Online Shopping Scams

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: A Guide for Consumers Winter and holiday shopping season brings a surge in online deals — and unfortunately, a surge in scams. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently issued a warning urging veterans and all consumers to stay alert while shopping online. Whether you’re buying gifts, household essentials, or taking advantage of seasonal sales, knowing how to recognize fraudulent offers can save you money and protect your personal information. ...

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. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam — How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal on social media, only to receive nothing or a counterfeit product, you’re far from alone. According to a new survey 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 — a figure that underscores just how widespread fraud has become in the digital marketplace. ...

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. ...

Scam ads are getting harder to spot—here’s what to watch for You’ve probably seen them: a social media ad for a designer handbag at 80% off, or a celebrity “endorsing” a supplement they never mentioned. These aren’t just annoying—they’re part of a growing wave of scam ads that cost consumers money and erode trust in legitimate brands. ...

Title: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe While Buying Online What’s behind the rise in online shopping scams Online shopping scams have become more common and more convincing. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs recently issued warnings about new tactics—such as fake websites mimicking official portals like ID.me or the Claim Assist Portal, and phishing messages that use QR codes to steal payment information. Scammers are targeting veterans, older adults, and anyone who regularly buys goods or services online. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a “deal” on social media only to get nothing in return, you’re far from alone. According to a November 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults (32%) say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That figure is a reminder that fraud isn’t a fringe problem—it’s something a large share of shoppers have dealt with firsthand. ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Avoid Being Next If you buy things online, you’re not alone in worrying about scams. New data from the Pew Research Center shows that roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s around 33% of Americans — a figure that should make anyone pause before clicking “Buy.” ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Shop Safely Introduction A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That number might surprise you, but if you’ve ever clicked a suspicious deal on social media or received a phishing email about a package you didn’t order, you’re far from alone. The problem is widespread, and it tends to spike around major shopping seasons. The good news is that most scams follow recognizable patterns, and you can avoid them with a few straightforward habits. ...