Identity Theft

Over 30% of Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid It Intro If you shop online, you’re not alone in worrying about scams. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three U.S. adults has personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s 32% of respondents, a figure that underscores just how common fraudulent schemes have become in the e-commerce landscape. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping scams have become more common and more convincing. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent payment requests appear regularly. A January 2026 article from VA News warns veterans and the general public to stay alert, especially after holiday spikes, but scams happen year-round. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has also highlighted fake bank scams that target shoppers. This guide covers what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to stay safe. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid It What happened A new report from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, found that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. The survey, part of Pew’s ongoing work on digital fraud, asked adults about various kinds of online scams. Shopping scams—where someone pays for goods that never arrive or are not as advertised—were among the most common. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them Online shopping scams remain one of the most persistent threats for consumers. Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies—including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—regularly issue alerts about new variations of these frauds. Whether you are a frequent online shopper or only buy occasionally during sale periods, understanding how these scams work and what to watch for can save you money and protect your personal information. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online – What to Watch For If you’ve ever clicked a tempting ad for a deal that seemed too good to be true—and later realized the item never arrived or the website was fake—you’re far from alone. According to a recent Pew Research Center report, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one out of every three adults who regularly shop online. ...

How to Outsmart Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe Online shopping scams are on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, and shopping scams are a major piece of that. These days, phony websites, phishing emails, and fake social media ads are craftier than ever—AI-generated content makes them harder to spot. But you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Here’s what you should know. ...

Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe and Spot Fake Deals Online shopping is convenient, but it also comes with risks. Every year, scammers set up fake websites, send phishing emails, and place fraudulent ads on social media to trick consumers out of their money and personal information. Recent alerts from government sources like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission remind us that these threats are not going away. This article explains the most common online shopping scams and offers practical steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

Online Shopping Scams Hit a Third of Americans: How to Protect Yourself The holidays are prime time for hunting bargains online. But new data from the Pew Research Center should give any shopper pause: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. With more people turning to social media, payment apps, and unfamiliar sellers for deals, the risk isn’t going away. Here’s what’s happening and how to shop smarter. ...

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams: 1 in 3 Americans Are Victims Intro One in three Americans has experienced an online shopping scam, according to a November 2025 study from the Pew Research Center. The risk is especially high as holiday shopping ramps up, but the patterns are consistent year-round. Most scams follow a few recognizable templates, and knowing them can save you money and frustration. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Your Money Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than going to a store. Unfortunately, scammers have also learned to exploit this convenience. In recent months, government agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs have warned consumers about a rise in online shopping fraud. The message is simple but important: know how to spot the tricks, and you can keep your money and personal information safe. ...