FTC probes tech giants, appeals Meta ruling, and settles with Instacart; independent U.S. watchdog for antitrust and consumer protection.
The IRS is accelerating its shift to digital payments, with refunds now primarily sent via direct deposit. This change may cause delays of six weeks or more for some taxpayers, especially those who did not provide bank details, raising concerns about hardship for vulnerable groups amid increased fraud risks.
As of 2026, more than 1 million U.S. students who previously left college are re-enrolling, driven by improved support programs and financial aid. The trend reflects efforts to address the high dropout rate among working-age adults, with scholarships and institutional initiatives playing key roles.
Scammers are using fake Apple Pay fraud alerts and high-pressure calls to trick victims into revealing personal information and draining bank accounts. Victims receive messages about suspicious activity, then are manipulated into calling scammers posing as authorities or support. Experts warn to verify directly through official channels.
Booking.com has reported a data breach allowing unauthorized access to customer booking details. The platform is also warning users about phishing scams involving fake emails claiming to threaten iCloud storage and payment fraud. These incidents highlight ongoing cybersecurity risks for travelers and platform users.
California has filed a lawsuit alleging Amazon has engaged in illegal price-fixing practices by pressuring vendors to raise prices and coordinate with competitors. The case, initiated in 2022, is scheduled for trial in January 2027. The allegations include Amazon's efforts to manipulate prices on various products and platforms.