Identity Theft

One in Three Americans Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or landed on a website that looked legitimate but turned out to be fake, you’re not alone. New data from the Pew Research Center shows that about a third of Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That statistic is a useful reminder that these scams are not rare exceptions—they are a regular risk for anyone who shops online. ...

AI Hype Is Everywhere – Here’s How to Spot It and Protect Your Privacy Every few months, a new “AI-powered” product promises to transform your life – a smarter assistant, a faster way to edit photos, a tool that predicts everything from your health to your next purchase. The claims can be impressive, but many are built on more vapor than fact. When companies rush to slap “AI” on a feature, the real costs often land on you: your personal data, your wallet, and your ability to make informed choices. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has been pushing back against this trend, urging consumers and policymakers to cut through the hype. Here’s how you can do the same. ...

Online shopping scams to watch and simple ways to avoid them Nearly one in three U.S. adults have experienced an online shopping scam, according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey. That figure—about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them—underscores just how common these schemes have become. Whether it’s a too-good-to-be-true deal on social media, a phishing email pretending to be a retailer, or a fake website that looks exactly like a trusted brand, the risk is real. ...

One in Three Americans Have Experienced an Online Shopping Scam: What You Need to Know According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. The figure comes from a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults and underscores how common these frauds have become. Whether you shop on Amazon, social media, or independent websites, the odds are good that you or someone you know has encountered a scam. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips for Staying Safe Online shopping has become part of everyday life, but it also attracts scammers who try to steal your money or personal information. Recent warnings from government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, remind us that these scams are persistent and evolving. This article outlines common tricks used by fraudsters and offers concrete steps to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Shop Safely Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. A recent article from VA News (.gov) warns consumers to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping — advice that applies to everyone, not just veterans. Scams are not seasonal; they pop up year-round, often mimicking legitimate retailers or offering deals that seem too good to pass up. ...

How to Stay Safe from Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door to scammers who try to take advantage of shoppers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently issued a warning about the growing threat of online shopping scams, and their advice is worth heeding whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or anyone who buys goods online. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams Online shopping has become a normal part of daily life for millions of people. But the convenience comes with real risks. According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, reports of online shopping fraud have risen sharply in recent years, and government agencies continue to issue alerts about scams targeting consumers. A recent article from VA News (.gov) reminds shoppers to be vigilant, especially when deals seem too good to be true. This guide walks through what you need to know to protect yourself. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are on the Rise: How to Spot and Stop Them If you shop online regularly, you’ve probably noticed more emails, texts, and social media ads pushing deals that seem almost too good to pass up. Unfortunately, many of those are scams designed to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies have been issuing warnings about these threats for years, and the alerts keep coming. In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published an article specifically telling people to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. It’s a reminder that everyone—especially those who use VA benefits or other government services—needs to stay cautious. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. The Department of Veterans Affairs has published several alerts and guides on this topic, warning that fake websites, phishing emails, and even QR code scams are on the rise. Whether you are a veteran using VA benefits or anyone shopping online, knowing how to recognize these threats can save you time, money, and stress. ...