Identity Theft

Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams – and How to Shop Safely Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick shoppers out of their money and personal information. Recent warnings from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) remind us that these threats are real—especially for veterans and others who receive government benefits. With the holiday season approaching and deals appearing year-round, it pays to know what to look for. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot and Avoid Them In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a straightforward reminder: scammers are actively targeting online shoppers, and the risks don’t disappear after the holidays. The VA News alert, titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” highlights a reality that applies to everyone, not just veterans. Fraudsters continuously refine their tactics, and even cautious buyers can get caught off guard. ...

New Pew Data Reveals How Common Online Shopping Scams Are — and How to Avoid Them If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal, only to realize later that the site was fake or the product never arrived, you’re far from alone. A new study from the Pew Research Center found that about one in three American adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, scammers are stepping up their efforts. Here’s what the data tells us and, more importantly, how you can protect your money. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Practical Tips to Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping is fast and convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your payment details, personal information, or even your identity. Reports from VA News (.gov) repeatedly warn consumers about schemes targeting everyone, especially veterans and older adults. Knowing the common tactics and taking a few simple precautions can make a real difference. ...

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. ...

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. ...

Five Things You Should Never Tell an AI Chatbot – For Your Own Financial Safety Intro AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot have become everyday tools for answering questions, drafting emails, and even brainstorming ideas. But as these tools integrate deeper into our lives, a Washington Post column this week warned users about a less discussed risk: the sensitive personal data you might inadvertently hand over. According to the column and supporting research, sharing certain types of information with a chatbot can put your money and identity at risk. Here’s what to keep out of the chat window. ...

Don’t tell your AI chatbot these 5 things if you want to keep your money safe Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude have become go‑to tools for quick answers—including financial questions. But treating them like a private financial advisor can backfire. A Washington Post column recently highlighted specific types of information you should never share with an AI chatbot. Here’s what to avoid and why. ...

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. ...