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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 findings suggest connection not scrolling may be the real key to feeling better

• The 2026 World Happiness Report found that heavy social media use is linked to lower happiness especially among young people.

• The Report also found that moderate social media use (around an hour a day) may actually support well-being.

• Perhaps most importantly, experts found that real-world connection, trust, and community still matter more than digital engagement.

The latest World Happiness Report is shining a spotlight on something most of us feel but dont always quantify: how our digital lives are shaping our real-world happiness.

The 2026 edition zooms in on social media, revealing a complicated picture. While technology keeps us connected, it may also be quietly chipping away at well-being especially for younger generations.

In fact, researchers found that happiness among young people in North America and Western Europe has dropped significantly over the past 15 years, a period that closely tracks the rise of social media.

The global evidence makes clear that the links between social media use and our wellbeing heavily depend on what platforms were using, whos using them and how, as well as for how long, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Director of Oxfords Wellbeing Research Centre, Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford, and an editor of the World Happiness Report, said in a news release.

What the report found

The big headline: not all screen time is created equal. The report shows that heavy social media use particularly passive scrolling and influencer-driven content is associated with lower life satisfaction.

For example, teens who spend several hours a day on social platforms tend to report worse mental health outcomes than those who use it sparingly.

But heres where it gets interesting: moderate use may actually be beneficial. Young people who spend less than an hour a day on social media often report higher well-being than those who avoid it entirely.

The difference seems to come down to how platforms are used. Messaging friends and maintaining relationships can boost happiness, while endless scrolling and comparison tend to drag it down.

Heavy usage is associated with much lower well-being, but those deliberately off social media also appear to be missing out on some positive effects, De Neve said. Beyond the complexity, it is clear that we should look as much as possible to put the social back into social media.

The report also highlights a broader truth: happiness isnt just about individual habits.

Countries that rank highest like Finland tend to have strong social safety nets, high trust, and a culture of connection. In other words, the happiest societies arent necessarily the most online theyre the most connected in real life.

Top 10 happiest countries

Another aspect of the yearly report is ranking the happiest countries around the world.

Heres a look at the top 10 list:

1. Finland

2. Iceland

3. Denmark

4. Costa Rica

5. Sweden

6. Norway

7. Netherlands

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Switzerland

To determine where countries land on the list, experts take the three-year average of each populations average assessment of their quality of life. Then, they account for variations across countries and over time using factors such as GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, a sense of freedom, generosity and perceptions of corruption.

The United States landed at #23 on the list. Experts note that this is the second year in a row that no English-speaking countries (New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the U.K.) appeared in the top 10.

What this means for you

If theres one takeaway, its this: happiness is less about cutting out technology entirely and more about being intentional with it. The research suggests a sweet spot for social media use enough to stay connected, but not so much that it replaces real interaction.

The report doesnt demonize social media, but it does make one thing clear: if you want to feel better, your happiest moments are probably happening off-screen.

When it comes to happiness, building what is good in life is more important than finding and fixing what is bad. Both need doing, now more than ever, John F. Helliwell, Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of British Columbia and a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, said.