise to do plenty of research and consult with a trusted and objective financial advisor.

But the second straight weekly decline isnt enticing that many buyers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Mortgage rates have declined for the second straight week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 6.27% (down from 6.30%) and the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 5.52% (down from 5.53%), according to Freddie Mac.
• Lower rates have encouraged more refinancing activity, while increased housing inventory and slower price growth are creating slightly better conditions for homebuyers.
• Homebuyer activity remains muted, as high sale prices, economic uncertainty, and concerns about job security continue to weigh on demand.

Mortgage rates dipped this week for the second week in a row. Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.27% this week, down from 6.3% the previous week.

Mortgage rates inched down this week and have held relatively steady over the past several weeks, said Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac. Importantly, homeowners have noticed these consistently lower rates, driving an uptick in refinance activity. Combined with increased housing inventory and slower house price growth, these rates also are creating a more favorable environment for those looking to buy a home."

Current rates

• The 30-year FRM averaged 6.27% as of October 16, 2025, down from last week when it averaged 6.30%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.44%.

• The 15-year FRM averaged 5.52%, down from last week when it averaged 5.53%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.63%.

Despite the falling rates, buyers arent showing up in big numbers. According to real estate brokerage Redfin, slightly slower mortgage rates havent been enough to overcome other challenges.

According to the companys research, buyers are still sitting on the sidelines due to stubbornly high sale prices and economic uncertainty. The median home-sale price is up 1.9% year over year, the second-biggest increase in six months, keeping payments elevated, even though theyre down from their all-time high. At the same time, the government shutdown and concerns about tariffs are adding to economic uncertainty for many.

Buyers are hesitant because of concerns about job security and high mortgage rates, said Jo Chavez, a Redfin Premier agent in Kansas City, Mo. Even though rates have come down from their peak, a lot of people are waiting for sub-6% rates before they buy. And in Kansas City, where there are tens of thousands of government jobs, furloughs and potential layoffs are hitting hard.

As a result, pending home sales are moving lower, falling 1.2% year over year, the biggest decline in over five months. Homes are also taking a long time to sell, with the typical home sitting on the market for 48 days before going under contract, a week longer than last year.

Spot the red flags before you click buy and avoid a return later

• Shoppers are on track to return $850 billion in 2025and nearly 1 in 5 of those returns started online.
• Before you buy, do a quick auditzoom customer photos, read specs (fabric/fit/materials), check the size chart, scan newestreviews, confirm seller/return policy, and Google the exact model number.
• The payoff: Fewer duds, fewer UPS drop-offs, and more keepers that fit, match, and actually work at home.

According to the National Retail Federation, shoppers are expected to return a whopping $850 billion in merchandise in 2025. Almost 20% of those returns are from online sales.

When shopping online, there are some glaring clues that many shoppers miss which often leads to a return. Spot the right signs and your odds of keeping it go way up.

Temu and Shein quality check: a real-world guide

Lets start with Temu and Shein. If youve ever ordered from either highly popular Chinese website, you know that quality can be an issue.

Many shoppers end upreturning stuff because the pictures never match what theyactually get. Always assume that their product photos lie.

What looks like linen, cotton, or jersey is often a polyester blend. Zoom in on all of the photos to try and see what youre actually getting.

Shoe sizes on Temu and Shein are all over the map as well, so treat every pair like a new brand. Open the size chart every single time, never assume its mens or womens just because of the listing title. The safest anchor is your European size (its more consistent across factories). For example, a womens U.S. 9 usually maps to EU 40.

Also, be sure to read the product description carefully and see if the customer reviews match their official description. If theres any discrepancy, move on.

But most importantly, always check if customers have left photos in their reviews. Many shoppers will post photos to show the quality or lack thereof. These photos are your best clue to what youll actually get.

Fool proof your Amazon purchase

Always try to buy items that are shipped and sold directly by Amazon, not a third-party seller. Its usually safer as some sellers have wonky return policies and their products can be hit or miss in terms of quality.

Also, before you add to cart, click on the reviews and check out the Reviews with images to get a visual on what youre getting. Then I like to filter reviews by Newest and 3-star (or lower) to surface any real problems fast.

Amazon reviews are notoriously fake so I tend to ignore most 5-star reviews and focus on the 3-star or lower. And by sorting by Newest you get reviews from what the product looks like now, not some version from 2 years ago.

Lastly, copy the exact model number and Google it to make sure youre not grabbing last years version at an inflated price.

Dont trust the glam shots on Target.com

Do not trust the pretty pictures on Targets site. Get in the habit of always clickingDetails and Specifications to see the actual fabric, fit, and care. Veteran Target shoppers swear that their photos oversell their products.

Also, before you buy clothes or shoes, tap How does it fit? and scan the reviews filtered to Runs small/large. A couple minutes investigating beats a return trip later.

Buying an Only-at-Target item? Google the national model on the brands site so you know whats different. Sometimes items made specifically for Target have different specs, so a little research can avoid a surprise and subsequent return.

Measure twice, ship once: your Wayfair survival kit

Returning large items like couches or bed frames to Wayfair.com can be a real pain. To avoid a return, youll want to check the following three measurements every time you buy furniture online.

• The overall dimension of where youre putting the item in your home.
• The seat/leg clearance, which is the usable space your body (or stuff) needs around a seat.
• The narrowest doorway or stair youll have to navigate.

I recommend actually tapingout the dimensions on your floor, then use Wayfairs View in Room feature in their app to make sure you like the item in your space before you buy.

Also, many of Wayfairs products offer a free fabric swatch that theyll mail out so you can test the color, texture, and feel before buying.

Final thought

While I talked about some specific online stores, its safe to assume these tips apply to whatever website youre shopping at. Same playbook, different logorun these checks and youll keep more of what shows up.