Fraud Prevention

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Steal Your Money Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but the convenience comes with a growing risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued repeated warnings. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or someone who only shops occasionally, understanding the common signs of a scam can save you money and stress. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips from VA and Other Experts Online shopping has become routine for most of us. But scammers are just as routine. Every year, fraudsters refine their tactics to steal money and personal information from shoppers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published several reminders on this topic, as have the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and other government agencies. Their advice is straightforward and worth revisiting—especially since many scams succeed simply because people are not aware of the latest tricks. ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Your Wallet A new report from the Pew Research Center confirms what many of us have likely suspected: online shopping scams are remarkably common. According to the study published November 19, 2025, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 85 million people — and younger adults (18–29) are especially likely to report being targeted. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: A Practical Guide to Safe Buying Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies have been issuing warnings as fraudsters keep refining their tactics. In January 2026, VA News published a reminder to “watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” echoing earlier alerts from the FDIC and news outlets about fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals. ...

How to Shop Online Without Getting Scammed: A Practical Guide Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. According to a January 2026 article from VA News, fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals are becoming more common year-round. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and USA Today have also reported on fake bank schemes and text-message scams targeting consumers. This guide explains what is happening, why you should care, and what you can do 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. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe Online shopping scams are not new, but they become more frequent and sophisticated during seasonal sales and holidays. Government agencies, including the VA News and the FDIC, have issued repeated warnings in recent years. In January 2026, VA News published an alert titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” reinforcing a message that remains relevant year-round. Consumers lose billions of dollars annually to fraudulent websites, phishing offers, and payment scams. Understanding the common tactics and knowing how to verify a seller can make the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Shopping Online – How to Protect Yourself If you shop online, the odds that you’ve run into a scam are higher than you might think. According to a July 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number climbs among younger adults—those aged 18 to 29 report even higher exposure, likely because they spend more time on social media platforms where fraudulent listings and fake storefronts are common. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips from the VA Online shopping offers convenience, but it also gives scammers a steady stream of opportunities. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals pop up constantly, and even careful shoppers can be caught off guard. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently published guidance on this topic, and their advice is worth reviewing whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or just someone who buys things online. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Red Flags and Safety Tips Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who try to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), regularly issue warnings about these threats. This article compiles their advice into a practical guide for anyone who shops online, especially those who may be less familiar with digital safety practices. ...