Online Shopping Scams

Think You’re Safe Shopping Online? New Pew Data Says 1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed If you’ve ever clicked “Buy Now” on a social media ad or sent money via Venmo for a secondhand item, you’re not alone—but you’re also part of a worrying trend. According to a new Pew Research Center report published in November 2025, about one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number is a sharp reminder that fraud is no longer a fringe problem; it’s hitting millions of ordinary shoppers. This article walks through what the data tells us, why certain platforms and habits increase your risk, and how you can shop smarter without giving up convenience. ...

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. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid Being Next Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. A new study from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, puts a number on that risk: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s not a small fringe problem—it’s a widespread issue affecting millions of consumers. ...

Watch Out for Online Shopping Scams: How to Stay Safe and Shop Smart Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but it also attracts scammers who set up fake stores, send phishing emails, or advertise deals that never arrive. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs have issued repeated warnings about the growing sophistication of these schemes. While the advice may sound familiar, scammers constantly update their tactics—especially with AI-generated product listings and convincing copycat websites. This guide covers the most common scams, red flags to watch for, and what to do if you fall victim. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips Scams involving online shopping have become more sophisticated in recent years, and they now target a wider range of consumers than ever before. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published a warning in January 2026 urging shoppers to stay alert, and the Federal Trade Commission regularly updates its advice on identifying fraudulent sellers and phishing attempts. Whether you are buying electronics, clothing, or everyday necessities, understanding the common patterns of these scams can help you avoid losing money—or having your personal information stolen. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are on the Rise — Here’s How to Stay Safe Shopping online is convenient, but it also opens the door to scammers. In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a reminder for veterans and their families to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. Around the same time, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation warned about fraudsters posing as banks. These government alerts underscore a simple reality: online shopping scams are becoming more common and more sophisticated. ...

Stay Safe While Shopping Online: Practical Tips from Government Agencies Online shopping has become a routine part of life for many people. It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than going to a store. But that same convenience attracts scammers. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent ads can cost you money—and sometimes your personal information. ...

Holiday Shopping Scams: 5 Ways to Spot and Avoid Them This Year If you are shopping online this holiday season, you are also shopping for fraudsters. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a significant jump from the $10 billion reported in 2023. Online shopping scams consistently rank among the top complaint categories, and during the holiday rush—when people are busy, distracted, and looking for deals—scammers increase their efforts. ...

Holiday shopping scams are booming — here’s how to protect your wallet Online shopping has made holiday gift-buying convenient, but it’s also become a feeding ground for scammers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 — a record high. And the holiday season, with its flood of deals and stretched shoppers, is prime time for schemes ranging from fake websites to phishing emails that look like delivery notifications. This article walks through the most common holiday shopping scams and gives concrete steps to avoid them, based on FTC warnings and consumer protection advice. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA and FDIC Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who are constantly refining their tactics. Reports of fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and fake customer support channels remain high. Both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued alerts in the past year warning consumers to stay vigilant. This article distills their guidance into actionable steps you can use right now. ...