Fraud Prevention

Microsoft reports 8.3 billion email phishing threats in Q1 2026: What you need to know Microsoft’s latest email threat report for the first quarter of 2026 paints a stark picture: attackers are sending more phishing emails than ever, and they’re using AI and QR codes to slip past traditional filters. The company detected 8.3 billion phishing attempts in Q1 2026 alone — a figure that’s hard to wrap your head around, but one that directly affects anyone who uses email for work or personal life. ...

Online Shopping Scams Affect 1 in 3 Americans — Here’s How to Avoid Them Buying things online is convenient, but it comes with risks that are easy to overlook. A November 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center found that about 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam. The number is a reminder that fraudulent sellers, phishing emails, and fake deals are not rare events. With major shopping occasions like Mother’s Day and Black Friday approaching, the risk typically increases as scammers try to take advantage of people looking for gifts or bargains. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Online Shopping: Here’s How to Protect Yourself A new report from the Pew Research Center, released in November 2025, confirms what many have suspected: online shopping scams are disturbingly common. Roughly one in three American adults say they have fallen victim to at least one online shopping scam. With holiday shopping already underway, this data is a timely reminder to slow down and check before you click. ...

1 in 3 Americans Were Scammed Online—Here’s How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever clicked a tempting ad on social media or received an email about a deal that seemed too good to be true, you’re not alone. A new Pew Research Center survey, conducted in July 2025 and published this November, found that about one in three U.S. adults say they’ve experienced an online shopping scam. With holiday shopping ramping up, that number could rise. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and practical steps you can take to avoid joining that statistic. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Shop Safely Every year, scammers refine their tactics to separate shoppers from their money. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issues warnings to its community about these threats—advice that applies to anyone buying goods online. Whether you’re hunting for holiday deals or just restocking everyday items, understanding how fraudsters operate can save you time, money, and stress. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Stay Safe. The convenience of buying almost anything online comes with a persistent risk: scams. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission, regularly issue warnings about fraudsters targeting shoppers. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or just starting out, knowing the warning signs can save you money and frustration. This guide pulls together official advice on how to recognize common scams, protect your personal information, and respond if something goes wrong. ...

1 in 3 Americans Say They’ve Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Stay Safe A new Pew Research Center survey published in November 2025 found that roughly one in three Americans report having experienced an online shopping scam. That means if you shop online, there’s a good chance either you or someone you know has been hit. With Mother’s Day, Black Friday, and the broader holiday season on the calendar, scammers are especially active right now. Here’s what the data says and what you can do about it. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Spot One If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal that turned out to be fake, you’re not alone. A new study from the Pew Research Center, released in November 2025, found that about one in three U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a staggering number, and it comes at a time when holiday shopping peaks and scam attempts surge. ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams, Pew Finds – How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal and ended up with nothing but an empty bank account, you’re not alone. According to a new Pew Research Center survey published in November 2025, about one in three U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 33% of American shoppers—a number that warrants attention whether you shop every week or only during the holiday rush. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams Targeting Veterans Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who know that veterans and military families are often targeted for benefit fraud and identity theft. The Department of Veterans Affairs has published several alerts over the past year warning about fake websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods that impersonate the VA or promise discounts to veterans. The risk is highest around holidays and benefit payment dates, but the same tactics are used year-round. ...