Government Advice

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe Introduction Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most Americans, but it also comes with risks. According to a recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scammers increasingly target shoppers through fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads that mimic legitimate retailers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, released in May 2025, shows that shopping-related fraud continues to rise, with losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Whether you’re buying holiday gifts, everyday essentials, or services as a military family using VA benefits, understanding how these scams work is the first line of defense. ...

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. ...