Online Shopping Scams

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself This Season If you shop online, you are not alone in worrying about getting cheated. According to a November 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number jumps during the holiday season, when fake deals and fraudulent storefronts multiply. The good news is that most of these scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can avoid them. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Practical Advice from Government Experts Online shopping scams aren’t going away, and they’re getting harder to spot. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals cost consumers millions each year. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, regularly issue warnings about these threats. This guide brings together their advice to help you shop more safely. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online: How to Protect Yourself 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 new Pew Research Center survey from November 2025, about a third of Americans say they’ve experienced an online shopping scam. With the holiday shopping season ramping up, the risk of running into a fraudulent seller or too-good-to-be-true offer is higher than usual. Here’s what the data shows and how to shop smarter. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Still Common: What to Watch For Every year, millions of Americans shop online for everything from groceries to gifts. The convenience is real, but so are the risks. Scammers have become skilled at impersonating legitimate stores, payment portals, and even government agencies. Recent warnings from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) remind us that these threats aren’t going away. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper or just browsing occasionally, knowing how to spot a scam is the best way to protect your money and personal data. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Steal Your Money Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but the convenience comes with a growing risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued repeated warnings. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or someone who only shops occasionally, understanding the common signs of a scam can save you money and stress. ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Your Wallet A new report from the Pew Research Center confirms what many of us have likely suspected: online shopping scams are remarkably common. According to the study published November 19, 2025, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 85 million people — and younger adults (18–29) are especially likely to report being targeted. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: A Practical Guide to Safe Buying Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies have been issuing warnings as fraudsters keep refining their tactics. In January 2026, VA News published a reminder to “watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” echoing earlier alerts from the FDIC and news outlets about fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals. ...

How to Shop Online Without Getting Scammed: A Practical Guide Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. According to a January 2026 article from VA News, fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals are becoming more common year-round. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and USA Today have also reported on fake bank schemes and text-message scams targeting consumers. This guide explains what is happening, why you should care, and what you can do to protect yourself. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Protect Yourself New Pew Research Center data shows the problem is widespread. Knowing what to look for can save you money and frustration. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe Online shopping scams are not new, but they become more frequent and sophisticated during seasonal sales and holidays. Government agencies, including the VA News and the FDIC, have issued repeated warnings in recent years. In January 2026, VA News published an alert titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” reinforcing a message that remains relevant year-round. Consumers lose billions of dollars annually to fraudulent websites, phishing offers, and payment scams. Understanding the common tactics and knowing how to verify a seller can make the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. ...