Fraud Prevention

Holiday Shopping Scams Are Surging: How to Protect Your Wallet This Season The holiday shopping season is when scammers work the hardest. According to new data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 — a sharp jump from the $10 billion reported in 2023. Online shopping scams accounted for a large share of those losses, and the agency expects the trend to continue this year. ...

A Third of Us Have Been Scammed Online Shopping — Here’s What to Watch For If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a deal that turned out too good to be true, you’re far from alone. According to a new report from Pew Research Center, roughly one in three Americans say they’ve experienced an online shopping scam. That figure covers everything from a fraudulent website to a phishing email that looked like a legitimate store. ...

Holiday Shopping Scams Are on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself The holiday shopping rush is a prime time for scammers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 — a steep increase over previous years. Fake online stores, phishing emails disguised as shipping notifications, and too-good-to-be-true deals on social media cost people real money. The good news is that most of these scams follow predictable patterns. Knowing what to look for can save you both cash and personal information. ...

How to Avoid an Online Shopping Scam This Holiday Season – Advice from the FTC The holiday shopping season is a busy time for both buyers and scammers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 alone – a sharp increase from $10 billion the year before. Online shopping scams were among the top categories, and the tactics scammers use are becoming harder to spot. This guide is based on FTC consumer advice and recent fraud data, and it will help you recognize warning signs, protect your money, and know what to do if you’ve been targeted. ...

How to Shop Online Without Getting Scammed This Holiday Season The holiday shopping season brings a flood of deals—and, unfortunately, a flood of scams. As more people buy gifts online, fraudsters sharpen their tactics. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reported losses to fraud reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a sharp increase from previous years. Imposter scams and online shopping scams were among the most common complaints. Being alert can save you money and frustration. ...

Don’t Get Tricked This Shopping Season: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe Intro Shopping online is convenient, but it also opens the door to scammers who set up fake stores, send phishing emails, and advertise products that never arrive. Government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly warn consumers to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. The advice applies to everyone, not just veterans. This article walks through what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to protect your money and personal data. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams (and Stay Safe When Buying Online) Online shopping scams affect millions of consumers each year, and the risks tend to rise during peak shopping periods like the holidays. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent ads can cost you money and expose your personal data. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have issued repeated warnings about these threats. While the advice often targets benefit recipients, the same principles apply to anyone shopping online. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Your Money (With Special Tips for Veterans) Introduction Online shopping has become a daily part of life for most of us, but scammers are constantly refining their tactics to take advantage of that convenience. For veterans and their families, the stakes are even higher because fraudsters often target those who receive benefits. This article cuts through the noise and gives you concrete warning signs, verification steps, and reporting procedures to help you shop safely. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most of us. It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than going to a physical store. But that convenience also attracts scammers. Each year, fraudsters invent new ways to trick shoppers into handing over money, credit card numbers, and personal information. Government sources like the VA News (.gov) regularly issue alerts about these threats, especially during peak shopping periods. Whether you’re a veteran or not, the advice applies to everyone. This article walks through the most common online shopping scams and the practical steps you can take to avoid them. ...

Social Media Scams Are Costing Americans Billions: How to Protect Yourself in 2026 Introduction If you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other social platform, you’ve probably seen ads for unbelievable deals, messages from strangers who seem too friendly, or posts promising easy money. Many of these are scams — and they’re costing Americans billions every year. ...