Online Shopping Scams

9 ways to spot and avoid online shopping scams this holiday season Introduction The holiday season means more shopping, more deals, and unfortunately, more scams. According to new data from the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 — a significant jump from previous years. Scammers know this is the time of year when people are busy, distracted, and hunting for bargains. The good news: most scams follow predictable patterns, and once you know them, they’re easier to avoid. ...

1 in 3 Americans Report Online Shopping Scams: Essential Safety Tips If you shop online—and most of us do—there’s a good chance you’ve encountered a scam. According to a November 2025 study from the Pew Research Center, about 33 percent of Americans say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s one in three people. The findings are a reminder that fraud is not a rare event; it’s a routine risk in digital commerce. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself A new report from the Pew Research Center has put a number on something many of us suspected: online shopping scams are startlingly common. According to the study, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 80 million adults—people who have lost money, had their personal information stolen, or received counterfeit goods after clicking “buy.” With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, when deals and deadlines push us to act fast, this statistic ought to grab anyone’s attention. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Stay Safe If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true ad, entered your card info on a lookalike site, or paid a “seller” via a payment app for something that never arrived, you’re not alone. New research from the Pew Research Center shows that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one in three online shoppers who have lost money, had their identity stolen, or dealt with a fraudulent transaction. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. The Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly warned about fraud targeting shoppers, especially during peak seasons like the holidays. Whether you’re buying gifts or everyday items, knowing the common tricks and how to protect yourself can save you money and personal data. ...

3 in 10 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever clicked “buy” on a site that looked legitimate, only to receive nothing in return, you’re far from alone. 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 roughly 33% of U.S. adults—and the number is even higher among frequent shoppers and younger adults. ...

Don’t Get Hooked: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Click Every holiday season, government agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs publish warnings about shopping scams. But the threat doesn’t disappear after December. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals appear year-round, often targeting people who may not follow tech news closely. Recent alerts from VA News (.gov) and a Fox News article about ID.me highlight how scammers are getting more sophisticated. Knowing what to look for can save you money, stress, and potential identity theft. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips for Safe Buying Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal payment details, personal information, or simply take your money and disappear. Government agencies, including the VA, regularly issue reminders to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. Their guidance applies to everyone, not just veterans. Here’s a practical breakdown of what to look for and how to protect yourself. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: A Practical Guide Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but so have the risks. Scammers constantly refine their tactics, and during peak shopping periods—holidays, sales events, or tax refund seasons—the number of fraudulent offers spikes. A recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA News) reminds shoppers to stay vigilant. This guide breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself Online shopping is convenient, but scammers are constantly looking for ways to take advantage of it. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent payment requests have become more sophisticated, making it harder for consumers to tell what’s real. A recent article from VA News (.gov) highlights the growing threat and offers guidance that applies to anyone shopping online, not just veterans. Here’s what you need to know to keep your money and personal information safe. ...