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Heres what to watch out for

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into enabling malware and scam notifications

• Security experts warn the tactic is spreading rapidly through ads, pirated content sites and social media links

• Victims often believe they are completing a routine Im not a robot check when they are actually compromising their own devices

Oh, those clever scammers. A simple checkbox meant to keep bots out and keep consumers safe is now being turned against internet users.

Security researchers are warning about a sharp rise in so-called CAPTCHA , a growing cyber threat that exploits the widespread familiarity of CAPTCHA teststhe small challenges designed to verify that users are human. Instead of protecting websites, these fake prompts are increasingly being used to deceive people into enabling , malware, and intrusive advertising.

A deceptive twist on a trusted tool

In a typical CAPTCHA scam, users land on a webpageoften through a misleading ad, suspicious download link, or pirated content siteand are immediately presented with what appears to be a standard verification test.

But instead of simply checking a box or selecting images, the page instructs users to take additional steps, such as clicking Allow on a browser notification request or copying and pasting a command into their system.

Those actions can have serious consequences.

Clicking Allow can flood a users device with persistent scam notifications, including fake virus alerts, phishing links, or fraudulent offers. In more advanced cases, following instructions can trigger the installation of malicious software.

Rapid growth across platforms

Researchers say the tactic has spread quickly over the past year, fueled by its simplicity and effectiveness. Unlike traditional phishing emails, CAPTCHA often rely on compromised advertising networks or redirect chains that lead users to malicious pages without obvious warning signs.

The have been observed across desktop and mobile browsers, making them particularly difficult to avoid.

Why users fall for it

Part of the success lies in its timing. CAPTCHA prompts typically appear at moments when users are trying to access something quicklywatching a video, downloading a file, or bypassing a pop-up.

That urgency can override caution.

In addition, the visual design of fake CAPTCHAs often closely mimics legitimate services like Googles reCAPTCHA, further lowering suspicion.

How to spot the scam

Experts emphasize that real CAPTCHAs never ask users to:

• Enable browser notifications

• Run commands or use keyboard shortcuts

• Download additional software

Consumers are advised to avoid interacting with suspicious prompts and to immediately close any page that seems unusual. Keeping browsers updated, using ad blockers, and reviewing notification permissions can also reduce exposure.

As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, the once-humble CAPTCHA is becoming an unlikely front line in online securityand a new avenue for digital deception.

There was a huge decline in the number of people seeking mortgages last week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Mortgage applications fell 10.5% week-over-week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

• Rising energy costs are pushing Treasury yields and mortgage rates higher.

• Higher borrowing costs are sidelining buyers and dampening housing demand.

Surging energy prices are increasingly weighing on the U.S. housing market, driving up borrowing costs and cooling both home purchase and refinance activity. The evidence can be found in the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Mortgage applications dropped 10.5% for the week ending March 20, marking a sharp pullback in demand. The decline reflects a broader drag on affordability as higher oil prices continue to ripple through financial markets.

The threat of higher-for-longer oil prices continued to keep Treasury yields elevated, and mortgage rates finished last week higher, said Joel Kan, MBAs vice president and deputy chief economist.

That dynamic is critical: when energy prices rise, they can fuel inflation expectations, which in turn push up Treasury yields. Mortgage rates typically follow those yields, making home loans more expensive.

Rising mortgage rates

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 6.43%, its highest level since October 2025 and more than 30 basis points above where it stood just weeks earlier. Other loan types also saw increases, including 15-year mortgages and adjustable-rate loans.

As rates rise, refinancing becomes less attractive. Refinance applications fell 15% from the previous week, though they remain significantly higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, purchase applications a key indicator of homebuying activity declined 5% week-over-week.

Kan noted that the combination of rising rates, affordability challenges, and broader economic uncertainty is causing many would-be buyers to hesitate.

Purchase applications were also down last week, as higher mortgage rates, coupled with affordability constraints and economic uncertainty, pushed some potential homebuyers to the sidelines, he said.

Declining affordability

The data suggests that affordability pressures are intensifying. Even modest increases in mortgage rates can significantly raise monthly payments, particularly in a market where home prices remain elevated.

There are also signs of shifting borrower behavior. The share of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) rose to 8.1%, indicating some buyers are seeking lower initial rates to offset higher fixed-rate costs. At the same time, the refinance share of total mortgage activity dropped below 50%.

Government-backed loans showed mixed movement. FHA loan applications edged higher, while VA applications declined, reflecting uneven demand across borrower segments.

The broader takeaway: energy costs are no longer just a concern for drivers and businesses they are feeding directly into housing affordability.

As long as oil prices remain elevated, economists say mortgage rates could stay higher for longer, prolonging the slowdown in housing activity and keeping pressure on both buyers and lenders in the months ahead.

USPS said the fee would cover the actual cost of shipping packages

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• USPS is proposing a new fuel surcharge on package deliveries to offset rising transportation costs

• The surcharge would fluctuate based on fuel price indexes and apply primarily to shipping services like Priority Mail and Parcel Select

• Critics warn it could raise costs for small businesses and consumers already facing higher shipping rates

Just days after warning that it is running out of money, the U.S. Postal Service said it is considering a new fuel surcharge on package deliveries. That could reshape shipping costs for businesses and consumers across the country.

The proposal, currently under review, is aimed at helping the agency manage volatile fuel expenses that have strained its delivery network in recent years.

According to USPS officials, the surcharge would function as a variable fee tied to national fuel price indexes. When fuel prices rise above a certain threshold, the additional charge would be applied to select package services, including Priority Mail and Parcel Select. When prices fall, the surcharge would decrease or disappear.

This temporary price adjustment will provide needed flexibility for the Postal Service by helping to ensure that the actual costs of doing business are covered, as required by Congress, the Postal Service said in a statement.

Transportation costs have been increasing, and our competitors have reacted with a number of surcharges.

Broader trends

The proposal reflects broader trends in the shipping industry. Private carriers such as FedEx and UPS have long used fuel surcharges to buffer against price swings.

However, USPS has historically avoided such fees, relying instead on periodic rate increases approved by regulators. The proposed fuel surcharge would have to be approved by the U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission.

If implemented, the surcharge would mark a significant shift in how the Postal Service prices its package delivery servicesan area that has become a critical revenue stream as traditional mail volumes continue to decline.

Impact on businesses and consumers

Small businesses, many of which rely on USPS for affordable shipping, are likely to feel the immediate effects. For e-commerce sellers operating on thin margins, even modest increases in shipping costs can have a ripple effect on pricing and competitiveness.

Consumer advocates also warn that the surcharge could ultimately be passed on to customers, contributing to higher prices for goods purchased online.

Some critics argue that the Postal Service should focus on operational efficiencies rather than introducing new fees. Others contend that the surcharge is a practical step toward financial sustainability, especially as USPS continues to modernize its fleet and infrastructure.

USPS has not announced a specific timeline for implementation but indicated that any surcharge would be introduced with advance notice to customers. Public comments and regulatory review will play a key role in determining whetherand howthe proposal moves forward.

The alert includes 1-pound, vacuum-packed packages labeled White Oak Pastures

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for ground beef that may contain metal fragments.

• The affected product was sold at Moms Organic Markets in several East Coast states, including Virginia, Maryland and D.C.

• No recall was issued because the product is no longer available in stores, but consumers are urged not to eat it.

The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for a ground beef product that may be contaminated with metal, raising concerns about possible injury to consumers.

The alert applies to 1-pound, vacuum-packed packages labeled White Oak Pastures, Radically Traditional Farming, Grassfed Ground Beef. The product was produced on Feb. 26, 2026, and carries the establishment number EST 34729 inside the USDA mark of inspection. It is also marked with a sell-by date of March 19, 2026.

According to FSIS, the ground beef was distributed to a distributor and sold at Moms Organic Markets locations across several states, including Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Company alerted by consumers

The issue came to light after the manufacturer, White Oak Pastures, received two consumer complaints reporting possible metal contamination. Despite the reports, there have been no confirmed injuries linked to the product, and FSIS said it has not received any additional reports of harm.

A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. However, officials warn that some packages may still be in consumers refrigerators or freezers.

FSIS is urging anyone who purchased the ground beef not to consume it. Instead, consumers should throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase.

Anyone concerned about possible injury should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers with questions can contact White Oak Pastures Processing Operations Manager Justin Wiley at (229) 641-2081 or by email at feedback@whiteoakpastures.com.

For additional food safety information, consumers can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or submit a report through the agencys online complaint system.

Scammers usually hang up when asked to identify themselves

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Call screening tools are becoming a frontline defense against scam calls and robocalls.

• New built-in features from Apple and Google can automatically ask unknown callers to identify themselves.

• Third-party apps are expanding the concept with AI assistants that filter, transcribe, and block suspicious calls.

Americans are no strangers to unwanted calls. From fake IRS threats to your package is delayed , robocalls remain one of the most persistent annoyances and risks consumers face.

Now, a new wave of call screening technology aims to stop those calls before they ever reach you. Both smartphone makers and app developers are leaning into a simple idea: make unknown callers prove theyre legitimate before your phone even rings.

How call screening works

Call screening flips the traditional phone experience. Instead of your phone ringing first, the system answers unknown calls automatically and asks the caller to state their name and reason for calling.

You then see that information often as a live transcript and decide whether to:

• Answer the call

• Send it to voicemail

• Block it entirely

The goal is straightforward: Scammers and robocall systems typically wont respond to prompts or provide meaningful answers, making them easier to filter out.

Built-in features from Apple and Google

Major phone makers are now building this technology directly into their devices.

Apple has introduced call screening features that automatically intercept unknown callers and request identifying information. Users can review the callers response in real time before choosing to pick up.

Googles version, powered by Google Assistant, goes a step further by interacting with callers and transcribing responses instantly. It can also suggest whether a call isspam based on what the caller says or doesnt say.

These built-in tools are appealing because they dont require downloading additional apps and are tightly integrated with the phones operating system.

Third-party apps add AI to the mix

Several apps are expanding on call screening with more advanced features:

• Truecaller Assistant uses AI to answer calls and summarize what the caller wants.

• RoboKiller screens calls and can block known scam numbers, while wasting robocallers time with automated responses.

• KONTXT and similar apps act as virtual receptionists, handling unknown calls and filtering out suspicious ones.

Many of these apps maintain large databases of known scam numbers, adding another layer of protection.

Why scammers struggle with screening

Call screening works particularly well against scam calls for a few reasons:

• Robocall systems often cant respond to open-ended questions like What are you calling about?

• Scammers rely on urgency and surprise, which screening removes by giving you time to evaluate the call.

• Callers who refuse to identify themselves are easy to ignore or block.

In short, screening forces friction into a system that scammers depend on being fast and automated.

What consumers should know

While call screening can significantly reduce unwanted calls, its not foolproof.

Legitimate callers like doctors offices or delivery drivers may not always respond clearly, and some users worry about missing important calls. Others may find the feature unfamiliar or confusing at first.

Still, for many consumers, the tradeoff is worth it.

Call screening represents a shift in how we handle unknown calls from reactive to proactive. Instead of deciding whether to answer after your phone rings, you can now decide before you ever pick up.

As scam calls continue to evolve, tools that put control back in consumers hands may become less of a luxury and more of a necessity.