Fraud Prevention

Don’t Get Tricked: Essential Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams Online shopping is convenient, but it also gives scammers a steady stream of opportunities. According to recent reports from the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost billions of dollars to online shopping fraud in recent years. The problem is persistent enough that government agencies—including the VA—have issued repeated warnings. The good news: most scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can shop with far less risk. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from VA Online shopping is a convenience most of us rely on, but it also opens the door to scammers. Veterans and military families are often targeted because fraudsters assume they have steady benefits or may be less familiar with digital threats. VA News has published multiple guides on this topic, including a recent article that outlines exactly how to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. The advice is straightforward and worth reviewing before your next purchase. ...

How to avoid online shopping scams: Practical tips to shop safely Online shopping has become part of daily life for most people, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal money and personal information. Government sources like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issue reminders about staying safe while shopping online. The advice applies to anyone, not just veterans. This article covers the most common types of online shopping scams, why they continue to work, and what you can do to protect yourself. ...

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online – Here’s What to Watch For A new survey from the Pew Research Center puts a number on something many of us have suspected: online shopping scams are alarmingly common. According to the study, published November 19, 2025, about 32% of U.S. adults – roughly one in three – say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. With the holiday shopping season upon us, that figure is likely to climb. Here’s what the data shows and how you can avoid becoming a statistic. ...

Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Shop Safely and Protect Your Money Online shopping is convenient, but it also draws scammers. Each year, thousands of consumers lose money to fake websites, phishing emails, and deals that seem too good to be true. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), regularly publish guidance to help shoppers stay safe. While some of those articles focus on veterans, the advice applies to anyone buying goods online. ...

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. ...

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. ...