How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from Government Agencies Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies such as the VA and the FDIC regularly issue alerts to help consumers recognize the warning signs. This article distills their guidance into practical steps you can take right now. ...
How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Official Tips from Government Agencies Online shopping scams are not new, but they keep evolving. Fake websites, phishing emails, and bogus banks appear regularly, targeting anyone who shops or manages money online. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have published recent guidance to help consumers recognize these threats and protect themselves. Below is a practical summary of what they advise, drawn directly from official sources. ...
Mother’s Day Shoppers Beware: Common Scams and How to Avoid Them Mother’s Day is just a few days away, and many people are still shopping for gifts. Unfortunately, scammers know this too. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a consumer alert warning that con artists are actively targeting Mother’s Day shoppers with fake websites, phishing emails, and gift card fraud. If you’re finishing up your gift buying online, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to verify who you’re dealing with. ...
Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Mother’s Day: How to Shop Safely Online This Year Mother’s Day 2026 is expected to see record spending, according to the National Retail Federation. That means more shoppers hunting for deals on flowers, jewelry, electronics, and experiences. Unfortunately, it also means more scammers hunting for victims. Fraudsters know that shoppers are busier and more distracted during holiday periods, and they adjust their tactics accordingly. This year, you don’t have to be one of their targets. ...
1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online. Here’s How to Avoid It. Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget how quickly a good deal can turn into a loss. 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. That’s not a fringe problem—it’s a widespread threat that touches people across age groups, income levels, and shopping platforms. ...
1 in 3 Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: How to Avoid Being Next Not long ago, a friend of mine found what seemed like a fantastic deal on a popular brand of winter boots — half the usual price, on a site that looked almost identical to the official store. She entered her credit card details, got a confirmation email, and then … nothing. The boots never arrived, the site vanished, and the email bounced. She’d been scammed, and she wasn’t alone. ...
How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams Online shopping is a routine part of modern life. The convenience of ordering with a few clicks, however, also attracts fraudsters who constantly refine their tactics. Official guidance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA News) regularly highlights the risks and offers practical advice that applies to anyone shopping online. This article covers the most common scams, why they matter, and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...
How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe Online shopping offers convenience, but it also draws fraudsters looking to separate you from your money. Every year, especially during major sales events, reports of fake websites, phishing emails, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true deals surge. Government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issue alerts to help consumers protect themselves. While these notices often target veterans, the advice applies to anyone who shops online. Below, we break down what’s happening, why it matters, and—most importantly—what you can do to avoid becoming a victim. ...
How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Advice With online shopping now a daily habit for millions of people, scammers have become more aggressive and creative. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have issued repeated warnings about the growing threat. A recent VA News article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” reminds consumers that fraud doesn’t take a holiday—and that taking a few minutes to verify a deal can save you from losing money or having your identity stolen. ...
Staying Safe While Shopping Online: Practical Tips to Avoid Scams Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take your money or personal information. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scams targeting shoppers—especially veterans and their families—are becoming more sophisticated. The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few simple habits can make a big difference. ...