Consumer News: The 2026 World Happiness Report may have you rethinking your screen time

As fraud hits record highs, experts warn that AI-powered are getting harder to spot and easier to fall for

• QR codes and fake shopping sites are becoming go-to tools for scammers, often redirecting consumers to convincing but malicious payment pages or lookalike retail websites.

• Red flags include unusual QR code placement, suspicious website URLs, high-pressure limited-time deals, and requests for unconventional payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

• AI is making more personalized and harder to detect, but staying cautious, using secure payment methods, and acting quickly if something goes wrong can help consumers protect themselves.

From fake retail websites that look nearly identical to the real thing, to QR codes that quietly redirect shoppers to malicious payment pages, todays are designed to blend seamlessly into everyday life.

And thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, scammers can now create more personalized, believable messages that are harder to detect at a glance.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Serena Sullivan, associate professor of cybersecurity at National University to learn more about how these work, why theyre on the rise, and the simple steps consumers can take to stay one step ahead.

The warning signs

Creating a QR code is an easy process, and many websites exist that allow individuals to create a QR code with no to minimal cost. This makes them the perfect opportunity for scammers.

The operation can unfold in a few different ways. Oftentimes, scammers will have people scan the QR code that will allegedly lead them to a website where they can pay for a service, like parking. Other times, QR codes are attached to missing dog posters or even on gas pumps. Once scanned, its an easy way for scammers to get personal information or money out of victims.

Dr. Sullivan broke down exactly what you should be looking for.

A key warning sign of a QR code credit card scam is the placement of the QR code, she explained. It may appear as a sticker placed over another existing code, often found on parking meters, public kiosks, or in random public places without official branding. If scanning the code redirects someone to a suspicious site with misspelled domain names, unusual extensions, and no secure connection, its best not to enter any information.

Another red flag is when the code is the only available payment method, especially for public services like parking. Legitimate businesses usually offer multiple payment options.

Fake shopping sites

Similarly, scammers have recently been creating fake shopping websites to trick consumers into ordering things that never come and send money to what they believe to be a legitimate retailer.

Scammers can clone the look and feel of major retailers by using stolen logos and product photos to lure shoppers to illegitimate sites, Dr. Sullivan said. Subtle signs could include websites pushing limited time or flash sale offers that create a sense of urgency and pressure people into making quick purchases. Others include not offering a return policy, misspelled brand names, using poor-quality images, or awkward copy and grammar.

Its also important to watch out for websites that lack a proper http:// connection or request payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

AI makes it harder to detect

The evolution of AI has made phishing and impersonation schemes more convincing and harder to detect.

AI tools like GPT models and other language processors allow scammers to generate grammatically perfect, contextually appropriate emails that mimic familiar communication styles and create personalized content using publicly available information to make messages appear legitimate, Dr. Sullivan said.

Another major concern is AI-generated voice and video. During tax season, cybercriminals can produce synthetic audio that mimics IRS agents or well-known tax professionals. They can even clone the voices of people individuals trust, such as colleagues, family members, or friends in phone calls or video messages, using urgency to pressure victims to share sensitive information or transfer money.

Staying safe from

As we navigate our increasingly digital world, Dr. Sullivan shared her best strategies for helping consumers avoid falling victim to these .

• Be cautious and skeptical of urgent requests. If something doesnt look or feel right, trust that intuition.

• Use secure payments. Using credit cards typically offers fraud protection and adds an extra layer of safety and reassurance, unlike debit cards and bank transfers.

• Contact your bank or credit card issuer. If youve been scammed by an illegitimate site or QR code, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charges.

• Document everything. This includes screenshots of the website, ads, and communication with the seller.

• Report right away. You can report the scam and the platform to the FTC. Its also advised to run a malware/virus scan if you had previously entered personal details on a suspicious site.

Alexa+ can now roast you, but keeps kids protected

• Amazon added a new adults-only Sassy mode for Alexa+, giving the assistant a more sarcastic tone that can use some explicit language.

• Despite the edgy branding, it still has Amazons normal guardrails, so it wont allow NSFW content, hate speech, illegal activity, or harmful requests.

• For shoppers, this is really just a personality upgrade, not a smarter Alexa, so its worth checking shared-device settings, but probably not worth upgrading for on its own.

Amazon is giving Alexa+ a little attitude.

The company has rolled out a new adults-only Sassy personality for its AI assistant, Alexa+, adding a more sarcastic, roast-heavy tone that can use explicit language.

But despite the edgy branding, this is not a no-limits setting. Amazon says the feature still wont allow explicit sexual content, hate speech, illegal activity, self-harm content, or targeted personal attacks.

What exactly changed

The new Sassy option joins Alexa+s other personality styles, which include Brief, Chill, and Sweet. Amazon introduced the new feature last month as part of its push to make Alexa feel more customizable.

When users switch on Sassy in the Alexa app, Amazon warns that the mode may include explicit language and mature subject matter. On iPhones, enabling it can require an added identity check, such as Face ID. Amazon also says the Sassy mode is unavailable when Amazon Kids is turned on.

What it actually means for users

This update is more about personality than new functionality.

In other words, Alexa+ may crack a joke, roast your question, or answer with a little more edge, but it is still operating within Amazons existing guardrails. So while adults only sounds dramatic, shoppers should think of this more as snark with boundaries, not uncensored AI.

That matters because voice assistants are increasingly becoming household tools for shopping lists, timers, reminders, and smart-home controls.

Amazon clearly wants Alexa+ to feel less robotic and more tailored to the user, but the personality upgrade does not necessarily make the assistant smarter or more accurate. That part still depends on how well Alexa+ performs in everyday use.

What shoppers should do

• Check shared-device settings. If kids use Alexa in your home, review which devices have Kids mode enabled and which personality is active. Amazon says Sassy should be blocked on kid-enabled devices, but shared household tech always deserves a quick settings check.
• Treat it like an optional feature, not a reason to upgrade. If you already use Alexa+ a lot, this may be a fun customization. But it is probably not enough on its own to justify buying new Alexa hardware or changing your setup.
• Focus on usefulness, not the novelty. A sarcastic AI assistant may be amusing for a few days, but shoppers should still judge Alexa+ by things like accuracy, speed, and privacy controls. And of course, whether it actually makes your daily tasks easier.

It will likely happen before the end of the week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The national average price of gasoline jumped 24.3 cents in the past week to $3.92 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data.

• Prices are now 98.9 cents higher than a month ago and 84.1 cents above year-ago levels.

• Diesel surged 27.0 cents to $5.227 per gallon, continuing a sharp upward trend.

Motorists are facing rapidly rising fuel costs as gasoline prices continue their upward climb, with the national average nearing the $4-per-gallon mark for the first time in years.

According to GasBuddy, the average price of gasoline rose 24.3 cents over the past week to $3.92 per gallon. The increase reflects a sharp acceleration compared to recent months, driven by the war with Iran, with prices now nearly a dollar higher than just a month ago and significantly above levels seen this time last year.

Diesel prices have climbed even more aggressively, rising 27 cents in the last week to reach $5.227 per gallon. In some parts of the country, diesel is approaching record highs, increasing transportation costs and fueling inflation.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said a combination of seasonal factors and geopolitical tensions is fueling the surge.

Gas prices continued to rise nationwide over the last week as seasonal factors, combined with ongoing supply concerns tied to the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, pushed both gasoline and diesel prices sharply higher, De Haan said in the GasBuddy Blog. It now appears increasingly likely that the national average price of gasoline will reach the $4-per-gallon mark potentially as early as this week.

Oil market volatility driving prices

Oil markets have been highly volatile, reacting to geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Prices initially dropped sharply after President Trump announced a five-day pause on potential strikes targeting Irans energy infrastructure following reported diplomatic talks.

Early in the week, West Texas Intermediate crude fell $5.63 to $92.60 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped $6.58 to $105.61. Despite the decline, both benchmarks remain elevated, highlighting how quickly geopolitical risks have been priced into the market.

Supply data sends mixed signals

The latest federal data shows a mixed picture for fuel supplies. U.S. crude inventories rose by 6.2 million barrels but remain slightly below seasonal averages. Meanwhile, gasoline inventories fell by 5.4 million barrels, though they remain above typical levels for this time of year.

Distillate inventories, which include diesel, declined by 2.5 million barrels and are now below seasonal norms helping explain the sharper rise in diesel prices.

Refinery utilization edged higher to 91.4%, but implied gasoline demand fell significantly, suggesting consumers may already be cutting back as prices climb.

Wide regional price gaps persist

Fuel prices vary widely across the country. Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa currently have the lowest average gasoline prices, all near or below $3.33 per gallon. In contrast, California leads the nation at $5.75 per gallon, followed by Washington and Hawaii.

At the station level, the most common gas price is $3.69 per gallon, while the median price stands at $3.79. However, the top 10% of stations average $5.57 per gallon, underscoring the disparity drivers face depending on location.

Weekly increases have also been uneven, with Illinois seeing the largest jump at nearly 40 cents per gallon, followed by Idaho and Oregon.

Diesel shows a similar pattern, with the lowest prices in the Midwest and the highest gain concentrated on the West Coast. California drivers are paying an average of $6.88 per gallon for diesel, far above the national average.

The ban does not apply to routers consumers already own

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FCC has added all foreign-made consumer-grade routers to its Covered List, effectively blocking approval of new models for sale in the U.S.

• The move follows a national security determination that such devices pose unacceptable risks, including cyberattacks and infrastructure disruption.

• Existing routers already in use or previously approved are not affected, and companies can seek exemptions through a federal review process.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has moved to block the approval of new consumer-grade routers made in foreign countries, citing significant national security and cybersecurity risks identified by federal agencies.

In an update announced this week, the FCC added all foreign-produced consumer routers to its Covered List, a regulatory designation that prevents certain communications equipment from receiving authorization for sale or import in the United States.

Routers common household devices that connect phones, computers, and smart home products to the internet were determined by a White House-convened interagency group to pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons.

National security concerns drive the decision

According to the determination, foreign-made routers present two primary risks: vulnerabilities in the global supply chain and serious cybersecurity threats.

Officials warned that such devices could be exploited to disrupt critical infrastructure, harm U.S. consumers, and even impact national defense systems. The assessment also cited past cyber incidents including the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon attacks in which compromised routers were allegedly used to infiltrate networks, conduct espionage, and steal intellectual property.

The move aligns with broader policy goals outlined in President Trumps 2025 National Security Strategy, which emphasized reducing reliance on foreign sources for essential technologies and infrastructure.

What the rule changesand what it doesnt

The FCCs action does not amount to an immediate ban on existing devices. Consumers can continue using routers they already own, and retailers may still sell models that were previously approved through the FCCs equipment authorization process.

However, any new models of foreign-made routers will be barred from entering the U.S. market unless they receive special clearance.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is acting in coordination with national security experts.

I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, Carr said in a statement. The FCC will continue to do our part in making sure that U.S. cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and supply chains are safe and secure.