1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here's How to Stay Safe

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Stay Safe If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true ad, entered your card info on a lookalike site, or paid a “seller” via a payment app for something that never arrived, you’re not alone. New research from the Pew Research Center shows that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one in three online shoppers who have lost money, had their identity stolen, or dealt with a fraudulent transaction. ...

June 4, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Online Shopping Scams Hit 1 in 3 Americans – Here’s How to Avoid Them

Online Shopping Scams Hit 1 in 3 Americans – Here’s How to Avoid Them If you’ve ever clicked “buy now” on a deal that seemed too good, only to receive nothing or a cheap counterfeit, you’re not alone. A new report from the Pew Research Center found that about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s millions of people, and the numbers are likely underreported because many victims never realize they were scammed until it’s too late. ...

May 20, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Protect Yourself New Pew Research Center data shows the problem is widespread. Knowing what to look for can save you money and frustration. ...

May 16, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Don't Get Scammed: How to Shop Safely Online This Year

Don’t Get Scammed: How to Shop Safely Online This Year Online shopping has never been more convenient, but that convenience comes with risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and during peak shopping seasons—like holidays, back-to-school, or major sales events—the number of fraudulent offers spikes. Recent alerts from the VA, the Federal Trade Commission, and the FDIC confirm that phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true deals are still among the top threats. Here’s a practical, up-to-date guide to recognizing and avoiding these scams, whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or just getting started. ...

May 15, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams: 1 in 3 Americans Are Victims

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. ...

May 15, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid Being Next

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid Being Next Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. A new study from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, puts a number on that risk: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s not a small fringe problem—it’s a widespread issue affecting millions of consumers. ...

May 15, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites and Avoid Being Scammed

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites Before They Empty Your Wallet Prom season is a high-stakes time for parents and teens alike. Between the dress, the tickets, the dinner, and the photos, costs add up fast. That’s why a website offering a designer gown for 70% off can look like a lifesaver. Unfortunately, it may be the opposite. ...

May 13, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot a Fake Prom Dress Website: BBB Warning for Shoppers

How to Spot a Fake Prom Dress Website: BBB Warning for Shoppers Prom season is ramping up, and with it comes a predictable spike in scam websites pretending to sell formal dresses. The Better Business Bureau recently issued an alert for Hudson Valley shoppers, but the problem isn’t limited to that region. Fake prom dress sites appear every spring across the country, often using stolen images and offering prices that don’t match reality. Here’s what to look for so you don’t lose money—or your personal information. ...

May 13, 2026 · 3 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites: BBB Shares Red Flags

How to Spot Fake Prom Dress Websites: BBB Shares Red Flags Prom season is a busy time for high school students and their families, with dress shopping often near the top of the to-do list. But scammers are paying attention, too. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently warned shoppers in the Hudson Valley about fake prom dress websites, and the advice applies well beyond that region. ...

May 13, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Prom Dress Season Brings Fake Websites: How to Spot and Avoid Online Dress Scams

Prom Dress Season Brings Fake Websites: How to Spot and Avoid Online Dress Scams With prom season underway, families and teens are searching online for the perfect dress. But alongside legitimate retailers, scammers are setting up websites that look real but exist only to take your money. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert for shoppers in the Hudson Valley region, warning of fake prom dress websites that have stolen images, unrealistically low prices, and no intention of delivering anything. ...

May 13, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk