Digital Safety

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Online shopping has never been easier or more convenient, but it has also never been riskier. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and no one is immune — not even those who consider themselves tech-savvy. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have both issued warnings in recent months about the growing sophistication of online shopping fraud. This article distills their guidance into practical steps you can take today. ...

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams – How to Protect Yourself Online shopping has never been more convenient, but it also carries a risk that many people underestimate. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, about one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a striking number, and it underscores the need for consumers to recognize scams before they cost them money—or their personal information. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping scams have become more common and more convincing. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent payment requests appear regularly. A January 2026 article from VA News warns veterans and the general public to stay alert, especially after holiday spikes, but scams happen year-round. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has also highlighted fake bank scams that target shoppers. This guide covers what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to stay safe. ...

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams: 1 in 3 Americans Are Victims Intro One in three Americans has experienced an online shopping scam, according to a November 2025 study from the Pew Research Center. The risk is especially high as holiday shopping ramps up, but the patterns are consistent year-round. Most scams follow a few recognizable templates, and knowing them can save you money and frustration. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Your Money Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than going to a store. Unfortunately, scammers have also learned to exploit this convenience. In recent months, government agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs have warned consumers about a rise in online shopping fraud. The message is simple but important: know how to spot the tricks, and you can keep your money and personal information safe. ...

Watch Out for Online Shopping Scams: How to Stay Safe and Shop Smart Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but it also attracts scammers who set up fake stores, send phishing emails, or advertise deals that never arrive. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs have issued repeated warnings about the growing sophistication of these schemes. While the advice may sound familiar, scammers constantly update their tactics—especially with AI-generated product listings and convincing copycat websites. This guide covers the most common scams, red flags to watch for, and what to do if you fall victim. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips Scams involving online shopping have become more sophisticated in recent years, and they now target a wider range of consumers than ever before. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published a warning in January 2026 urging shoppers to stay alert, and the Federal Trade Commission regularly updates its advice on identifying fraudulent sellers and phishing attempts. Whether you are buying electronics, clothing, or everyday necessities, understanding the common patterns of these scams can help you avoid losing money—or having your personal information stolen. ...

Holiday Shopping Scams: 5 Ways to Spot and Avoid Them This Year If you are shopping online this holiday season, you are also shopping for fraudsters. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a significant jump from the $10 billion reported in 2023. Online shopping scams consistently rank among the top complaint categories, and during the holiday rush—when people are busy, distracted, and looking for deals—scammers increase their efforts. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere — Here’s How to Protect Yourself Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who know how to make fraudulent offers look legitimate. Government agencies like the VA and the FDIC have issued repeated warnings: fake websites, phishing emails, and payment scams are on the rise. The good news is that most of these scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can spot them before losing money or personal data. ...

A Third of Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever clicked on a deal that seemed too good to be true and later realized you were out money with nothing to show for it, you’re not alone. According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 33% of adults who have lost money or had personal information stolen while trying to buy something online. With holiday shopping, social media marketplaces, and payment apps making transactions faster than ever, the risk is real — but avoidable. ...