Essentials Scambusters: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Deals, Price Traps, and Shopping Scams in 2026
Ever snagged a “can’t-miss” deal, only to realize you’ve been duped? You’re not alone. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $10 billion to shopping scams in the past year alone, a record high. In 2026, scammers are working overtime, using smarter tricks and AI-powered fakes to fool even the savviest shoppers.