1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online: Here’s How to Avoid It If you’ve ever clicked a deal that seemed too good to be true, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research Center survey, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 32% of U.S. adults — a figure that underscores just how common these schemes have become. ...
Online Shopping Scams Are More Common Than You Think – Here’s How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a deal that turned out to be fake, you’re not alone. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, about a third of Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a large share of the population, and the problem touches every age group and income level. ...
1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Shop Safely Introduction A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That number might surprise you, but if you’ve ever clicked a suspicious deal on social media or received a phishing email about a package you didn’t order, you’re far from alone. The problem is widespread, and it tends to spike around major shopping seasons. The good news is that most scams follow recognizable patterns, and you can avoid them with a few straightforward habits. ...
Title: Online Shopping Scams Are on the Rise — Here’s How to Protect Yourself Intro In late June 2026, Hong Kong police arrested 78 suspects in connection with a series of online shopping scams that defrauded victims out of about HK$5 million (roughly US$640,000). The operation was the latest in a string of crackdowns by Hong Kong authorities, who arrested 114 people in a separate case in 2024 involving losses of HK$73 million. These numbers are not just a local problem—they reflect a global surge in shopping fraud that shows no signs of slowing. ...
Online Shopping Scams: Lessons from a $5 Million Hong Kong Bust and How to Protect Yourself Recent news from Hong Kong offers a stark reminder that online shopping scams are not just minor annoyances—they are organized, well-funded operations. In late June 2026, Hong Kong police arrested 78 suspects linked to a series of online shopping scams totaling roughly HK$5 million (about US$640,000). The ring allegedly used fake websites, impersonated legitimate sellers, and deployed phishing tactics to trick shoppers out of their money. While the bust happened in Asia, the same techniques are used worldwide, including in the United States and Europe. ...
How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam: Tips to Keep Your Money Safe Recent police raids in Hong Kong shut down a major online shopping scam ring, but the tactics used are far from unique. Whether you’re buying on a marketplace, a social media ad, or a new website, the warning signs are often the same. Here’s what happened and what you can do to protect yourself. ...
78 Arrested in HK$5 Million Online Shopping Scam Ring: What Consumers Should Know A large-scale crackdown in Hong Kong has put a spotlight on the persistent threat of online shopping fraud. Police arrested 78 people in connection with a series of scams that netted roughly HK$5 million (about US$640,000). The case is a reminder that fake listings, phishing messages, and pressure tactics are alive and well—and not just in one region. ...
How to Spot Amazon Prime Day Scams: BBB’s Warning and What to Watch For If you’re planning to shop Amazon Prime Day this year, you’re not alone—and neither are the scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a reminder that the surge in online deals during major sales events also brings a surge in fraudulent activity. Phony websites, fake customer service calls, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true offers on social media are among the tactics consumers should expect. ...
How to Outsmart Amazon Prime Day Scams: BBB Warning and Safety Tips Amazon Prime Day is a magnet for bargain hunters—and for scammers. With the event launching alongside other major sales in 2026, the Better Business Bureau has issued a fresh warning about the rise in fraudulent offers, phishing emails, and fake sellers. Here’s what you need to know to keep your money and data safe. ...
Prime Day Scams Are Real: 9 Tips to Shop Safely and Save Money Every year, Prime Day brings steep discounts on everything from electronics to household goods. It also brings a predictable surge in phishing emails, fake storefronts, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true offers designed to separate you from your money or personal information. If you plan to shop during the event, it pays to know what you’re up against. ...