Online Shopping Scams

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe This Season Online shopping offers convenience and often better deals than brick-and-mortar stores. But that same convenience attracts scammers, especially during peak shopping seasons. Government sources like VA News have published multiple alerts in recent years warning consumers about evolving fraud tactics. Whether you are a seasoned online buyer or just starting, understanding how to recognize and avoid these scams can save you time, money, and stress. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere—Here’s How to Stay Safe The convenience of buying almost anything with a click has a downside: scammers have gotten very good at setting up fake storefronts, sending phishing emails, and luring shoppers into handing over payment details or personal information. Official guidance from .gov sources—including a recent VA News article and the Federal Trade Commission—offers practical steps to recognize and avoid these threats. Whether you’re a veteran, a caregiver, or just someone trying to get a good deal, knowing what to look for before you hit “buy” can save you money and headaches. ...

1 in 3 Americans has been scammed while shopping online. Here’s how to protect yourself. If you’ve ever clicked “buy” on a deal that seemed a little too good, only to receive nothing or a cheap counterfeit, you’re far from alone. According to a 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. With the holiday buying season fast approaching, that number is worth keeping in mind. ...

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Stay Safe If you shop online, the odds are uncomfortably high that you’ve already been targeted. According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about one in three U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That statistic alone should give anyone pause, but the real concern is that these scams are becoming more common and more convincing. ...

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online – How to Protect Yourself A new report from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, found that about a third of American adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. The statistic is a reminder that fraudulent purchases, fake websites, and phishing attempts are not rare events — they are part of the normal landscape of e-commerce today. Whether you shop on Amazon, Instagram, eBay, or a small boutique website, the risk exists. Knowing what these scams look like and how to avoid them can save you money and frustration. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe: A Practical Guide Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued several warnings about scams that target shoppers, particularly veterans and their families. With seasonal sales and year-round deals, knowing how to identify a fake offer can save you time, money, and identity headaches. ...

Online shopping scams are getting smarter — here’s how to protect yourself Every time you type your credit card number into a shopping site or click a link in a “deal alert” email, you’re making a bet that the person on the other end is legitimate. Most of the time, that bet works out fine. But online shopping scams are becoming more sophisticated, and even cautious shoppers can get tripped up. ...

Watch Out for Scams and Stay Safe While Online Shopping: A Practical Guide Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Each year, government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issue alerts about common tactics. Whether you’re a frequent buyer or an occasional browser, knowing what to look for can save you from financial loss and identity theft. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Online shopping is convenient, but it also gives scammers a steady stream of opportunities. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other government agencies regularly issue warnings about new fraud tactics. The message is consistent: consumers need to stay alert. Here is a practical look at what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your money and personal information safe. ...

How to spot and avoid online shopping scams: tips from VA.gov Online shopping has become part of daily life, but it has also opened the door for scammers looking to steal money and personal information. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly publishes warnings and practical advice to help veterans and their families — and really, anyone — stay safe when shopping online. The guidance from VA News covers the most common tricks fraudsters use and how to avoid them. Because scammers constantly adjust their tactics, it’s worth reviewing the basics regularly. ...