Consumer Protection

Nearly One in Three Americans Has Experienced an Online Shopping Scam: What to Know If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal on social media or gotten a suspicious email about a package delivery, you’re not alone. A new study from the Pew Research Center found that roughly a third of U.S. adults say they’ve personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a lot of people—and the number is likely still growing as more of us shop from our phones and laptops. While the convenience of buying online isn’t going away, it pays to know how these scams work and how to steer clear. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe Introduction Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most Americans, but it also comes with risks. According to a recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scammers increasingly target shoppers through fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads that mimic legitimate retailers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, released in May 2025, shows that shopping-related fraud continues to rise, with losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Whether you’re buying holiday gifts, everyday essentials, or services as a military family using VA benefits, understanding how these scams work is the first line of defense. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself The convenience of buying everything from groceries to electronics online has made shopping easier than ever. But that same convenience also opens the door for scammers. A recent article from VA News (.gov) reminds us that online shopping scams remain a persistent threat, and the advice applies to everyone, not just the military community. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: A Practical Guide Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most consumers, but alongside its convenience comes a steady rise in scams. Fraudsters create convincing fake websites, send phishing emails disguised as order confirmations, and advertise deals that are simply too good to be true. Recent warnings from organizations like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Trade Commission, and the FBI highlight that these threats are growing more sophisticated. The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few straightforward habits can make a significant difference. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping has become a daily habit for millions, but scammers have taken notice. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics to trick shoppers into handing over money and personal information. According to a recent alert from VA News (.gov), online shopping scams are surging, and the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report confirms that reported losses from these scams reached record levels in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or someone who rarely shops online, knowing how to identify and avoid these schemes is essential. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Online Shopping: How to Protect Yourself If you shop online, you have probably seen deals that seem too good to pass up or received an email about an order you don’t remember placing. You are not alone in wondering whether these are scams. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, roughly one in three Americans say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number is high enough that it should give any regular online shopper pause. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them (2026 Guide) Online shopping has become second nature for most of us, but the convenience also comes with a persistent risk: scams. Criminals are constantly refining their tactics, using fake websites, phishing messages, and fraudulent payment schemes to trick shoppers. A recent alert from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — published January 28, 2026 — warns consumers to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. Combined with data from the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, the message is clear: staying informed is the best defense. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Cost You Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. A few clicks and a package is on its way. But the convenience also attracts scammers. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans lost billions of dollars last year to online shopping fraud alone. The numbers are staggering, and the threat doesn’t discriminate—veterans, military families, and everyday consumers are all targets. ...

1 in 3 Americans Report Online Shopping Scams: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe Intro A new survey from the Pew Research Center finds that roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. The figure, drawn from a nationally representative poll conducted in late 2025, underscores how widespread these incidents have become. While most online purchases go through without trouble, the sheer number of people affected suggests that scammers are getting better at reaching everyday shoppers. Understanding who is most vulnerable and which tactics are most common can help you avoid becoming the next target. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: Here’s How to Stay Safe New survey data from Pew Research Center shows that roughly a third of U.S. adults say they have been the victim of an online shopping scam. With the holiday buying season winding down and deals still lingering, it’s a good time to review how these scams work and what you can do to avoid them. ...