Identity Theft

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Tips from Government Sources Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who constantly invent new ways to steal money and personal data. Government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Federal Trade Commission regularly issue alerts about recent scams. Understanding what these scams look like and how to react can save you from financial loss and identity theft. ...

One in Three Americans Have Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid It If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a “deal” that turned out to be fake, you’re far from alone. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That figure is striking—and it underscores just how common these schemes have become. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Dodge the Next One If you’ve ever clicked “buy” on a deal that seemed too good to be true only to receive nothing—or a fake product—you’re far from alone. A new survey from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s about 33% of the adult population. And as holiday shopping ramps up, the numbers are worth paying attention to. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are More Common Than You Think — How to Spot and Avoid Them The numbers are sobering: about a third of Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam, according to a November 2025 Pew Research Center study. If you have not yet encountered one, the odds suggest you probably will – especially as holiday shopping moves online and fraudsters sharpen their tactics. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Advice from VA News and Government Sources Online shopping has never been more convenient, but it has also become a prime hunting ground for scammers. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics—fake websites, phishing emails, social media ads that lead nowhere good, and too-good-to-be-true deals that vanish once you pay. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, through its VA News service, regularly publishes guidance on staying safe while shopping online. Their advice is grounded in real-world scam patterns and applies to any consumer, not just veterans. This article distills those recommendations and adds context from other federal sources such as the FDIC. ...

How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam (and Keep Your Money Safe) Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. Government agencies, including the VA News and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), have issued alerts in recent months about rising threats ranging from fake websites to fraudulent banks. While the basics of scam avoidance haven’t changed much, scammers are refining their tactics. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe — Practical Tips Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. Phishing emails, fake stores, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true deals are common year‑round. Government agencies such as the VA, FDIC, and Federal Trade Commission regularly issue warnings about these threats. This article compiles practical advice from those sources to help you recognize scams and protect yourself. ...

How to Watch Out for Scams and Stay Safe While Online Shopping Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most people. But as e‑commerce grows, so do the number of scams designed to separate you from your money or steal your personal information. Recent alerts from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA News) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) highlight the need for shoppers to stay alert year‑round, not just during the holidays. ...

AI Is Fueling a New Wave of Banking and Privacy Threats — Here’s How to Stay Safe If you’ve been following technology news lately, you’ve probably come across the Kiplinger piece on how AI could upend everything from banking to online privacy. That headline isn’t scaremongering — it reflects a real shift in how criminals operate. As AI tools become more accessible and powerful, the scams targeting your bank account and your personal data are getting harder to spot. This article walks through what’s changed, why it matters for you, and the concrete steps you can take to stay ahead. ...

How AI Puts Your Banking and Privacy at Risk—and What to Do Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for productivity or entertainment. It is also being used to commit fraud, steal identities, and bypass security systems that most consumers rely on. A recent report by Kiplinger warns that AI could derail everything from banking to online privacy, putting everyday people at risk. This article explains what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do to protect your money and personal information. ...